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.

Enquiry Form

Do you need Placement Support? *
NEBDN Level 3 Diploma in Dental Nursing Banner

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.

NEBDN Exam Dates for 2025/26

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.

Register today!

Don’t miss the opportunity! Gain valuable skills that are in high demand across dental practices in the UK.

For more information, please contact the admission support team at 02070180221 or email at courses@forwardacademicteam.co.uk

FAQs

The NEBDN Level 3 National Diploma in Dental Nursing is a comprehensive programme designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to become a qualified dental nurse. The course covers both theoretical and practical aspects of dental nursing.

A Dental Nurse plays a crucial role in supporting dentists and ensuring the smooth operation of dental practices. Key responsibilities include:

  • Assisting the dentist during clinical procedures.
  • Preparing and sterilising dental instruments and equipment.
  • Providing patient care and support before, during, and after treatments.
  • Maintaining patient records and managing appointments.
  • Ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
  • Taking and processing dental radiographs (X-rays).
  • Educating patients on oral health and post-treatment care.

  • You can register with the General Dental Council (GDC) and enhance your professional prospects.
  • You can pursue post-registration courses and become a Specialist Dental Nurse.
  • You can engage in CPD activities like courses or workshops, and hands-on training to keep your skills and knowledge up-to-date and meet GDC requirements.
  • You can achieve better wages and improved job opportunities.
  • You can enrol in Dental Hygienist/Therapist courses.
  • You can enrol in Orthodontic Therapist courses.
  • You can become a Dental Nurse Tutor, or Dental Practice Manager among many other career advancements with further progression routes.

This NEBDN Level 3 Diploma in Dental Nursing is suitable for individuals who aspire to pursue a career in dental nursing, whether they are school leavers, career changers, or those already working in a dental practice looking to gain a formal qualification.

Applicants must be at least 16 years old and have a good command of English. No formal qualifications are required, but a commitment to study and the ability to complete practical placements are essential.  Additionally, all applicants must undergo an initial assessment and a literacy assessment as part of the enrolment process.

The course typically takes between 12-18 months to complete, depending on the student’s pace and the scheduling of practical placements.

The course combines classroom-based learning, online study, and practical work experience (placement to complete PoE) in a dental practice.

Class Mode:

  • Online class includes virtual live online class; online class resources; and 1-to-1 online support; classes are every week (2-3 hours).
  • Face-to-face classes are on a fortnightly basis (every 2 weeks). The classes are available exclusively in Woolwich, Farnborough and Basingstoke. Specific details can be obtained by contacting the admissions office at 02070180221.

Available to enrolled learners for free at Forward Academy: PoE support class, practice materials, exam revision class, multiple mock exams, 1-to-1 student support and many more.

The total fee for the course is £1850 (excluding the NEBDN registration fee of £525).

Payment plans are also available for learners.

Plan – A:

You will pay the full fee upfront. If you choose to pay the entire fee in advance, the total amount you need to pay will be £2150. This amount includes a discount of £225.

Plan – B:

Monthly fee plans:

  • Initial Deposit: £450
  • 7x equal instalments: £200 x 7 (£1400)
  • Exam fee: £525

Note: All fees are non-refundable.

The NEBDN Level 3 Diploma in Dental Nursing (RQF) is assessed through three key components:

  • Portfolio of Evidence (PoE) (on PebblePad)
  • Knowledge Test (on MaxExam App)
  • Professional Discussion (on MaxExam and Zoom App)

Students must pass all three assessments to be awarded the Diploma.

Courses start at different times throughout the year. The main intake months at Forward Academy are January, March, May, July, September and November.

Specific start dates are available on the website or can be obtained by contacting the admissions office at 02070180221.

To enrol, you will need to submit an application form, a photo ID, and proof of address.

Contact all the admission support team at 02070180221 for the application guidance and support.

Submit the required application documents to the college at courses@forwardacademicteam.co.uk

If you prefer to send your application documents by post, please use the following address:
Forward Academic Team Limited
16 Beresford Square, Woolwich
London SE18 6AY

Or, call the admission support team at 02070180221 to enquire or make an appointment.

To download the application form, please click this icon!

Yes, all our students receive assistance from our in-house recruitment team if they are not already employed as trainee dental nurses. We provide you with the necessary knowledge and training to help you secure a job in your local area.

Meanwhile, our recruitment team actively seeks job opportunities, arranges interviews with our partner employers and other dental practices, updates your CV and cover letter if needed, and prepares you for interviews by advising on potential questions and effective answers. **Placement is not guaranteed by the college.

Yes, this course is an “Earn and Learn” qualification. As soon as you enrol on this course, you will be able to work in a dental practice as a trainee dental nurse at the national minimum wage rate. You might be able to start working even before your theory classes begin. This wage may increase with further experience.

Yes, you are required to work a minimum of 16 hours per week as a Trainee Dental Nurse.

If you fail or defer the final exams, you will need to pay an additional fee to retake the exams. It is advisable to contact the admissions office for detailed information regarding retake fees and the process involved.

Each student will have a dedicated assessor and tutor providing one-to-one support throughout the course. Additionally, there will be dedicated PoE support tutors available to assist with PoE.

For more information, Please call the admission support team at 02070180221 or email courses@forwardacademicteam.co.uk to enquire or make an appointment.

Forward Academy
16 Beresford Square, Woolwich
London SE18 6AY
www.forwardacademicteam.com

Forward Academy (Forward Academic Team Limited) is an NEBDN Accredited centre for the Level 3 Diploma in Dental Nursing and Post-registration qualifications – Dental Radiography.