Overview

This 2 year full time programme aims to provide the Dental Nurse with practical skills supported by the theoretical knowledge required to understand the Dental Nurse's role and responsibility as part of the dental team.

First Year - Dental Nursing

In order to be admitted to the First University Examination in Dental Nursing, a student must have satisfactorily attended (subsequent to entry to the College of Medicine and Health) prescribed modules amounting to 60 credits.

Second Year - Dental Nursing

No student may enter the Second Year of the Diploma in Dental Nursing until he/she has passed the First University Examination in Dental nursing. In order to be admitted to the Second University Examination in Dental Nursing, a student must have satisfactorily attended (subsequent to entry to the College of Medicine and Health) prescribed modules amounting to 60 credits.

Examinations

Full details and regulations governing Examinations for each programme will be contained in the Marks and Standards Book and for each module in the Book of Modules.

Programme Requirements

Module List

Code	Title	Credits
Year 1
Students take 60 credits as follows:
Core Modules
DN1001	Ethical Issues in the Provision of Dental Care	5
DN1002	Microbiology and Cross Infection Control for Dental Nurses	15
DN1005	Dental Anatomy and Physiology (Oral and Systemic) for Dental Nursing	10
DN1007	Dental Pathology and Disease	10
DN1008	Restorative Dentistry for Dental Nurses	10
DN1009	Oral Surgery for Dental Nurses	10
Year 2
Students take 60 credits as follows:
Core Modules
DN2111	Oral Health & Development for Dental Nurses	10
DN2112	Dental Practice Administration	5
DN2113	Clinical Logbook	20
DN2115	Medical Emergencies for Dental Nurses	10
DN2116	Dental Research Based Project	15
Total Credits		120

Examinations

Full details and regulations governing Examinations for each programme will be contained in the Marks and Standards Book and for each module in the Book of Modules.

Programme Learning Outcomes

Programme Learning Outcomes for Diploma in Dental Nursing (NFQ Level 7, Special Purpose Award)
On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

• Recognise the importance of cross infection control and demonstrate its application in the clinical dental environment;
  
• Apply knowledge and understanding of the anatomical and physiological structures in the oral cavity and provide an overview of the structure and function of systems relevant to dentistry;
  
• Enable the student to discuss and debate ethical and professional issues in relation to Dental Nursing and describe the role of the Dental Nurse within the dental team;
  
• Demonstrate an understanding of oral pathology and disease as it applies to the work of the Dental Nurse;
  
• Demonstrate an understanding of the basic theory and practical application of skills in Restorative Dentistry;
  
• Demonstrate an understanding of the principles and clinical practice of oral surgery and oral medicine;
  
• Apply knowledge and understanding on how to respond appropriately to medical emergencies in the dental surgery;
  
• Demonstrate an understanding of the basic theory and its practical application in the following areas: Orthodontics, Paediatric Dentistry and Dental Public Health;
  
• Enable the student to demonstrate an awareness of the principles of practice administration;
  
• Obtain, record and have verified their clinical practice;
  
• Demonstrate an understanding of given topics in relation to Dental Nursing which develops their research and presentation skills.