Higher Certificate in Science in Dental Nursing

Higher Certificate in Science in Dental Nursing

Dental nurses play an important role in the modern dental practice. They assist the dentist during dental procedures. Their duties include preparing the surgery, setting out dental instruments, assisting during operations, dealing with patients and looking after cleanliness of the surgery. They may also be responsible for administrative duties such as making appointments and book-keeping. Dental nurses are typically employed by a dentist in private practice, by dental hospitals and by the HSE.

This course will give you the appropriate multi-disciplined skills to enable you to play a key role in dental practices. These skills are in the nursing and business areas and will enable you to contribute effectively to the modern dental practice.

Minimum Entry Requirements

Leaving Certificate

Laboratory-based science subject at Grade D3 in higher-level or B3 in ordinary level, plus four subjects at Grade D3 at ordinary level. Two of these subjects must be Mathematics and a language (English or Irish).

FETAC

Any FETAC level 5 qualification is acceptable. Applicants to this programme are required, however, to have the module Mathematics (C20139), Mathematics for Engineering (C20174) or Mathematics for Computing (C20175) included in their award or alternatively have Leaving Certificate Mathematics. They must also have the module Biology (C20006) at minimum Merit level or alternatively have a Leaving Certificate Science subject at minimum B3 in ordinary level.

Modules

Year 1

Anatomy and Physiology, Biological Sciences, Disease and Infection Control, Material Science, Office Administration, Clinical Dentistry, Placement (10 weeks’ duration).

Year 2

Pharmacology, Legal, Health and Safety, Financial and Cost Accounting, Behavioural Science and Communications, Materials, Clinical Dentistry, Practice Placement (10 weeks’ duration).

Progression

After graduating from this programme you may apply to enter the third year of a science programme at AIT. Some graduates have been awarded places on dental hygiene courses through the UCAS UK college entry system.

Professional Recognition

This higher certificate has the approval of the Dental Council of Ireland.

Career Opportunities

Many dental nurses find employment in general dental practices and opportunities also exist in dental and general hospitals in a more specialised capacity. After three years with a qualification and certain specified responsibilities, you may be promoted to the senior dental nursing grade within certain areas of the health service.

Additional Information

N/A