Traineeship in Dental Nursing

Nursing / Healthcare Department

QUALIFICATION / CERTIFICATION

Higher Certificate QQI Level 6 in Traineeship in Dental Nursing.

Dental Council of Ireland accredited.

Duration: 2 Years

Course costs are covered and learners are on a Traineeship Payment for the duration.

WHAT WILL I STUDY?

Year ONE

Foundations of Practice
Clinical Dentistry I
Dental Nursing Theory and Practice
Dental Ethics, Communication and Team working
Anatomy and Physiology - Oral and Systemic
Professional Development I

**Students are required to undertake 2 days of work experience per week in Year 1 and block placements. As this is a professional course, there is a mandatory block placement of 10 weeks which takes place in June - August for Clinical Portfolio II.

Year Two

Clinical Dentistry II
Health Promotion
Dental Management and Leadership
Professional Development II
Innovation in Dentistry

**Students are required to undertake 3 days work experience in Year 2 and block placements.

Work placements must be agreed and approved before course commencement. All students must be Garda Vetted (NVB) and receive the Hepatitis B vaccination prior to taking up work placements.

HOW WILL I LEARN?

This is a professional oriented course designed to provide graduates with the knowledge, skills, competences and attitudes to be a Dental Nurse and to facilitate progression within education, as part of further study.

The programme is both innovative and learner centred with both work-based and blended learning elements to enhance the educational experience, by working in conjunction with Dental practices and through using technology to enhance learning.

You will have a mixture of classroom-based subjects, practical classes, mandatory clinical placement and independent study. You will be expected to complete assignments throughout the year and some end of year exams. Course work will consist of a combination of onsite & online learning.

HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED?

A full Award is granted on passing the mandatory eleven components. You will be assessed throughout the Traineeship and at the end of the Year 1 and Year 2 (Continuous Assessment). You will complete a clinical portfolio during clinical placements.

WHAT WE WOULD LIKE FROM YOU!

Leaving Certificate Biology or Level 5 certification in Anatomy and Physiology or equivalent is desirable. All applicants must have sufficient competence in English to participate successfully. Where English is not an applicant’s first language, these applicants may be asked to undergo English language assessment in cases where no evidence is presented of a B2 level of English language proficiency.

Applicants must have personal access to a computer and internet facilities for completion of the course work and engaging in blended learning. Cathal Brugha FET endeavours to provide an equal opportunities education and training setting. Students can be assessed to determine their level of learning support needs.

CAREER / PROGRESSION OPPORTUNITIES

Our employment rates are extremely high in this field. As a graduate of Dental Nursing, you can work in a variety of working environments, including dental hospitals and Health Service Executive (HSE) dental clinics, as well as in general and specialist dental practices. Advancement in the field may include senior dental nurse, clinic nurse manager, practice manager, marketing representatives for relevant companies, dental nurse tutor and the area of health promotion. Upon qualifying, students are encouraged to extend their knowledge through participation of post qualification courses. See also idna.ie

Please check with individual HEIS/Third level colleges for latest information and eligibility.

B.Sc. in Dental Practice Management with Oral Health Education(Athlone IT/TUS) -Direct application
Specialist Certificate in Health Promotion (NUIG)-Direct application
Certificate in Dental Radiography (Dublin Dental Hospital/UCD) -Direct application
Dental Hygiene (TCD)-CAO Mature route
Dental Hygiene (UCC)-Direct application
Orthodontic Therapist (TCD)-Direct application, mature only
Dental Technician (TCD)-CAO Mature route

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

The following are the entry criteria for the Dental Nurse programme:

School leavers with a minimum of a grade O6 or H6 in five subjects or equivalent
FET graduates with a Level 5 award or equivalent in a related field area
Mature applicants can be assessed through the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process for access purposes, based on their relevant prior learning and work experience.
A B2 level of English language proficiency.
Interview

SEE WHAT STUDENTS SAY

"The Traineeship in Dental Nursing course at Cathal Brugha FET has been an incredible journey that has transformed my career and opened a world of opportunities in the field of dentistry. The Traineeship in Dental Nursing course has equipped me with the necessary skills and knowledge to pursue a fulfilling career in dental nursing. The course provided a comprehensive and well-structured curriculum that covered all aspects of dental nursing. The trainers were highly knowledgeable and experienced, always ready to share their expertise and provide guidance. I wholeheartedly recommend the Traineeship in Dental Nursing course to anyone passionate about dentistry and looking to embark on a rewarding career in this field. The course provides a solid educational foundation and nurtures the essential qualities required to excel as a dental professional." ~ Munni

Enquiries: lourda.kennedy@kmcfe.cdetb.ie