National Diploma in Dental Nursing
The NEBDN Level 3 Diploma in Dental Nursing (RQF) course offers a structured and practical route to becoming a confident Dental Nurse.
Duration
12 months
Next start date
08/10/2026
Delivery method
Online and in-practice
Course fee
£1450.00 +VAT
Exam fee
£525
Tempdent have been at the forefront of dental nurse training for nearly 30 years with outstanding pass rates well above the natonal average. If you’re looking to begin, continue, or complete your training, our NEBDN National Diploma in Dental Nursing offers the flexibility and expert support you need to succeed. We offer monthly start dates giving you more flexibility, less waiting, and a faster route towards qualification. We are proud to have been awarded the NEBDN award of Special recognition for our outstanding contribution to Dental Nurse education over the years
The NEBDN Level 3 Diploma in Dental Nursing (RQF) course offers a structured and practical route to becoming a confident and competent Dental Nurse. This General Dental Council (GDC) recognised qualification prepares learners to meet all outcomes outlined in the GDC’s Preparing to Practice document, ensuring a strong foundation in clinical knowledge, patient care, and professional standards.
Learners develop core skills across clinical practice, communication, professionalism, and leadership, gaining hands-on experience in dental procedures, patient interaction, and infection control. Upon successful completion of the course, learners are eligible for GDC registration as a Dental Nurse, unlocking a professional qualification and a clear career path.
Graduates can progress to post-registration courses such as Oral Health Practitioner and Dental Radiography, with further opportunities to move into teaching, assessing, or dental hygiene and therapy careers.
Course Payment Options
Option 1
Got a trainee dental nurse placement already? Go ahead and click book now to complete your application form and pay for the course.
Option 2
Need support finding a trainee dental nurse role? Click book now and pay a £150+vat deposit for support to help you find a role in our network of dental practices (please note remainder of course fees will be payable once you have a trainee nurse role)
Should you wish to set up a payment plan for the remainder of the fees this can be organised for you.
Who is this course for?
This course is ideal for individuals who are passionate about starting a career in dental nursing and are ready to gain a recognised qualification. Whether you’re new to the dental field or currently working in a dental practice and looking to formalise your role, the NEBDN National Diploma in Dental Nursing provides the essential training and support to help you succeed.
It’s suited to learners who are committed to developing clinical, communication, and professional skills, and who want to play a key role in patient care and dental team support. With flexible online learning and full guidance from our experienced tutors, this course is designed for those seeking a structured pathway into dental nursing and long-term career progression in the profession.
What will you learn?
Throughout this course, you’ll gain the essential knowledge and hands-on skills required to become a competent and confident Dental Nurse. The curriculum covers key areas including clinical practice, patient care and management, infection control, dental radiography, and medical emergencies. In addition to clinical expertise, the course develops your communication, professionalism, and leadership skills, preparing you to work effectively within a dental team and contribute to a safe, patient-focused environment.
With a blend of online learning, workplace experience, and structured assessments, you’ll be fully equipped to meet the standards for GDC registration and begin a successful career in dental nursing.
What does GDC- registered mean?
Becoming GDC-registered means you’re officially recognised by the General Dental Council (GDC) – the UK’s regulator for dental professionals. This registration shows that you’ve met the required qualifications and standards to safely work in dentistry or provide certain types of dental care.
Upon successful completion of this Dental Nurse course , you will become GDC-registered meaning you are also eligible to enrol on our post-registration courses.
Curriculum
- Health & safety and infection control in the workplace
- Medical emergencies
- Dental radiography
- Legislation and ethics
- Dental and general anatomy
- Dental diseases – cause, diagnosis, and prevention
- Dental check-ups, treatment planning, and actual treatments
- Patient care and management
- Dental drugs, materials, instruments, and equipment
Tutor bio
Hello, I’m Kelly Rutter, a Tutor Assessor and IQA here at Tempdent. As a Dental Nurse Tutor, I deliver the knowledge that the learners need to feel confident and ready for their examinations.
