Course summary
Our Dental Nursing Foundation Degree course provides you with a wide range of academic skills and work related competencies. On completion of the award you will be able to apply for registration with the General Dental Council. The course is designed to recognise the increasing need for theory linked to practice, which is supported through applying the General Dental Council Standards for the Dental Team (2013) and the General Dental Council (2015) learning outcomes for Dental Nurses. You will understand the key competencies required to work safely as a registered dental nurse and on completion of the course you will be able to put these into practice confidently. Our Dental Nursing course encourages the holistic care and treatment of dental patients and supports you in expanding your knowledge so that you are prepared for a career in Dental Nursing. The course links theory to practice, supported through underpinning knowledge, work-based clinical skills, and placement options each year. You will be offered a range of work placements in environments such as general dental practices, hospitals and orthodontics, which will allow you to develop your competence in a range of skills before you register with the General Dental Council. Through studying this Foundation Degree you will be able to develop careers in areas of dental nursing including radiography, oral hygiene instruction, sedation, work-based mentoring and special care dental nursing. By studying at the University of Northampton, you can be sure that:
- You will experience student life at the University’s £330 million Waterside Campus. Come along to an Open Day and find out more.
- At UON we guarantee a room in our Halls of Residence for all new full-time, first year students who apply and accept their room offer by June 2025 - and we won't ask for a deposit for September 2025*.
- Students enrolling on this course at Northampton will be provided with their own brand new laptop** to keep at no additional cost. All sports clubs and societies are free to join at Northampton and every essential course text book is available via the library, meaning you won’t have to purchase copies. For more information on this visit our website (northampton.ac.uk/benefits).
- Our expert academics teach in small groups supported with one to one assistance. Our academics and students form a tight bond, providing individualised support and guidance whilst challenging students academically.
- Whatever your ambitions, we’re here to help you to achieve them. We’ll support you to identify the skills you’re learning during your course, find your strengths and secure practical experience so that when it comes to applying for jobs or further study you’ll feel confident in standing out from the crowd.
Modules
STAGE 1: • Dental Nursing Practice 1 (compulsory) • Foundations of Dental Nursing (compulsory) • Introduction to Biomedical Science and Oral Biology (compulsory) • Chairside Support (compulsory) STAGE 2: • Dental Nursing Practice 2 (compulsory) • Managing Patient Care (compulsory) • Applied Biomedical Science and Oral Biology (compulsory) • Advanced Chairside Support (compulsory) *Students take all modules. **Module information is quoted for 2024/25 entry. Please note that modules run subject to student numbers and staff availability, any changes will be communicated to applicants accordingly.
Assessment method
There are various assessment methods, these include: viva voce; clinical simulated tests; presentations; assignments; electronic clinical portfolio.
How to apply
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
- Course code:
- B750
- Institution code:
- N38
- Campus name:
- Waterside Campus
- Campus code:
- -
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - 64 points
A level - DEE - DD
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - MPP
Access to HE Diploma - M: 15 credits P: 30 credits
Scottish Higher - CCCC - BCC
AS
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)
Pearson BTEC Extended Diploma (QCF) - MPP
Pearson BTEC Diploma (QCF)
Pearson BTEC 90-Credit Diploma (QCF)
Pearson BTEC Subsidiary Diploma (QCF)
Pearson BTEC Certificate (QCF)
Scottish Advanced Higher - DD
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 24 points
Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (first teaching September 2015)
Extended Project
Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017) - H4, H4, H4
Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal - P3, P3, P3
OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma - MPP
OCR Cambridge Technical Diploma
OCR Cambridge Technical Subsidiary Diploma
OCR Cambridge Technical Foundation Diploma
OCR Cambridge Technical Introductory Diploma
OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate
OCR Cambridge Technical Certificate
AQA Level 3 (Foundation) Technical Level (360 glh)
AQA Level 3 Technical Level (540 glh)
AQA Level 3 Technical Level (720 glh)
AQA Level 3 Technical Level (1080 glh) - MPP
T Level - Pass (D or E)
All applicants must also have a GCSE Grade C in English Language or a recognised equivalency (e.g. Level 2 Key/Functional Skills). If taken within an Access course 12 credits at level 2 or 6 credits at level 3 in English.
Additional entry requirements
Criminal records declaration (DBS/Disclosure Scotland)
Health checks
Student Outcomes
The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
Republic of Ireland | £9250 | Year 1 |
England | £9250 | Year 1 |
Northern Ireland | £9250 | Year 1 |
Scotland | £9250 | Year 1 |
Wales | £9250 | Year 1 |
Channel Islands | £9250 | Year 1 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
Provider information
University of Northampton
The University of Northampton
Waterside Campus
University Drive
Northampton
NN1 5PH