🦷 NEBDN Level 3 Diploma in Dental Nursing (RQF) – Accredited Dental Nurse Training

Looking to start a rewarding career in oral healthcare? The NEBDN Level 3 Diploma in Dental Nursing (RQF) is a nationally and internationally recognised qualification that prepares you to work as a professional Dental Nurse across a wide range of clinical settings—including private dental practices, NHS hospitals, and community dental clinics.

Why Become a Dental Nurse?

Dental Nurses are essential members of the dental team. They provide expert support to dentists during clinical procedures, ensure patient comfort and safety, and uphold high standards of hygiene and care. Key responsibilities include:

• Assisting with patient care and treatment
• Supporting dentists during procedures
• Managing dental materials and equipment
• Maintaining clinical records and practice compliance

Course Highlights

• ✅ Earn an internationally recognised qualification
• ✅ Become a fully qualified Dental Nurse
• ✅ Register with the General Dental Council (GDC)
• ✅ Learn essential clinical and professional skills
• ✅ Flexible online/offline hybrid learning
• ✅ Complete your qualification in as little as 12 months
• ❌ Please note: Exam fees are not included

Career Opportunities

Upon successful completion, you’ll be eligible to work in:

• General dental practices
• Specialist clinics
• Hospital dental departments
• Community health centres

This diploma opens doors to a stable and fulfilling career in healthcare, with opportunities for further progression into dental hygiene, therapy, or practice management.

Take Charge of Your Future with Presidency London College

At Presidency London College, we’re proud to be one of the UK’s leading learning providers—helping thousands of students reach their career goals. When you study with us, you’re in control of your learning journey, with flexible options designed to fit your lifestyle.

NEBDN Level 3 Diploma in Dental Nursing (RQF)

Our Dental Nursing course combines online and offline learning with hands-on experience as a Trainee Dental Nurse. This hybrid approach means you can study at your own pace, without putting your current commitments on hold.

Whether you’re working, raising a family, or juggling other responsibilities, our course is designed to work around you.

What You Can Expect

• Instant Access: Once you enrol, you’ll receive 24/7 access to our student portal (Teams) and can start learning right away.
• Flexible Study: Begin with the introductory modules and progress as your schedule allows.
• Fast-Track Qualification: You could become a fully qualified Dental Nurse in as little as 12 to 14 months.

The NEBDN Level 3 Diploma in Dental Nursing (RQF) is recognised by the General Dental Council (GDC) and the curriculum covers all areas set out within the GDC Preparing to Practice publication. The curriculum is split into the following modules:

Entry Requirements

• No formal qualifications are needed to train to become a professionally qualified dental nurse
• A good level of written and spoken English is required
• Min requirement of 16 hours per week within a dental surgery

Minimum Age restriction

Min age: 16

The minimum number of hours the trainee must work in dental surgery

16 Hours  

Average completion timeframe

12 – 24 months

Assessment requirements

• Formative workplace assessment – the Portfolio of Evidence (PoE)
• The summative assessment comprises a written and practical component aimed at assessing knowledge and decision-making to demonstrate trainee Dental Nurses’ understanding and competence

Is employment or practical experience required?

Yes. As soon as possible after enrolment with minimum requirement of 16 hours per week within a dental surgery working as a trainee dental nurse. You need to secure your employment within the first 12 weeks of joining the course.

Additional requirements

• NEBDN registration fee not included with enrolment
• Fee can only be paid once in employment and unit 1 assignment in our online learning platform has been signed off
• Completion of the PoE (Portfolio of Evidence) prior to written exam (Part 1)
• UK based Dental Practice with a GDC registered witness

If placement or practical required, when?

As soon as possible after enrolment

Exams required

The NEBDN examination is in two parts and you will need to pass Part 1 before you can take Part 2. Part 1 is a knowledge test consisting of multiple-choice questions (MCQs). Part 2 is a professional discussion examination consisting of a series of objective structured clinical examinations (OSCEs). These clinical examinations are designed around simulated situations which you may commonly encounter in the workplace. Once you have passed Part 2 of the examination you will be awarded the NEBDN Level 3 Diploma in Dental Nursing (RQF) and you will be eligible to apply for registration with the General Dental Council as a qualified Dental Nurse.

Is Membership Required?

No Membership

Additional requirements

• NEBDN registration fee is not included with enrolment
• Fee can only be paid once the Unit 1 assignment in Atom has been signed off
• Completion of the PoE before the knowledge test (Part 1)
• UK based Dental Practice with a GDC-registered witness. Learners will be expected to be able to access IT software in order to undertake online assessments and to complete the Portfolio of Evidence

Certification Timeframe

Up to 12 weeks from exam date.

Course Fees

course fees are inclusive of any payment plans, and we do not charge interest. However, please note that all fees must be fully settled before certification can be issued.

*You will have access to the course for 24 months.

Assessment Components

1. Portfolio of Evidence (PoE)
   • You’ll complete an internally assessed electronic portfolio while working in a dental setting.
   • This showcases your practical skills, knowledge, and professional behaviours.
   • It must be completed with the support of a qualified witness and your training provider.
2. Online Knowledge Test
   • This is an externally set and marked multiple-choice exam.
   • It assesses your theoretical understanding of dental nursing across 10 units, including:
     • Clinical practice
     • Communication
     • Responding to medical emergencies
     • Teamwork
     • Professional development
3. OSCE-Professional Discussion
   • Conducted online with an NEBDN examiner.
   • You’ll discuss scenarios and demonstrate your decision-making and understanding of dental procedures.

Qualifications

Upon successful completion of the course and the exams, you will receive a NEBDN Level 3 Diploma in Dental Nursing (RQF), which is equivalent to Level 3, accredited by the National Examining Board for Dental Nurses. The qualification replaces the NEBDN Diploma in Dental Nursing, equivalent to Level 3, and will make you a qualified Dental Nurse.

You will also be eligible to apply to the General Dental Council (GDC) Register.

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NEBDN Schedule of Fees and Charges 2025/26 click here