To register and work as a dental nurse, students must complete the Scottish Vocational Qualification (SVQ) and Professional Development Award (PDA) and meet the General Dental Council's standards of conduct.
This program provides students with the knowledge and skills to support high-quality dental care during a flexible 12 -24 month course.
SVQ
The SVQ consists of building a portfolio of evidence for 10 mandatory units:
- Maintain Personal and Professional Practice for Dental Care Professionals
- Provide Basic Life Support
- Prepare and Maintain Safe Working Practices in Clinical Dental Environments
- Provide Information and Support to Individuals on Oral Health
- Provide Chairside Support During Oral Health Assessment Procedures
- Contribute to Producing Dental Radiographic Images
- Provide Chairside Support During Periodontal and Restorative Procedures
- Provide Chairside Support During Prosthetic Procedures
- Provide Chairside Support During Endodontic Procedures
- Provide Chairside Support During Extraction and Minor Oral Surgery Procedures
Each unit is assessed on both the practical aspect and the under pinning knowledge and understanding required as a dental nurse.
Candidates practical evidence will be gathered through methods such as observations within the workplace, professional discussions and competence statements, provided by their clinician, to assess skills and abilities against the standards set by SQA.
Knowledge and understanding evidence will be gathered by completing worksheets and by completing open book online unit assessments delivered by SQA SOLAR.
PDA
The PDA in Dental Nursing consists of the following mandatory units:
- Principles of Infection Prevention and Control in the Dental Environment
- Dental Radiography
- Principles of Oral Health Assessment and Treatment Planning
- Principles in the Management of Plaque Related Diseases
The PDA is assessed through 30-minute invigilated, closed book assessments on each unit.
Requirements and responsibilities for enrolling in the Dental Nurse Program:
- Candidates must be employed as a trainee dental nurse providing chairside support for a minimum of 15 hours per week during a variety of dental procedures throughout the training programme.
- Suitable IT equipment with access to the internet must be available – a laptop or computer with a microphone and web camera.
- A quiet area without interruptions to concentrate on studies for example: attendance to online study days and completion of assessments.
- Off the job training is the responsibility of the Dental Training Centre.
- On the job training is the responsibility of the Employer and their representative.