Description
Train To Be a Registered Dental Nurse
The Level 3 Diploma in Dental Nursing (RQF) is a fully accredited, GDC-regulated qualification. It takes you from a complete beginner to a registered healthcare professional in just 10 to 12 months.
On completion you can apply to join the General Dental Council (GDC) register, and work as a qualified dental nurse anywhere in the UK.
Earn While You Learn
This is a flexible "earn-while-you-learn" programme. You combine interactive online study with a mandatory paid clinical placement, mastering essential clinical competencies in a real dental practice while receiving dedicated tutor guidance throughout.
- Interactive online study, available 24/7
- Mandatory paid clinical placement — at least 16 hours per week
- Dedicated tutor guidance throughout your training
A Curriculum Built On The GDC Framework
Your training is mapped directly to the GDC Safe Practitioner Framework, covering clinical mastery and professional skills.
Clinical Practice & Procedures
Dental anatomy and physiology, oral diseases, patient assessment, and assisting with restorative dentistry, child dental health and minor oral surgery.
Health, Safety & Infection Control
Cross-infection control, decontamination, dental radiography safety regulations, and managing clinical medical emergencies.
Professionalism & Communication
Patient care management, ethical and legal responsibilities, data protection, and effective communication within a dental setting.
Ten Units. One Clear Path to Registration.
The diploma is made up of 10 units, covering 340 guided learning hours (GLH) in total.
Professional Practice and Responsibilities
GDC Standards, professional indemnity, duty of candour, raising concerns, complaints handling, and legal, regulatory and safeguarding responsibilities.
70 GLHLeadership, Management and Teamworking
Working effectively within the dental team, delegation, appraisal, Direct Access, and collaborative working.
40 GLHCommunication and Record Keeping
Effective communication, overcoming barriers, professional use of social media, and accurate, confidential record keeping.
25 GLHEquality, Diversity and Inclusion
Relevant legislation, protected characteristics, cultural competence, and treating every patient with dignity and respect.
10 GLHOral and Dental Disease
The causes, development and presentation of oral and dental disease, and the impact of general and systemic health.
75 GLHPreventive Care and Oral Health Promotion
Principles of prevention, diet and nutrition, recognising signs of oral cancer, and referral pathways.
50 GLHPopulation Health and Health Improvement
Health promotion, evidence-based prevention, and supporting healthier individual and community behaviours.
20 GLHPersonal Wellbeing and Resilience
Self-care, managing the emotional demands of clinical work, and maintaining physical and mental wellbeing.
15 GLHContinuing Professional Development (CPD)
The purpose and requirements of CPD, identifying learning needs, and planning and recording your development.
20 GLHHealth, Safety and Risk in the Clinical Environment
Identifying and managing clinical risks, including biological, chemical, radiation, fire and data-related hazards.
15 GLHFull Support to Secure Your Placement
To help you secure your trainee placement, we provide full CV and cover letter support tailored to the dental industry.
We also offer optional advanced career support for an additional fee — including specialised employability training and our exclusive employer referral scheme. Contact us to learn more.
Your Path Is Simple. Just Follow the Steps.
Get started
Complete registration and receive access to our exclusive learning management platform.
Watch your induction
A recorded induction walks you through exactly what to do, and your full completion journey.
Work through 10 units
The course is made up of 10 units in total, covering the full GDC framework.
Complete each assessment
Every unit has its own specific assessment to complete.
Progress unit by unit
You move on to the next unit once you've completed the current one.
Register for your exam
Once you've secured a job, contact us to register for your NEBDN exam.
PoE induction
After exam registration, your tutor guides you through your Portfolio of Evidence (PoE).
Work with your assessor
A dedicated assessor provides feedback on every submission you make.
Sign-off and quality assurance
Your assessor signs off your PoE, and our IQA confirms the quality of your submission.
Next steps to your exam
You'll receive the next stages of your exam journey by email.
Everything You Need to Know, In One Place
Simple Pricing. No Surprises.
Pick the way that works best for you.
Pay in full
£700
One payment. Nothing else to pay.
8-month plan
£88 / month
Spread the cost. Pay no interest.
Earn From Day One. Earn More When You Qualify.
As a Trainee Dental Nurse
£12.71 – £13.50 / hr
As a Qualified Dental Nurse
£15 – £20+ / hr
You earn from your paid placement while you train, then your income rises once you become a GDC-registered professional. Figures are typical UK rates and vary by employer and region.
Where This Course Can Take You
Qualifying as a dental nurse is just the start. Here's where your career can go next.
Clinical Advancement
- Dental Hygienist
- Dental Therapist
- Dentist
Specialist Nursing & Education
- Specialist Orthodontic Nursing / Tutor
- Dental Radiography Nurse / Tutor
- Conscious Sedation Nurse / Tutor
- Oral Health Education Educator / Tutor
Management & Leadership
- Dental Practice / Area Management
- Head / Lead Dental Nurse
- Dental Nurse Tutor or Assessor
What Makes This Course Work
The details that matter, all in one place.
- Typically takes around 10–12 months to complete.
- All course materials provided online with full 24/7 access for one year.
- Full tutor support provided as and when needed.
- Two exam windows each year — April and November.
- Register for your exam at least 7 months before your chosen window.
- Portfolio of Evidence (PoE) assignments take a minimum of 7 months.
- Unlimited assignment submissions and personalised assessor feedback.
- Full CV & cover letter support to help you secure a placement.
- Employability training and employer referral scheme available (additional fee applies).
What You Need to Start
Six things to check before you enrol.
- Minimum age: 16 years old.
- No prior experience or qualifications needed.
- Good written and spoken English (equivalent to GCSE grades D–G minimum).
- Prepared to work as a Trainee Dental Nurse for a minimum of 16 hours per week.
- Vaccinated against Hepatitis B before starting practical workplace hours.
- Able to secure a paid clinical work placement in the UK.
Your Questions, Answered Simply
Course & Entry
Placement & Employment
Portfolio & Exams
Fees & Earning Potential
Sakib (verified owner) –
Fantastic Course