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Email academic.registry@tcd.ieThe dental nurse plays an important role in the organisation and management of the dental practice, assisting the dentist in all aspects of patient treatment. The main duties of a dental nurse include infection prevention and control, chair-side assistance, preparation and maintenance of the dental clinic and equipment, and patient care.
This programme empowers you with the skills and practical competence required to work in a dental environment. You will learn about the day-to-day role of the dental nurse and acquire the qualification for entry to the Dental Council Voluntary Register of Dental Nurses.
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. Skills required of students considering dental nursing include communication and organisation skills, the ability to use initiative, and the ability and willingness to work closely with the dental team in providing support and assistance during the provision of dental treatment. The dental nurse may also be involved with the administration of the dental clinic.
Through the course, you will be able to develop good patient skills and learn to communicate effectively in a healthcare environment.
This two-year programme is based in the Dublin Dental University Hospital on Trinity’s campus. Clinical facilities are of a very high standard and class sizes are small, so that students receive considerable staff input into their progress throughout the programme. The programme is very practical throughout, allowing students to progressively develop clinical skills. Graduates of the Trinity School of Dental Science and Dublin Dental University Hospital (DDUH) are highly sought after, due to the extensive clinical exposure obtained during this programme.
As a graduate of Dental Nursing, you can 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, dental nurse tutor, course co-ordinator, and the area of health promotion.
Further courses of study are also available to dental nurses, including the Diploma in Orthodontic Therapy.
The Diploma in Dental Nursing course is divided into practical and academic components. Both academic teaching and practical clinical experience are gained at the Dublin Dental University Hospital (DDUH) at Trinity College Dublin.
Dental Nursing students attend DDUH from Monday to Friday, from 8:30am to 5pm, but there will be opportunities to enjoy university life at various times during the week. The first year will be a combination of lectures and clinical practice, which will provide students with a variety of learning opportunities.
In the second year of the programme, the students will have the opportunity to work with various dental clinicians in a wide variety of disciplines. Clinical experiences will be gained within the DDUH environment, external institutions and private practices.
First year is assessed through attendance, assignments, written examinations, practical examinations, continuous clinical assessment, a clinical logbook, an objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) and an oral presentation.
Second year is assessed through attendance, assignments, written examinations, practical examinations, continuous clinical assessment, an OSCE, a portfolio of experience, a case study written report and an oral presentation.
Overview of the undergraduate programmes in the School of Dental Science at Trinity College Dublin, delivered by Derek Sullivan.
Leaving Certificate:
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 Students:
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 learn more, see Trinity's health screening requirements at: www.tcd.ie/students/orientation/undergraduates/health-screenings.php
Students will be required to undergo Garda Vetting, for more details see: www.tcd.ie/students/orientation/undergraduates/garda-vetting.php
All applicants to Trinity are required to provide official evidence of proficiency in the English language. Applicants to this course are required to meet Band C (Higher Entry) English language requirements. For more details of qualifications that meet Band C, see the English Language Requirements page here.
For a full list of undergraduate fees, click here.
To apply to this course, click on the relevant Apply Link below
Read the information about how to apply, then apply directly to CAO.
Read the information about how to apply for Advanced Entry, then select the link below to apply.
Register your interest in studying at Ireland’s leading university, Trinity College Dublin, the University of Dublin.
