Health Professions & Social Services
Oral Health Care - Preparing for Practice NC
Campus Sighthill Campus
Qualification SCQF Level 6
Study mode Full time
Start date
Aug 2026
Course enquiry form
Course overview
The National Certificate in Oral Health Care qualification will allow you to gain knowledge and skills to prepare you for practice and ensure you are a “safe beginner”. This will support your progression into a Dental Nursing career.
The course is delivered by supportive, experienced staff in our realistic clinical learning environment. This will allow you to learn about the practical applications of dental nursing, developing a skill set that is sought after in healthcare.
What you will learn
- Develop essential skills in Decontamination within the dental environment.
- Acquire first aid skills in managing medical emergencies within the dental setting.
- Gain knowledge of dental structures.
- Understand the protocols and procedures that ensure a safe and healthy environment.
- Learn how to evaluate patients’ dental conditions for effective treatment planning.
- Recognise and handle dental instruments and materials safely.
- Legislation and Regulation following the General Dental Council requirements.
- Reflect and develop your practice.
You will develop essential skills like communication, numeracy, ICT, teamwork and problem-solving, which can be applied in all aspects of life and learning in the workplace.
To view our state-of-the-art dental facilities at Edinburgh College, Sighthill campus, access the link below.
Placement information
- There is no placement element for this award.
How the course is assessed
- The course is assessed through a series of formative and summative assessment activities. There are both practical and theoretical assessments within the course.
Number of days per week
- 3 Days Per Week (Days TBC)
Entry requirements
- Three National 5 qualifications, or a relevant National 5 course such as Oral Health Improvement or Health and Social Care.
- Core Skills (Communication, Numeracy, Problem Solving, Information and Communication Technology and Working with Others) at SCQF Level 5 or above.
- SQA units in a Science, Maths or English-based subject at SCQF Level 5 or above.
If you don’t have the required qualifications but can demonstrate the ability to work at SCQF level 6 and have life/work experience, skills and qualities relevant to the healthcare sector, we may also consider you for a place.
Information on Tests / Auditions / Interview Requirements
- Attendance to an interview / information session and completion of a written task required.
English Proficiency Requirements
IELTS 5.5 requredProgression and Articulation Routes
- HNC in Dental Nursing or Modern Apprenticeship which will lead to registration with the General Dental Council.
Career options
- Local Decontamination operative.
- Trainee Dental Nurse or a role in any healthcare environment.
- This course is designed to provide a career pathway into the oral healthcare professions.
Study Options
| Campus | Study mode | Start date |
|---|---|---|
| Sighthill Campus | Full time | 24/08/26 |
