NVQ in Dental Nursing

... if you're taking these qualifications

• What sorts of things do they cover?

  You'll cover things like:

  • health and safety hazards
  • reception duties
  • practice management
  • cross-infection control
  • preparation before dental procedures
  • patient support.
    
• How will I learn and be assessed?

  To gain an NVQ, you need to show you've got a particular set of skills. You usually work with your training provider to review your current skills and find the best way to gain new ones - perhaps by trying new things at work, or by studying.

  NVQs are assessed at work or in a simulated workplace. For each unit your assessor watches and asks questions as you perform a task, or looks at a portfolio of work that you've built as formal evidence of your learning. Then they confirm you've got the skills to do the job well.

  For the NVQ in Dental Nursing, you'll put together a portfolio of evidence for assessment.

• Which level is right for me?
  Level 3
  You're a dental nurse who provides direct chairside assistance, patient care and support during a range of dental treatments. You have a broad knowledge of dental equipment, instruments and materials.
  
• How long do they take?

  The NVQ in Dental Nursing usually takes:

  • 6 months to 1 year full time
  • 1 to 2 years part time.

  This is a rough guide - each centre decides its own timescales and you can often learn at your own pace.

• What jobs could they lead to?

  The NVQ in Dental Nursing can help you develop your career as a:

  • dental hygienist
  • dental nurse
  • dental technician
  • dental therapist.

  It's also a good basis for developing your career further - perhaps moving into:

  • specialist dental nursing
  • dental hygiene or therapy
  • teaching dental nursing
  • managing a dental practice.