Dental Nursing – Higher Certificate

This module will identify the anatomical and physiological structures in the head and neck with particular focus on the oral cavity and provide an overview of how these structures function and their relevance to the clinical application of dental nursing.

This module will inform students on the importance of infection, prevention and control (IPC) and to provide them with the skills to demonstrate its application in the clinical dental environment.

This module will focus on the theoretical and practical skills necessary to participate in a dental practice placement. Clinical skills teaching will take place in the Dental Training facilities at TUS (see video at the top of the course page).

The aim of this module is to introduce the student to the evidence base underpinning the delivery of clinically effective practice and care.

Introducing healthcare students to human anatomy and physiology along with frequently used terminology.

This module will focus further on the theoretical and core fundamental skills for dental nursing practice placement this semester.

This module will prepare the student for Clinical Dental Nursing Placement I and the role of the dental nurse when assisting the dentist, in safeguarding the health of patients and promoting the welfare of the community including Medical emergencies.

This block of Clinical Dental Placement will introduce students to the Dental Clinical Practice area and demonstrate the core fundamental skills necessary for the provision of dental care to patients in the clinical dental setting. Through Clinical Dental Placement the student will have the opportunity to develop core competencies in line with the Dental Nursing Competency based Framework in TUS.

This module explores the anatomical and physiological structures of the head/neck, an overview of how these structures function, emphasis on the aetiology and pathological factors of dental diseases. This will include an introduction to pathophysiology and treatment of systemic diseases.

This module will provide the student with knowledge and understanding of the structure and function of the human body across the lifespan as applied in healthcare including the principles of anatomy, physiology and pharmacology.

The student will learn the theoretical and practical skills necessary to actively participate in a dental practice placement. Continuing the clinical component of the dental nursing programme within the simulation dental training facilities.

The aim of the Clinical Dental Placement block is to enable the student to participate under close supervision of a competent Dental Healthcare Worker in the Dental Clinical Practice setting.

This module will enable students to understand the sociological dynamics of caring for individuals in contemporary society. The student will acquire an understanding of social factors and how they influence oral health and dentistry.

Introducing the student to the broad theories and principles of psychology and provide a foundation for the application of psychology theories to health. The module will also outline the key elements of effective interpersonal communication and professional relationships.

An introduction to scientific peer-reviewed research in the areas of dental health, dental nursing and dental evidence-based practice. Students will be guided on how to search, effectively read, understand critical appraisal tools and summarise scientific information.

This is the clinical component of the dental nursing programme that enables students to demonstrate communication skills with patients in the context of appropriate post-operative and care instructions, oral health education (supported by Oral Health Promotion module), and administration duties (supported by Dental Practice Management module).

Students are introduced to the principles and practice of health promotion for oral health, and prevention of dental diseases.  This module will teach students how to deliver practical individual and group Oral Health Promotion projects within the dental practice and community.

During the final block of Clinical Dental Placement students will participate as a competent Dental Healthcare Worker in the Dental Clinical Practice setting.  Students will develop a portfolio of learning which is clinically focused in its entirety, allowing the student to apply theory to practice.

Students will develop knowledge and understanding of Health and Safety Legislation, and relevant responsibilities in Dental Practice.

Students will recognise the importance of patient/client centred practice, the importance of personal, staff and customer care and develop the business management skills required of the Dental Nurse within the team in the Dental Practice.