Dental Nursing Resources and Advice

The NEBDN (National Examining Board for Dental Nurses) National Diploma is one of many pathways you can follow to become a dental nurse.

There are three sections which you must pass for the NEBDN National Diploma:

1. A record of clinical procedures which shows that you know how to nurse (this is the Record of Experience ‘ROE’).
2. A written examination consisting of multiple choice questions on the theory of nursing. Note; you cannot take the written examination until you’ve submitted your ROE to the NEBDN and passed this stage
3. A practical examination (referred to as an OSCE) The OSCE cannot be taken until the written examination has been passed

• There are other ways to becoming a dental nurse, although here at FDE we only teach the NEBDN National Diploma.
• There is plenty of information online – here are some other routes you could investigate:

• Foundation Degree Dental Nursing (FdSc)
• The Advanced Apprenticeship in Health – Dental Nursing

• So, undertake plenty of research and do give us a call if you get stuck (although we can’t promise we’ll know too much about these other pathways!)

Dental nurses are essential members of the dental team. They work closely with dentists to provide patients with high-quality care. If you’re looking for a rewarding career in healthcare, dental nursing is a great option.

• Salary: a full-time qualified dental nurse at Frays Dental Centre (FDC) will start on approximately £27,000 (1); this compares to an average graduate salary of approximately £25,000 (2).
• Student debt: in England, universities can charge student tuition fees of up to £9,250 per annum (3). Assuming a 3-year degree course and factoring in maintenance, this can easily lead to student debts of £60,000 or higher (4). By studying with Frays Dental Education (FDE), dental nurses will earn while they learn, accumulating zero student debt.
• Flexibility: a dental nursing qualification is recognised nationally providing fantastic job mobility.
• Career progression: post-qualification, there are a number of different pathways available. Dental nurses who have studied with FDE have gone on to have careers in management, teaching, specialist nursing, or general dentistry.

Sources:

1 As of August 2023

2 Think Student (2022)

3 The Complete University Guide (2023/24)

4 Save the Student