NEBDN Level 3 Diploma in Dental Nursing
Advance Your Career with the NEBDN Level 3 Diploma in Dental Nursing
GDC recognised Qualification to Become a Dental Nurse
The NEBDN Level 3 Diploma in Dental Nursing is a recognised qualification by the General Dental Council (GDC) in the UK. This 12-month programme is designed to equip aspiring dental nurses with the essential knowledge and practical skills required for a successful career in dental healthcare as a qualified dental nurse.
This course is suitable for any individuals from various backgrounds, including career changers and young professionals seeking a recognised qualification in dental nursing. This course is ideal for freshers aiming to start a career in dental nursing as well as those currently employed in dental practices seeking formal qualifications. It is accredited by the National Examining Board for Dental Nurses (NEBDN) and recognised by the General Dental Council (GDC), ensuring it meets the highest standards in dental education.
Join 10,000+ learners nationwide.
No prior experience needed.
Course Overview
Course Duration: 12-18 Months | Class Mode: Online or Face-to-face | Class Days: Weekly Based
The NEBDN Level 3 Diploma in Dental Nursing is a nationally recognised qualification designed to equip you with the essential knowledge, skills and professional standards required to work as a qualified dental nurse in the UK. This course is ideal for beginners, career changers, or those already working in a dental setting without a formal qualification. Delivered through flexible online or face-to-face classes, it allows you to earn while you learn by working as a Trainee Dental Nurse during your studies.
- Awarding Body: National Examining Board for Dental Nurses (NEBDN)
- Level: 3 (RQF)
- Credits: 43
- Total Qualification Time (TQT): 457 hours
- Guided Learning Hours (GLH): 340 hours
- Assessment Method:
- Portfolio of Evidence (PoE)
- Knowledge Test (MCQ-based)
- Professional Discussion (scenario-based)
- UCAS Points: 32 UCAS points awarded on successful completion, which can be used towards university applications or further education in related fields such as:
- Dental hygiene or therapy
- Education and training qualifications
- Health and social care degrees
You’ll be supported throughout by our experienced tutors, dedicated POE (Portfolio of Evidence) mentors, and a excellent recruitment team that helps you secure a placement. Upon successful completion, you’ll be eligible to register with the General Dental Council (GDC), opening doors to further career progression such as becoming a specialist dental nurse, oral health educator, or even advancing into dental hygiene or therapy.
Who can Apply?
- Beginners with no prior work experience
- Career changers
- Those already working in dental practices but not yet qualified
Entry Requirements
To enrol in NEBDN Level 3 Diploma in Dental Nursing at Forward Academic Team, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Aged 16+
- Must be eligible to work in the UK
- English proficiency (Initial Assessment Required)
- Must not be enrolled to other full-time courses
Fees and Payment Options
Total Fee: £2,375
This total fee is including the NEBDN registration fee of £450.
Please choose your payment options below:
Payment Option 1:
- Full Fees up-front during registration
- Also, get a discount of £225 if you prefer to pay full fees upfront.
Payment Option 2:
- Initial fee during registration: £450
- 7x Monthly Installments (7x£200): £1,400
- NEBDN registration fee: £525 (will have to pay along the 2nd instalment fee)
College Bank Details:
Account Name: Forward Academic Team Ltd
Account Number: 73729672
S Code: 20-29-63
Bank: Barclays Bank
Note: All fees are non-refundable.
For application support, please call our admission support team at 020 7018 0221
Admission Process
Application process at Forward Academic Team:
- Submit the application documents such as Application Form, CV, Proof of ID and Proof of Address via email or through post mail to Woolwich centre
- Fee payment to the college
- Receive the enrolment letter as confirmation that is required for the placement purpose as well.
Please email the application documents to courses@forwardacademicteam.co.uk
For application support or help, please call our admission team at 020 7018 0221
Assessments
- Portfolio of Evidence (PoE)
- Knowledge Test (Written Exam)
- Professional Discussion
Each component must be passed to achieve the full NEBDN Level 3 Diploma in Dental Nursing qualification.
POE (Portfolio of Evidence)
Portfolio of Evidence (PoE):
Throughout the course, you will complete an online portfolio known as the Record of Evidence (PoE). This includes practical tasks, reflective logs and witness testimonies completed while working in a dental practice as Trainee Dental Nurse.
- Completed digitally via PebblePad over a minimum of 6 months
- Includes assessor observations, witness testimonies, personal statements, and more
- Internally assessed and quality assured by the college
- Graded: Pass or Fail
The Role of the Internal Assessor
Internal Assessors play a vital role in the delivery and assessment of the NEBDN Level 3 Diploma in Dental Nursing by evaluating learner competence through the Portfolio of Evidence (PoE). They ensure learners are meeting the required standards to practice safely and professionally as dental nurses.
The Role of a Witness in the Portfolio of Evidence (PoE) – Dental Practice
A Witness is a GDC-registered dental professional who works directly with the learner and provides testimony based on first-hand observation of the learner’s clinical practice. Their evidence supports the learner’s competence against specific assessment criteria outlined by NEBDN.
Examination Format: Final Assessment
All NEBDN Exams are online and delivered through MaxExam App. The NEBDN Level 3 Diploma in Dental Nursing assessment format is as follows:
1. Knowledge Test (Written Exam)
- Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
- 65 Multiple Choice Questions (90 minutes)
- Conducted online via the MaxExam app
- Must be passed before attempting the final assessment
2. Professional Discussion
- 60-minute virtual discussion based on the GDC Scope of Practice and real workplace scenarios
- Conducted online with NEBDN assessors
- Conducted online (MaxExam/Zoom App)
All registered exam candidates are provided with unique login details by the NEBDN to access the MaxExam app. Prior to the final exam, NEBDN also hosts a simulation exam session, giving students an opportunity to experience the format and interface in advance — helping them feel confident and prepared.
Successful learners are then eligible to register with the General Dental Council (GDC) as a fully qualified Dental Nurse.
Career Progression
Becoming a GDC-registered Dental Nurse opens the door to a wide range of exciting career opportunities within the dental and healthcare sector. With your NEBDN Level 3 Diploma, you’ll be equipped to take the next step in your professional journey.
GDC registered Dental Nurses are high in demand across the UK, including:
- NHS and private dental practices
- Hospitals and community dental services
- Royal Army dental services
- Specialist clinics (e.g. orthodontics, maxillofacial surgery)
- Dental education and training centres
As a qualified Dental Nurse, you can pursue additional training and specialisms, such as:
- Dental Radiography
- Oral Health Education
- Sedation Nursing
- Orthodontic Nursing
- Special Care Dental Nursing
- Dental Implants Nursing
These additional qualifications can expand your clinical role and increase your earning potential.
Career Pathways:
Your experience and qualification also pave the way for progression into:
- Treatment Coordinator
- Practice Manager
- Clinical Educator or Assessor
- Dental Nursing Tutor
- Dental Hygienist or Therapist (via further university-level study)
With continued professional development and experience, you can build a long-term, rewarding career in dentistry with real opportunities to grow and lead.
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