Dental Nursing Level 3 Diploma
This qualification focuses on direct chair side work and support during a range of dental treatments and is suitable for anyone who wants to work as a dental nurse and also develop a career as a dental hygienists. A career in dental nursing will enable you to work in a practice as a valued team member learning new skills to help in the treatment of patients to maintain their oral health.

Entry requirements
You will need:
Duration: 2 years
- 4 GCSEs grades 9-4 ideally including English & maths OR
- Working in Dental Settings Level 2 OR
- Health & Social Care Level 2 OR
- Childcare Level 2 OR
- Any other suitable level 2 Entry will also be subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
Other requirements
- Punctuality. Preparation. Presentation. Performance. Pride.
Essential
Desirable
To be successful in your course it is essential that you have good attendance and punctuality and be committed and motivated in all aspects of the course requirements. You will develop a range of employability skills and personal life skills that will enable you to work in a diverse range of job opportunities. You are expected to be professional in your attitude to the course and work placement and demonstrate skills to work as part of a team and on your own initiative.
Course content
Subject units:
- First aid essentials
- Reducing risks to health and safety in the dental setting
- The role and responsibilities of a dental nurse
- Prepare and maintain environment, instruments and equipment for clinical dental procedures
- Principles of infection control in the dental environment
- Provide chairside support for the assessment of patients’ oral health
- Contribute to the production of dental images
- Provide chairside support for the prevention and control of periodontal disease and caries and the restoration of cavities
- Provide chairside support for the provision of fixed and removable prostheses
- Provide chairside support for non-surgical endodontic treatment
- Provide chairside support for the extraction of
- teeth and minor oral surgery
- Provide information and support to patients on the protection of their oral health
- Assessment of oral health and treatment planning
- Dental radiography
- Management of oral health diseases and dental procedures
Assessment methods
You will be assessed through:
- Four e-volve theory multiple choice tests
- Completed portfolio of evidence
- Additional evidence to support practical competence may include:
- reflective accounts,
- assignments,
- assessor devised questions,
- outcomes of research based activities witness testimonies
Qualifications
Dental Nursing City & Guilds Level 3 Diploma
Plus:
- Level 2 Infection and Prevention Control
- English and maths qualifications if required
You can also earn up to 168 UCAS points.
Further study and career options
Following the completion of this course you could chose to gain further post qualifications or employment in these specific roles: dental hygiene/therapy, dental technician, practice management, teaching and assessing or lecturing.
Additional information
There are additional costs to cover work placement uniform and books. Please note: the cost will be discussed further at interview.
Funding information
All full-time Level 1 and Level 2 courses are now FREE for everyone, whatever their age. If you are looking to study a Level 3 qualification, courses are still free if you’re under 19 or 19-23 and studying your first full Level 3 qualification. If you’re over 23 or studying a second Level 3 qualification, you will need to pay a fee. Find out more on our financial support page at www.bedford.ac.uk/finance