Dental Nurses are required to be either registered with the General Dental Council or ‘in training’ in order to work legally. Our courses offer theoretical training related to the role and practice in examination technique. Completion of the course and ‘Record of Experience’, plus achievement in the 2 part examination will allow a Dental Nurse to apply for entry onto the General Dental Council DCP register.

Course acceptance criteria

Applicants must have some chairside experience and be in employment as a Dental Nurse by the course start date. Prior to acceptance they will be required to complete a literacy and dental knowledge assessment and attend a brief interview. They must also have an appointed workplace mentor to support them during their training. 

Waiting list

While waiting to start a course an application form must be submitted to the centre. A confirmation letter will then be issued to the employer. Please note that being on the waiting list does not guarantee a place on the course. 

The ‘Record of Experience’ - evidence of training 

The GDC requires training centres to carry out on-going assessment of the student’s training.  The ‘Record of Experience’ forms part of this assessment. This is a written record of workplace activities carried out under the observation of a GDC registrant. The observer/witness then verifies the student’s written record and offers feedback as required. 

Contact with the Workplace

The trainee’s mentor will be a contact for the course tutor. We will issue progress reports to the employer and report any issues such as poor attendance or falling behind with coursework. The student, mentor or employer can discuss any concerns with the tutor at any time.

Please note that we teach ‘best practice’. All tutors are GDC registrants and required to raise concerns if necessary. We may therefore contact the employer to discuss any training or safety issues that arise.

Practice visit

We are required to visit the trainee in their workplace and carry out an observation of them working with their dentist and being given feedback. This is a new GDC stipulation. Before this is arranged, we will invite a practice representative to attend a brief information session at the centre to explain requirements. This will also provide an opportunity to meet the course tutor and ask any questions related to the training. 

New Examination format

The exam format has changed recently:  

Part 1 (2 ½ hr written paper) 75 Multiple Choice Questions and 50 Extended Matching Questions.  

Part 2 (1½ hr practical section) is held 6 weeks later and consists of a series of practical tests known as ‘Objective Structured Clinical Examinations’ or ‘OSCE’s. Please note: Students must pass Part 1 in order to be entered for Part 2.  If they do not pass, they will need to retake Part 1 some weeks later and postpone their part 2 date. 

Further information about the examination, post certification qualifications and training providers can be obtained from the National Examination Board website.
We reserve the right not to enter a student for the examination. The decision to enter them will be based on completion of the Record of Experience, overall commitment and progress and achieving a pass in the Mock examination. 

Course and examination dates  

(All courses run for 1 year)

The course is held over 46 evening sessions or 23 Saturday sessions - for days and time: please see centre details below costs

• £350 course fees plus £20 for the NEBDN Record of Experience, due prior to the start date. Payment is non refundable unless the centre cancels the course 
• £300 exam fees due January ( May exam) or June (November exam)  
• Prior to the first session students should purchase Levison’s Textbook for Dental   Nurses (10th Edition) by Carole Hollins

Equal Opportunities

The London Deanery is committed to equality of opportunity. We aim to promote diversity and equality of access and opportunity, identify any barriers to progress, expose inequalities and their underlying causes and take remedial and preventative action. Any disabilities or support needed can be discussed with the Tutor at enrolment.

To apply

Please contact the centre administrator below directly to request an application form and for course times.  Unless stated otherwise, all courses begin in January 2012    

The Royal London Hospital, Whitechapel - alternate Saturdays 
j.webb@qmul.ac.uk

Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Woolwich - Wednesday evenings 
jim.grace@nhs.net

Croydon University Hospital (formaly Mayday) – Tuesday evenings 
sharon.woodworth@mayday.nhs.uk

Guys Hospital – alternate Saturdays 
susan.biden@kcl.ac.uk

Kingston Hospital – Tuesday evenings
susan.Haynes@kingstonhospital.nhs.uk

Northwick Park - Alternative Saturdays (July 2012 start)
hayley.lawrence@londondeanery.ac.uk

Southall Dental Referral Centre – Wednesday evenings (July 2011 start)
                                                            Alternate Saturdays (Jan 12 start)   
info@sterlingdentalcentre.co.uk

Whipps Cross Hospital, Leytonstone - Tuesday evenings
rebecca.fynn@whippsx.nhs.uk

If you have any queries regarding the course please contact the centres directly or Corinne Tapsell, Course Director on 07921880131 or corinne.tapsell@londondeanery.ac.uk