Level 3 Certificate in Advanced Oral Health Practice

Course title: Certificate in Advanced Oral Health Practice
This course is aimed at dental nurses who wish to provide oral health advice and education to patients as part of a treatment plan or as a preventive measure. Learners will also be able to apply fluoride as part of a treatment plan, and undertake plaque scoring to facilitate oral health education.
Awarded by: The Dental Education, Learning and Training Academy
Structure: The course is delivered by way of 6 modules. All modules are mandatory and must be passed
Grading: Pass or fail
Pre-requisites: Candidates must hold GDC registration and a recognised Dental Nurse qualification
Assessment: This qualification is assessed by:

  • Case studies – some of the modules will require the completion of one or more case studies (depending on the module subject). These case studies will be assessed collectively and form 30% of the overall grade
  • Essay submission - an extended essay is required in the final module and forms 10% of the overall grade
  • Oral Health session – an oral health session should be carried out and witnessed by a suitable person. This will contribute toward 20% of the final grade
  • Final examination - a 90 minute written exam on all subjects covered forms 40% of the overall grade
Candidates must achieve a pass in all assessments to gain the qualification.
Resit Arrangements: Candidates can receive a small course extension to amend or change any information in the case studies or essay submissions.
Candidates get two attempts at the final examination.
Practical Component: The application of fluoride and undertaking of plaque scoring
Guided Learning Hours: This programme is 300 Guided Learning Hours (GLH)
Course length: 9 - 12 months
Credits: This course attracts 30 credits

Course Content

Module 1 Content Module 1 Assessment
Dental Anatomy revision
Most popular oral diseases:
  • Periodontal conditions
  • Caries
 In-module assignments

Two case studies which contribute to the final grade
 
Module 2 Content Module 2 Assessment
Target groups
Communication and session planning
Resources		 In module questions and answers
 
Module 3 Content Module 3 Assessment
Sugars
The use of fluoride and its application
Managing dental caries		 Workplace evidence of the application of fluoride to 10 patients

End of module questions and answers
 
Module 4 Content Module 4 Assessment
Prevention of Dental Disease in children
  • Dental caries
  • Oral health advice - toothbrushing and plaque control
  • Diet and sugars
  • Fluoride and fissure sealants
  • Periodontal conditions
 End of module essays

Case study which contributes to the final grade
 
Module 5 Content Module 5 Assessment
Plaque Scoring
  • Professional Conduct
  • The Oral Cavity
  • Plaque Indices
 Submission of a workplace record of experience detailing 5 patients who have undergone plaque scoring

Extended case study which contributes to the final grade
 
Module 6  
Oral Health Session

Choose from:

An oral health advice session to a group with a minimum of three participants

An oral health presentation or talk to a larger group e.g. Brownies, school group or ante-natal group

An oral health session for a new mum to include advice for both the mum and the new baby		  

Assessment

Case Studies

The candidate is required to complete 6 case studies which involve their role in the treatment of patients by providing oral health advice. The case studies are assessed collectively and contribute to 30% of the final grade. All case studies must include:

  • Details of the treatment undertaken
  • The role of the dental nurse during the treatment
  • A critical evaluation of the appointment(s) including identification of strengths, areas of good practice and areas of improvement
  • Where possible, supporting literature should be included to justify treatment management decisions

Extended Essay

An extended essay on the management of a patient with barriers to oral health care. This essay title is provided in the final module of the course and the candidate has until the exam to complete and submit. This contributes to 10% of the final grade.

Oral Health Session

The candidate has a choice of three activities to undertake. They should produce full session plans, detailing aims and objectives of the session, information about the session and a full evaluation. This must be witnessed in full by a suitable person who is required to write a report.

Written Exam

Candidates will be required to sit a final written exam of 90 minutes duration. The examination is provided electronically and candidates will be able to take it in their own environment under strict, proctored examination conditions. A reliable WiFi connection is essential. This contributes to 40% of the final grade.