Health Professions & Social Services
Oral Health Care: Dental Nursing HNC
Campus Sighthill Campus
Qualification SCQF Level 7
Study mode Full time
Start date
Aug 2025
Course enquiry form
Course overview
This course will provide the knowledge, skills and expertise to register with the General Dental Council as a qualified Dental Nurse. This course includes a placement within a dental establishment to develop and enhance realistic practical skills within a dental team.
The course will be delivered by supportive and experienced staff in our realistic clinical learning environment, as well as through external work-based placements. This will support your previous learning and provide practical application within dental nursing.
What you will learn
- Dental Anatomy
- Dental Charting, including specialised software
- Restorative Dentistry
- Dental Radiography
- Non-Surgical Endodontics
- Extraction and Minor Oral Surgery
- Decontamination Processes and Skills
- Health and Safety
- Oral Diseases and Their Prevention
- 18 Mandatory units, including a graded unit
Placement information
- The dental nursing team will facilitate placement arrangements, including referrals to Occupational Health for a health check and any required immunisations.
How the course is assessed
- The course is assessed via open-book and closed-book assessments within the college e-assessment centre.
- Completion of an electronic portfolio with a variety of evidence types.
Number of days per week
- 2-day placement.
- 3 days on campus.
Entry requirements
- Successful completion of the National Certificate Level 6 in Oral Healthcare: Preparing for Practice, or relevant experience in a Healthcare environment, will be considered.
- Your place on the course will be subject to a satisfactory Enhanced Disclosure Scotland check in the form of an enhanced PVG.
Information on Tests / Auditions / Interview Requirements
- External applicants will be required to attend an interview before being offered a place on the course.
English Proficiency Requirements
IELTS 5.5Progression and Articulation Routes
- HND in Dental Nursing (SCQF Level 8)
A variety of post qualifications, including:
- PDA Dental Nursing: Supporting Special Care Provision at SCQF Level 8
- PDA Dental Radiography (Operator)
- BSc Oral Health Sciences
Career options
- Completion of this award allows the student to register with the General Dental Council as a qualified dental nurse.
Study Options
| Campus | Study mode | Start date |
|---|---|---|
| Sighthill Campus | Full time | 25/08/25 |