I also work as an IQA to ensure the quality of your record of evidence is maintained to enable it to go through checks by the awarding body successfully.
This course gives you everything you need to succeed, and I’ll be with you every step of the way!
Were you a learner with Learn Direct or Smile Wisdom?
Interested in transferring your studies? Complete the form below and we’ll be in touch to discuss your unique situation.
Courses available
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National Diploma in Dental Nursing - Online
This 12 months online dental nursing diploma course is comprised of a written examination, practical examinations and a workplace portfolio (Record of Experience).
The awarding body for the National Diploma for dental nurse qualification is the National Examining Board for Dental Nurses (NEBDN.) Tempdent is an accredited NEBDN training centre.
We offer a choice of weekend or evening classes through our online learning platform.
Who Should Attend
- Unqualified dental nurses already working as dental nurses
- Candidates interested in becoming a dental nurse
- Qualified but unregistered dental nurses who wish to obtain a dental nursing qualification and be registered with the GDC
- Overseas qualified dentists wishing to work as dental nurses in the UK
Intakes and Venues
- We have 2 intakes per year for our Dental Nurse course, please enquire. Check our website or call us on 020 8371 6700 for start dates.
- This course closes 2 weeks before the published start date.
- We are able to run the National Diploma qualification in-house at your dental practice by special arrangement. Please note that standard course fees may not apply.
- Classes are delivered online through live webinars and supported with online learning resources.
How to Book
- You will need to attend an online enrolment where your literacy and numeracy skills levels will be assessed via a 20 minute Level 1 Basic Skills Assessment.
- All experienced dental nurses will also need to sit a 15 minute Dental Initial Assessment in order to assess the existing level of dental knowledge.
- You will then have a 1:1 interview with a member of our training team who will provide successful applicants with a course acceptance letter.
- To book an enrolment, please contact us on 0208 371 6700.
Course Fee
- The course fee is currently only £1450 + VAT, excluding a £525.00 examination fee.
- We are able to offer Functional Skills support at an extra cost, if you did not attain a GCSE Maths or English at grade C or above.
- A non-refundable deposit payment of £600.00+ VAT will be required to complete your enrolment
Download the brochure
National Diploma in Dental Nursing - Online
This 12 months online dental nursing diploma course is comprised of a written examination, practical examinations and a workplace portfolio (Record of Experience).
The awarding body for the National Diploma for dental nurse qualification is the National Examining Board for Dental Nurses (NEBDN.) Tempdent is an accredited NEBDN training centre.
We offer a choice of weekend or evening classes through our online learning platform.
Who Should Attend
- Unqualified dental nurses already working as dental nurses
- Candidates interested in becoming a dental nurse
- Qualified but unregistered dental nurses who wish to obtain a dental nursing qualification and be registered with the GDC
- Overseas qualified dentists wishing to work as dental nurses in the UK
Intakes and Venues
- We have 2 intakes per year for our Dental Nurse course, please enquire. Check our website or call us on 020 8371 6700 for start dates.
- This course closes 2 weeks before the published start date.
- We are able to run the National Diploma qualification in-house at your dental practice by special arrangement. Please note that standard course fees may not apply.
- Classes are delivered online through live webinars and supported with online learning resources.
How to Book
- You will need to attend an online enrolment where your literacy and numeracy skills levels will be assessed via a 20 minute Level 1 Basic Skills Assessment.
- All experienced dental nurses will also need to sit a 15 minute Dental Initial Assessment in order to assess the existing level of dental knowledge.
- You will then have a 1:1 interview with a member of our training team who will provide successful applicants with a course acceptance letter.
- To book an enrolment, please contact us on 0208 371 6700.
Course Fee
- The course fee is currently only £1450 + VAT, excluding a £525.00 examination fee.
- We are able to offer Functional Skills support at an extra cost, if you did not attain a GCSE Maths or English at grade C or above.
