Higher Certificate in Science Dental Nursing

Higher Certificate in Science in Dental Nursing

Course Overview

  • 2

    Years

  • 6

    Level

  • 376

    Points

  • US661

    CAO Course Code

Why take this course?

TUS has been to the fore in developing higher education opportunities to degree level for dental nurses. The programme is delivered in an attractive, modern facility, situated on TUS’s Athlone Campus.

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, dental hospitals and the HSE.

What will I experience?

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.

What opportunities might it lead to?

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.

After graduating a number of TUS Dental Nursing graduates have been awarded places on dental hygiene courses through the UCAS UK college entry system.

Additional Information

The Higher Certificate in Science in Dental Nursing has the approval of the Dental Council of Ireland.

Course Details

Course Duration:
2 Years
CAO Course Code:
US661
Cut Off CAO Points:
376
Course Award:
Higher Certificate in Science
Course NFQ Level:
Level 6
Department:
Dept of Nursing & Healthcare
Minimum Entry Requirements:

Grade O6 at ordinary level in 5 subjects in the Leaving Certificate to include a laboratory-based science subject, Mathematics, and a language (English or Irish).

QQI: Any major QQI award a pass in C20139 or 5N1833or LCE Mathematics and C20006 or 5N2746 or Leaving Certificate Laboratory Science Subject.

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Course Structure

Year 1

Learning and Development in Higher Education, Clinical Dentistry I, Infection Prevention and Control in Dentistry (Including Microbiology), Dental Anatomy & Oral Disease I, Human Anatomy and Physiology for Healthcare, Clinical Dentistry II, Preparation for Dental Nursing Practice Placement, Clinical Dental Nursing Placement I, Dental Anatomy & Oral Disease II, Human Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology for Healthcare.

Year 2

Clinical Dentistry III, Clinical Dental Nursing Placement II, Sociology for Healthcare, Psychology and Communication, Dental Research (Evidence Based Practice), Clinical Dentistry IV, Oral Health Promotion, Clinical Dental Nursing Placement III, Health and Safety in Dental Practice, Business Management.

Careers & Opportunities

Career Prospects

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.

A number of TUS Dental Nursing graduates have been awarded places on dental hygiene courses through the UCAS UK college entry system.

Work Placement

There is a practice placement in both years of this programme.

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