National Dental Nurse Training Programme of Ireland
The National Dental Nurse Training Programme of Ireland is a joint initiative between the Dublin Dental University Hospital and Cork University Dental School & Hospital that starts in September each year.
On successful completion of the National Dental Nurse Training Programme of Ireland (NDNTP) undergraduate programme, dental nursing graduates will be equipped with the knowledge, skills and competence to work within a dental team, contributing to a patient centred approach to the delivery of dental care. Students wishing to enrol in the NDNTP are required to be employed as a dental nurse and must have regular computer and internet access, broadband connections are desirable.
Trinity College Dublin confers the Diploma in Dental Nursing which entitles the graduate to register as a Dental Nurse on the Voluntary Register of the Dental Council of Ireland. The curriculum of the NDNTP delivery is blended in design, utilising conventional learning methods as well as harnessing the opportunities which technology can provide to facilitate learning. This course is divided into practical and academic (modular) components. The academic teaching will take place in the Dublin Dental University and Hospital on Trinity College Campus, and your clinical skills and practical training will take place in your dental surgery.
During the NDNTP students are required to complete the equivalent of 16 months full time practical experience in a dental surgery. They must be employed throughout the duration of the programme as this allows the completion of the student logbook in conjunction with practical experience. Workplace training allows flexibility to learning and harnesses the expertise of the dental practitioner.
The programme consists of lectures, tutorials, demonstrations and practical experience. Students will be assessed on a continuous basis regarding suitability and application of theory to practice. By the end of the course, they will have developed appropriate skills in patient and team management.
Dental Nursing students will attend to the Dublin Dental University Hospital on Wednesday evenings, various Fridays and Saturdays and for a one week full time practical session. The learning environment is blended allowing students to utilise technology to facilitate learning in an online format as well as traditional face-to-face sessions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a dental nurse do?
The dental nurse plays an important role in the organisation and management of the dental practice, assists the dentist in all aspects of patient treatment and plays a vital role in patient care.
The modern dental nurse trains in all aspects of clinical practice and dental health education. This course gives you the skills and practical competence needed to work in a dental surgery. You learn about the day-to-day running of a dental practice and acquire the qualifications for entry to the Dental Council Voluntary Register of Dental Nurses. Dental nurses are valuable members of the dental team. This is an auxiliary profession, supporting the dentist in the delivery of dental treatment. Main duties include infection control, chair-side assistance, preparation and maintenance of the dental surgery, and patient care.
Skills required of students considering Dental nursing should include the following: communication and organisation skills, the ability to use initiative, and be prepared to work closely providing support and assistance during the provision of dental treatment. The dental nurse may also be involved with the administration of the dental surgery.
What are the career prospects?
As a graduate of dental nursing, you will be able to find work in a variety of working environments including dental hospitals, health-service executive dental clinics, as well as in general and specialist dental practices. Depending on the work setting, advancement in the field may include: senior dental nurse, clinic nurse manager, practice manager, marketing representatives for relevant companies, dental nurse tutor, course coordinator, lecturer in dental nursing and oral health promotion. Dental nursing provides graduates the opportunity to practice worldwide, although some countries require the completion of examinations for registration.
Successful completion of this programme will permit entry onto the Dental Council Voluntary Register of Dental Nurses, Ireland.
How to apply:
http://dentalnurse.learnonline.ie – under the heading ‘Information for Prospective Students of the National Programme’
Students are required to be in employment as a dental nurse throughout the duration of the programme
Students must have regular computer and internet access (broadband connection is desirable)
School leavers are required to have a completed a leaving certificate with a minimum 5 subjects at a minimum of D3 level
Mature students – over the age of 23 are considered on application and interview basis.
Further information:
Please go to http://dentalnurse.learnonline.ie