Level 3 Minor Oral Surgery (Dental Nursing)

Course title: Certificate in Minor Oral Surgery (Dental Nursing)
This course is aimed at dental nurses who wish to assist in the provision of minor oral surgery treatments in both general practice and hospital environments.
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:

  • Workplace Record of Competence which forms 30% of the final grade
  • Essay submission - an extended essay with research element is required in the final module and forms 20% of the overall grade
  • Case study – an extended case study on a specific area of minor oral surgery should be completed and forms 10% of the overall grade
  • Final examination - a 60 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: Optional - Suture removal
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
Anatomy of the head		 Multiple choice questions
 
Module 2 Content Module 2 Assessment
  • Pre-operative procedures
  • Patient selection and evaluation
  • Referral and pre operative assessment
  • Pre and post-operative instructions
 In module patient case assignments
 
Module 3 Content Module 3 Assessment
  • The clinical environment
  • Dental Surgery
  • Hospital
  • Common oral surgery procedures
 End of module essay questions
Workplace Portfolio of Evidence
 
Module 4 Content Module 4 Assessment
  • Complex Oral Surgery treatments
  • Anxiety and pain control
  • Medical emergencies
  • Post operative complications
 Extended case study
Workplace Portfolio of Evidence
 
Module 5 Content Module 5 Assessment
  • Physiology of blood
  • Haemorrhage and healing
  • Wound management
 End of module assignments
Extended essay (submitted at the end of the course)
 
Module 6 Content Module 6 Assessment
  • Suture removal
 WPE logs

Assessment

Extended Case Study

The candidate is required to complete a case study which involves the treatment of a more complex oral surgery case.

  • 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 action of blood with regard to the mechanisms of clotting, wound healing and abnormalities in the healing process. Candidates will be required to reference their work and research the content. The essay should be in the region of 1500 – 1800 words. This contributes to 20% of the final grade.

Written Exam

Candidates will be required to sit a final written exam of 60 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.