A career in Healthcare is much more than just a job – it's a hugely-rewarding vocation – and takes a very special kind of person. By choosing a career in dental nursing, you'll be supporting the dentist (or other member of a wider dental team) in all aspects of patients' treatment and dental care, for a wide variety of procedures. While some patients may simply be there for a check-up or for oral hygiene reasons, others may require complicated treatment or even a surgical procedure. You'll also need to build trust with your patients, and put them at ease during what can be a traumatic experience for some.
The Level 3 T-Level in Assisting with Healthcare Science: Dental Nursing pathway is a full-time, two-year qualification that is the equivalent to three A-Levels, and will provide you with the skills and knowledge required to succeed in this vital and fulfilling industry. It will not only develop your understanding of the healthcare sector as a whole but, through a combination of academic study and real-world work placement, will teach you the technical skills and specialised knowledge dental nursing requires.
Taught by our industry-expert faculty at our state-of-the-art Nine Elms facility, and including real-world workplace placements, your first year will provide you with a solid grounding on which to base your future health career; covering areas such as health and science concepts, theories and principles, the management of data, health and safety, clinical best practice, and the key regulations you need in any healthcare role. While your second year will focus far more on building your understanding of the dental nursing environment, and how you will support the team in treating patients; including the decontamination of instruments, maintaining operating equipment, looking after patient notes and records, and keeping the surgery running smoothly.
What experience and skills will you gain?
GENERAL HEALTHCARE SECTOR You will develop knowledge and skills in areas that can include:
- Working within the healthcare sector
- Health, safety and environmental regulations
- Managing information and data
- Principles of good scientific and clinical practice
- Core science concepts including the structure of cells, tissues and large molecules, genetics, microbiology and immunology
- Providing person-centred care
- Supporting health and wellbeing
- Further knowledge of both human anatomy and physiology and of diseases and disorders
- Infection prevention and control
DENTAL NURSING You will develop specialised knowledge and skills in areas that can include:
- Preparing and maintaining the clinical environment and carrying out infection control procedures
- Preparing, mixing and handling materials
- Keeping accurate and current patient records
- Preparing equipment and materials for dental radiographs
- Assisting with dental treatments and surgical procedures
- Giving appropriate oral and general health advice to patients
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Campus
This course will be delivered at London South Bank Technical College - Nine elms
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What do you need to apply?
5 GCSE qualifications (or equivalent) at grade A*-C or 9-4 or Relevant Level 2 vocational qualification
Additional information: GCSE maths and English at grade 4 or above required Double Science at grade 4 or above preferred
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How will you be assessed?
You will demonstrate your progress through a combination of written and on-line examinations, practical assignments, development reviews with experienced professionals, work-based projects, and the maintenance of a portfolio of evidence.
At the end of your T-Level, you will be awarded an overall grade of Pass, Merit, Distinction, or Distinction*, and will be awarded a nationally recognised certificate that details what you have achieved.
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Where can this course take you?
On successful completion of your T-Level, you could directly enter employment in a dental nursing support role with the NHS or in a private dental setting, or choose to further develop your knowledge and skills by advancing to a higher-level qualification or degree apprenticeship, or a BSc (Hons) in Dental Hygiene undergraduate degree with LSBU.
