This 2 year full time programme aims to provide the Dental Nurse with practical skills supported by the theoretical knowledge required to understand the Dental Nurse's role and responsibility as part of the dental team.

From 2017 onwards students must have successfully completed the Leaving Certificate with a minimum of a Grade O6 in five subjects or equivalent examination OR be over 23 years of age (New grading scheme - TGRUSE).

Garda Vetting
Students, or applicants in receipt of an offer, on this programme will be subject to Garda Vetting as relevant. Students will be prohibited from engaging in a relevant work placement unless the vetting process has been cleared. Click here to view UCC's Student Garda Vetting Policy.

Fitness to Practise
This programme is subject to the University's Fitness to Practise Policy - full details may be found here.

Two Year Rule
Students must pass/progress within two academic years of first registration for each year of the programme. Students are permitted to repeat any academic year once only and may not repeat any more than two academic years in any one programme.

In order to be admitted to the First University Examination in Dental Nursing, a student must have satisfactorily attended (subsequent to entry to the College of Medicine and Health) prescribed modules amounting to 60 credits:

DN1001 Ethical Issues in the Provision of Dental Care (5 credits)
DN1002 Microbiology and Cross Infection Control for Dental Nurses (15 credits)
DN1005 Dental Anatomy and Physiology (Oral and Systemic) for Dental Nursing (10 credits)
DN1007 Dental Pathology and Disease (10 credits)
DN1008 Restorative Dentistry for Dental Nurses (10 credits)
DN1009 Oral Surgery for Dental Nurses (10 credits)

Module Semester Information may be found here. Module Descriptions may be found here.

Examinations
Full details and regulations governing Examinations for each programme will be contained in the Marks and Standards 2020/2021 Book and for each module in the Book of Modules, 2020/2021.

No student may enter the Second Year of the Diploma in Dental Nursing until he/she has passed the First University Examination in Dental nursing. In order to be admitted to the Second University Examination in Dental Nursing, a student must have satisfactorily attended (subsequent to entry to the College of Medicine and Health) prescribed modules amounting to 60 credits:

DN2111 Oral Health and Development for Dental Nurses (10 credits)
DN2112 Dental Practice Administration (5 credits)
DN2113 Clinical Logbook (20 credits)
DN2115 Medical Emergencies for Dental Nurses (10 credits)
DN2116 Dental Research Based Project (15 credits)

Module Semester Information may be found here. Module Descriptions may be found here.

Examinations
Full details and regulations governing Examinations for each programme will be contained in the Marks and Standards 2020/2021 Book and for each module in the Book of Modules, 2020/2021.

Programme Learning Outcomes for Diploma in Dental Nursing (NFQ Level 7)
On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

• Recognise the importance of cross infection control and demonstrate its application in the clinical dental environment;
• Apply knowledge and understanding of the anatomical and physiological structures in the oral cavity and provide an overview of the structure and function of systems relevant to dentistry;
• Enable the student to discuss and debate ethical and professional issues in relation to Dental Nursing and describe the role of the Dental Nurse within the dental team;
• Demonstrate an understanding of oral pathology and disease as it applies to the work of the Dental Nurse;
• Demonstrate an understanding of the basic theory and practical application of skills in Restorative Dentistry;
• Demonstrate an understanding of the principles and clinical practice of oral surgery and oral medicine;
• Apply knowledge and understanding on how to respond appropriately to medical emergencies in the dental surgery;
• Demonstrate an understanding of the basic theory and its practical application in the following areas: Orthodontics, Paediatric Dentistry and Dental Public Health;
• Enable the student to demonstrate an awareness of the principles of practice administration;
• Obtain, record and have verified their clinical practice;
• Demonstrate an understanding of given topics in relation to Dental Nursing which develops their research and presentation skills.