Certificate In Special Care Dental Nursing

Overview

The Certificate in Special Care Dental Nursing is a qualification suitable for dental nurses who assist during the treatment of people whose health and social care needs may require special oral health care provision.
The qualification is only available through accredited Training Centres. Candidates will be required to attend a programme of theoretical instruction and also compile evidence of practical competence through a Record of Experience.

Syllabus

The syllabus for the Certificate in Special Care Dental Nursing details areas of knowledge and understanding which a dental nurse working with special care patients needs to develop in order to practise competently. Therefore much of the assessment is based on the candidate being able to apply the knowledge and understanding in a practical setting. NEBDN continually monitors and reviews the structure of the qualification to ensure that it meets current educational requirements and the needs of the profession

The syllabus includes words such as describe, explain, identify or demonstrate which indicate the depth of understanding required and will determine how the assessments for the qualification are carried out.

The application of knowledge in practical situations and the skills required are assessed through a Record of Experience.

Training

Practical training should be undertaken in the dental environment under the supervision of a dentist and recorded on log sheets in a Record of Experience.

Theoretical training must be undertaken by attendance on an NEBDN accredited course. The syllabus may be covered using lectures, seminars and practical simulation.

Examination

Underpinning knowledge and understanding are assessed by a written examination which candidates are able to undertake within their own Training Centre on the second Friday of June and December each year.

The 90 minute examination consists of:

Part A - 30 multiple choice questions

Part B - 4 short answer questions: • one describing a patient care plan (choice from two scenarios)
• choice of a further three from four questions.