- A non-refundable deposit payment of £600.00+ VAT will be required to complete your enrolment
Download the brochure
National Diploma in Dental Nursing - Online
This 12 months online dental nursing diploma course is comprised of a written examination, practical examinations and a workplace portfolio (Record of Experience).
The awarding body for the National Diploma for dental nurse qualification is the National Examining Board for Dental Nurses (NEBDN.) Tempdent is an accredited NEBDN training centre.
We offer a choice of weekend or evening classes through our online learning platform.
Who Should Attend
- Unqualified dental nurses already working as dental nurses
- Candidates interested in becoming a dental nurse
- Qualified but unregistered dental nurses who wish to obtain a dental nursing qualification and be registered with the GDC
- Overseas qualified dentists wishing to work as dental nurses in the UK
Intakes and Venues
- We have 2 intakes per year for our Dental Nurse course, please enquire. Check our website or call us on 020 8371 6700 for start dates.
- This course closes 2 weeks before the published start date.
- We are able to run the National Diploma qualification in-house at your dental practice by special arrangement. Please note that standard course fees may not apply.
- Classes are delivered online through live webinars and supported with online learning resources.
How to Book
- You will need to attend an online enrolment where your literacy and numeracy skills levels will be assessed via a 20 minute Level 1 Basic Skills Assessment.
- All experienced dental nurses will also need to sit a 15 minute Dental Initial Assessment in order to assess the existing level of dental knowledge.
- You will then have a 1:1 interview with a member of our training team who will provide successful applicants with a course acceptance letter.
- To book an enrolment, please contact us on 0208 371 6700.
Course Fee
- The course fee is currently only £1450 + VAT, excluding a £525.00 examination fee.
- We are able to offer Functional Skills support at an extra cost, if you did not attain a GCSE Maths or English at grade C or above.
- A non-refundable deposit payment of £600.00+ VAT will be required to complete your enrolment
Download the brochure
FAQs
What is the National Diploma in Dental Nursing?
The National Diploma in Dental Nursing is a professional qualification awarded by The National Examining Board for Dental Nurses (NEBDN). It is designed for individuals who want to become a qualified Dental Nurse in the UK. Once completed, it allows you to register with the General Dental Council (GDC).
Can Tempdent help if I don't have a trainee dental nurse role?
Tempdent have been at the forefront of Dental Nurse training and recruimtment since 1996. If you don’t currently have a trainee dental nurse role we can support you to find a job so that you can start your training as soon as possible. Simply click book now, complete the application form for the course and pay a small deposit (non-refundable) to join our Talent Pool. We will then provide support to get you an interview at a suitable dental practice to start your training.
What support do I get from Tempdent?
Tempdent has extremely high pass rate, giving employers and learners confidence that their trainee is being supported to successfully complete their qualification. Whilst other training providers offer tiered levels of support for their learners we focus on providing clear guidance and support that we know works based on our many years of delivering this qualification. Tempdent have a dedicated team of tutors, some of whom are involved with the examination board giveing them a strong understanding of the qualification and what is required to achieve the best possible results.
When can I start?
Tempdent offer convenient monthly start dates so that you can join at any time.
How long is the course?
The course length varies depending on start date but can be completed in a minimum of 15 months with a maximum of four exam attempts.
What if I leave my dental practice during the course?
If you leave your current practice, there may be a delay in your course progress due to the gap in employment. To help minimize disruption, we provide learners with Tempdent recruitment details so you can quickly find a new placement and continue your training without unnecessary delays.
If I work in a specialist practice, such as orthodontics, can I complete the course?
Yes, you can. However, you will need access to a practice that provides general dentistry services to ensure you meet all the learning requirements.
Is wider practice support required?
Yes. The Portfolio of Experience (PoE) you build throughout the course must be completed within a dental practice, and all competencies need to be signed off by a GDC-registered professional.
Are you a current learner on this course looking for support?
Reach out to your dedicated Tempdent Tutor Assessor or email our training support team on training@tempdent.co.uk