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• Dental Nursing, 2 Year(s) Full Time, Closing Date: 08/FEB/2013




What is a Dental nurse?

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 main duties of a dental nurse include: infection control prevention, chair-side assistance, management of medical emergencies and 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 members of the dental team 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, good manual dexterity and to 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.

Is this the right course for you?

Yes, if you have an interest in working as part of a dental team in the delivery of oral healthcare.

You will need to be able to develop good patient skills and be able to communicate effectively, while having a caring and understanding personality is an advantage.

Course overview

This two-year course is divided into practical and academic (modular) components. Both the formal academic teaching and your practical clinical experience are gained at the Dublin Dental University Hospital at Trinity College.

In second year, you will spend time on external placements in a health-service executive dental clinic and in general dental practices throughout the Dublin area.

The programme consists of lectures, tutorials, demonstrations and practical experience. You will be assessed on a continuous basis regarding suitability and application of theory to practice. By the end of the course, you will have developed appropriate skills in patient and team management. You will be integrated with undergraduate dental science, dental hygiene and dental technology students for some elements of the course to ensure effective teamwork throughout the dental profession.

Course content

First year modules

• Microbiology and pathology (10 ECTS)
• Physiology and medical emergencies; clinical dentistry I (10 ECTS)
• Anatomy, public oral health and social concepts in dentistry (10 ECTS)
• Clinical dentistry II and computer skills (5 ECTS)
• Clinical placements I (25 ECTS)

Second year modules

• Clinical dentistry II, practice management and health psychology (10 ECTS)
• Clinical placements II (45 ECTS)
• Case study (5 ECTS)

Assessment

Year 1 is assessed by written examinations, practical examinations, continuous clinical assessment and an oral presentation.

Year 2 is assessed by written examinations, a multi-station practical examination, a portfolio of clinical experience, case study written report and an oral presentation.

Career opportunities

As a graduate of Dental nursing, you will be able to find work in a variety of working environments including dental hospitals and 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, and oral health promotion.

Successful completion of this programme will permit entry onto the Dental Council Voluntary Register of Dental Nurses, Ireland.

Further information

Please contact the Dental Nurse Tutor Tel: +353 1 6127238

E-mail: dentalnursetutor@dental.tcd.ie
www.dentalhospital.ie (from the main menu select: Education, Undergraduate programmes)


Specific Entry Requirements

Leaving Certificate	A pass in English, mathematics and in four other subjects, one of which must be physics, chemistry, biology, agricultural science or physics/chemistry.
	Of the six subjects presented, two must be of a standard of at least grade C3 on ordinary Leaving Certificate papers. The remaining four subjects must be presented to a standard of at least grade D3 on ordinary Leaving Certificate papers
GARDA VETTING:	Students will be required to undergo Garda vetting. See Garda vetting for further details