Level 3 Certificate in Paediatric Dental Nursing

Course title: Certificate in Paediatric Dental Nursing
This course is aimed at dental nurses who work with paediatric patients and who wish to improve their knowledge and understanding of this patient group.
Awarded by: The Dental Education, Learning and Training Academy
Structure: The course is delivered by way of seven 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 - each module will require the completion of one or more case studies (depending on the module subject). These case studies will be assessed collectively and form 40% of the overall grade
  • Essay submission - an extended essay is required in the final module and forms 20% of the overall 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: Undertaking 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
Managing the Child Patient
  • Consent
  • Medical Conditions and common childhood illnesses
  • History and Examination
  • The first appointment
  • Acclimatisation, prevention and stabilisation
  • Introduction to the principles of child development
  • Clinical conduct and the clinical environment
 In-module assignments

Two case studies which contribute to the final grade
 
Module 2 Content Module 2 Assessment
Growth and Development
  • Anatomy of the head
  • Abnormal and normal development
  • Deciduous and permanent dentition
  • Eruption dates - premature and delayed loss of primary teeth
  • Abnormalities and variants of normal development
  • Soft tissue development
 In module questions and answers

One case study which contributes to the final grade
 
Module 3 Content Module 3 Assessment
Behaviour Management, including Anxiety and Pain Management Options
  • Modelling, Communication, Tell-show-do
  • Patient considerations - age, level of co-operation, previous dental experience
  • Pain management
  • Sedation techniques - oral sedation, IV sedation, inhalation sedation
  • General anaesthesia
  • Topical and local anaesthesia
 In module patient survey
Two case studies which contribute to the final grade
 
Module 4 Content Module 4 Assessment
Prevention of Dental Disease
  • 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 Content Module 6 Assessment
Dental Procedures (Restorative)
  • Restoring primary and secondary dentition
  • Restorative materials, instruments and equipment
  • Stainless steel crowns
  • Pulp treatments
  • Periodontal conditions
 End of module assignments

Two case studies which contribute to the final grade
 
Module 7 Content Module 7 Assessment
Dental Procedures - Urgent Care and Trauma, Extractions and Orthodontics
  • Trauma and urgent care
  • Extractions - primary and secondary teeth
  • Extraction instruments
  • Complications
  • Orthodontic treatment indications
 End of module assignments

Two case studies which contribute to the final grade

Assessment

Case Studies

The candidate is required to complete 11 case studies which involve their role in the treatment of children in various dental situations. The case studies are assessed collectively and contribute to 40% 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 pain and anxiety contributes to 20% of the overall grade. This essay title is provided in the final module of the course and the candidate has until the exam to complete and submit.

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.