Extended Duties for Dental Nurses - Disease Prevention

This course will start on 08.01.24 and run until 10.04.24.  The deadline for applications is 12.12.23

 This programme provides opportunity for qualified dental nurse GDC registrants to develop their knowledge and extend their clinical skills in disease prevention methods: including oral health promotion and education; application of fluoride varnish and plaque scoring.

As a level 4 post GDC registered dental nurse qualification this will provide a skills escalator for this professional grouping and in addition enhance the application credentials of individuals applying to the existing FdSc Oral Health and the proposed BSc (Hons) Dental Therapy programme.

The Extended Duties Nurse course in Disease Prevention consists of 4 sessions carried out over 2 days of attendance at the University of Essex Academic Dental Clinic - Colchester. The sessions cover topics to support the development of the required underpinning knowledge and clinical skills to undertake various disease prevention duties in the workplace. From the on-site sessions delegates will complete a portfolio based on 12 case studies to support development of their clinical skills through work-based learning and continuous assessment.

To complete the course and gain certification, delegates will be assessed through formal written assessment MCQ, an OSCE and successful demonstration of clinical competence using direct observation of performance (DOP) methodology. Delegates will have the support of a named-based mentor within their workplace.

Learning outcomes

• Gain underpinning knowledge required to be able to work effectively as a dental nurse with extended duties in disease prevention.
• Develop the clinical skills competencies required to be able to work effectively as a dental nurse with extended duties in disease prevention.
• Understand how to integrate the role of a dental nurse with extended duties in disease prevention practitioner within dental care services.

Our expert staff

The module is taught by clinical experts in the field of oral health science, including dentists, dental hygienists and therapists covering theoretical teaching, demonstration and teaching of clinical skills using simulation.

• Evidence of possession of a qualification recognised by the GDC as sufficient to permit registration with them as a dental Nurse.

Module Outline

The module consists of taught sessions by our University of Essex oral health science academic team (which includes dentists and dental therapists) and covers theoretical teaching, demonstration and teaching of clinical skills using simulation in our state of the art dental skills facilities.

The module includes the following content:

Session 1

Knowledge-based learning of:

• Introduction to course
• Ethics & professionalism
• Valid consent
• Dental public health
• Safeguarding
• Behaviour management

Session 2

Knowledge-based learning of:

• Case study development
• Record keeping
• Oral health education and promotion
• Infection prevention

Session 3

Knowledge-based learning of:

• Dental anatomy
• Dental disease pathogenesis
• Applications of fluoride
• Plaque scoring
• Disease prevention
• Soft tissue lesions

Session 4

Skills-based learning of

• Oral health education and promotion
• Plaque scoring
• Moisture control
• Fluoride varnish application

We understand that deciding where and what to study is a very important decision for you. We’ll make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the courses, services and facilities as described on our website. However, if we need to make material changes, for example due to significant disruption, or in response to COVID-19, we’ll let our applicants and students know as soon as possible.

Assessment strategy

Assessment of progress of skills acquisition is through the use of a 12 week student portfolio.

Academic staff will assess development of underpinning knowledge through Direct observation of performance (DOPs) within clinical setting and provide developmental feedback throughout the duration of the programme.

Our CPD Funding page has more information on fees for our modules and potential funding sources.

We have guidance on making your application and the forms to download on our how to apply page.