Trinity College Dublin - Faculty of Health Sciences - School of Dental Science
Diploma in Dental Nursing Full-Time Programme (NFQ Level 7)
CAO Course Code: TR801
What is the Diploma in Dental Nursing Full-Time Programme programme like?
The Diploma in Dental Nursing Full-Time Programme is based in the Dublin Dental University Hospital (DDUH) which has high standard dental facilities. Class sizes are small, so that students receive considerable staff support throughout the programme. The programme is very practical throughout, allowing students to progressively develop their knowledge, skills and attitudes. During year two of the programme, students will spend time on external placements in a variety of dental settings throughout the Dublin area.
What does a dental nurse do?
The main duties of a dental nurse include but are not limited to infection prevention and control, chair-side assistance, preparation of the dental clinic with instruments and materials and patient care. This programme empowers students with the skills and practical competence required to work in a variety of dental environments. Dental nurses are required to have a professional yet calm disposition and a strong work ethic.
(Image of a student dental nurse (left) and the Dental Nurse Tutor.)
Is this programme right for you?
If you have an interest in working as part of a dental team in the delivery of oral healthcare and have a caring and understanding disposition, this may be the course for you. A high level of commitment is required and attendance at all teaching and training is mandatory. Students will attend the programme generally from 8.00 a.m. – 5.00 p.m. Monday to Friday inclusive. This includes teaching, clinical training and breaks throughout the week. Students will wear dental nursing uniforms during this training. Students require appropriate communication and organisational skills, the ability and willingness to use their initiative, work closely with the dental team and take direction from staff. Students will be in contact with patients and assist the dentist and/or hygienist with dental care inside patients mouths. Dental nurses may also be involved in the reception and decontamination area of the dental clinic. Through the course, you will develop appropriate patient care skills, professionalism and learn to communicate effectively in a healthcare environment.
What are the career prospects?
Graduates of the programme are highly sought after, due to the extensive clinical exposure obtained throughout the programme. Employment can be sought in a variety of environments, such as: Dental Hospitals, Health Service Executive (HSE) dental clinics, and in general or specialist dental practices. Depending on the work setting, advancement may include but is not limited to: senior dental nurse, clinic nurse manager, practice manager, marketing representatives, course co-ordinator, dental nurse tutor, and in health promotion. This course empowers students with several transferrable skills, such as professionalism and communication skills. Further education and training are also available to graduates, including the Diploma in Orthodontic Therapy.
Award: Diploma in Dental Nursing
(Diploma in Dental Nursing awarded by Trinity College Dublin)
Applications must be submitted to the CAO by the 1st of February each year.
(Image of a student dental nurse (left) and the Dental Nurse Tutor.)
Leaving Cert: (Approximately 21 Places)
Applicants are required to present six subjects including: English, Mathematics, and one of Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Agricultural Science or Physics/Chemistry. Of the six subjects presented, two must be of a standard of at least Grade 4 on Ordinary Leaving Certificate papers. The remaining four subjects must be presented to a standard of at least Grade 6 on Ordinary Leaving Certificate papers.
Mature Student: (Approximately 4 Places): Age 23 + (Interview process)
Applications may also be considered from mature applicants who do not satisfy the academic entry requirements but can demonstrate appropriate experience relevant to the course.
To Note:
This is a restricted entry course. Entrants are required to complete Trinity's health screening requirements: Students will complete Garda vetting and Hepatitis B vaccinations.
All registered Student Dental Nursing are required to pay approximately 110 Euros for three Hepatitis B vaccinations in year 1. Students will also be required to undergo Garda Vetting, receive a number of vaccinations as well as partake in health screening.
Students will be provided with scrub tops for clinical placements. Students are required to purchase their own clinical shoes and trousers. Other programme costs include purchasing a poly-folder to keep student’s Clinical Logbook and Portfolio of Experience clean and protected. Another cost includes printing in colour and binding two copies of the Case Study Written Report. Students will pay for their own transport to and from College, including external placements.
Unfortunately, we do not have any current links to the following programmes:
- Bachelor in Dental Science (Dentistry)
- Diploma in Dental Hygiene
- Pre-nursing programmes
- Post Leaving Certificate (PLC) programmes
- QQI Level 6-10 programmes inclusive
As a result, there are no direct links between the Diploma in Dental Nursing Full-Time Programme and other programmes at this time (including but not limited to the aforementioned programmes). As a result, students would be required to reapply through the CAO as standard and enter year 1 of these programmes, should they be accepted. Students in this case would be required to complete the full programme as standard.
Thus, the same fees would apply whether a person has completed a programme previously or not.
For Further Information about the programme, including CAO points and entry requirements, please visit out TCD website by scanning the QR code and/ or visiting: www.tcd.ie/dental/education/undergraduate/diploma/dental-nursing/ & www.tcd.ie/study/
For further queries, please contact the Dental Nursing Education Team at: [email protected]
Please see the below links to YouTube for further information:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CEq5wVX4gbI