NEBDN Dental Nursing Assessments: Knowledge Test and Professional Discussion
The NEBDN Level 3 Diploma in Dental Nursing (RQF) prepares trainee dental nurses with the knowledge, practical skills and professional behaviours required to work safely and effectively within the dental team.
The qualification is assessed through three components:
- A Portfolio of Evidence
- An online Knowledge Test
- An online Professional Discussion
Learners must successfully complete all three components to achieve the qualification and become eligible to apply for registration with the General Dental Council.
Which NEBDN assessment route applies to me?
The assessment format depends on when you were registered with NEBDN.
Learners registered on or after 1 July 2025 usually follow the new Level 3 Diploma assessment route explained in this guide. Learners registered before this date may continue to follow the previous National Diploma route, which included a written examination and OSCE.
Your training provider will confirm which qualification and assessment schedule applies to you. It is important to follow the information provided specifically for your cohort rather than relying on guidance intended for learners on a different route.
1. Portfolio of Evidence
The Portfolio of Evidence, often shortened to PoE, is completed electronically through PebblePad.
It allows learners to demonstrate the knowledge, skills and professional behaviours they have developed while working as a trainee dental nurse. Evidence may include:
- Written knowledge evidence
- Workplace observations
- Professional discussions
- Witness testimonies
- Reflective accounts
- Patient feedback
- Supporting clinical evidence
- Video evidence where appropriate
The portfolio is assessed by an allocated assessor and is subject to internal quality assurance. Learners must be working in an appropriate dental environment so that they can produce authentic evidence from their own clinical practice.
The PoE should be completed consistently throughout the course rather than left until the end. Following coursework targets and responding promptly to assessor feedback can help learners remain on schedule.
2. Online Knowledge Test
The Knowledge Test is an externally set and marked online assessment consisting of multiple-choice questions.
For the current Level 3 Diploma, the Knowledge Test contains 75 questions and lasts 90 minutes. It assesses knowledge across the ten units of the qualification, including:
- Professional practice
- Communication
- Inclusive practice
- Clinical assessment
- Treatment planning
- Oral health
- Teamworking
- Health and wellbeing
- Professional development
- Risks and medical emergencies
Learners will need to demonstrate understanding across the complete curriculum. Revision should therefore cover every unit rather than concentrating only on familiar clinical procedures.
Infills Academy learners receive access to course materials, end-of-module tests, mock questions and revision support to help them prepare for this assessment.
3. Online Professional Discussion
The Professional Discussion is an online assessment conducted with an NEBDN examiner and lasts approximately 55 minutes.
It gives learners an opportunity to explain how they would apply their knowledge, skills and professional judgement in realistic workplace situations. Questions may explore areas such as:
- Patient care and communication
- Professionalism and ethical practice
- Cross-infection control
- Safeguarding
- Teamworking
- Medical emergencies
- Risk management
- Reflective practice
- Maintaining professional standards
This assessment is not simply a test of remembered facts. Learners must be able to explain what they would do, why they would do it and how their actions would support safe, patient-centred care.
Preparation should include practising verbal answers and applying knowledge to clinical scenarios. Learners may know the subject well but still benefit from becoming comfortable explaining their reasoning clearly.
How should I prepare for the assessments?
Keep up with your Portfolio of Evidence
Complete evidence regularly and respond to feedback as soon as possible. Falling behind with the portfolio can affect your eligibility for the external assessments.
Revise all ten units
Create a revision plan covering the complete curriculum. Include subjects that arise less frequently in your own workplace, as the Knowledge Test can assess any mapped area of the qualification.
Use mock assessments
Timed mock questions can help you become familiar with the pace of the Knowledge Test. Review incorrect answers and return to the relevant course material rather than simply memorising the correct option. For more practical study ideas, read our exam revision tips for dental nursing students.
Practise speaking about clinical scenarios
For the Professional Discussion, practise explaining your decisions aloud. Include the reasons behind your actions and relate your answers to patient safety, professional guidance and the GDC Standards for the Dental Team.
Read all instructions carefully
NEBDN and your training provider will issue specific information about assessment dates, identification, equipment, preparation activities and online assessment arrangements. Follow the instructions for your own cohort carefully, as requirements can change.
Prepare your technology in advance
If an assessment is taking place online, check your computer, camera, microphone, internet connection and power supply before the assessment day. Complete any mandatory system checks or preparation sessions within the stated deadline.
Academic integrity and professional conduct
NEBDN assessments must be completed independently and in accordance with the conditions provided.
Candidates must not access unauthorised materials, search for answers, receive help from another person or share assessment questions. Discussing confidential assessment content with other learners or on social media may breach professional standards and could lead to an investigation.
The honesty and integrity expected during assessment reflect the professional standards required of registered dental nurses.
How are the assessments graded?
The NEBDN Level 3 Diploma is graded on a Pass or Fail basis.
Learners must pass all required assessment components to achieve the qualification. If an assessment is not passed, the training provider will explain the available reassessment arrangements, relevant deadlines and any applicable fees.
What happens after I complete the qualification?
Once all required components have been successfully completed and the qualification has been awarded, learners can apply to register with the General Dental Council.
You cannot work as a qualified dental nurse or describe yourself as GDC registered until your registration application has been approved.
Our guide to what happens after passing your NEBDN assessments explains the next steps from receiving your results to applying for GDC registration.
You can learn more in our guide to registering with the GDC after qualifying as a dental nurse.
Frequently asked questions
Are the assessments completed online?
The Knowledge Test and Professional Discussion are delivered online. The Portfolio of Evidence is also completed electronically, using evidence gathered through workplace practice.
Do I have to complete an OSCE?
Learners following the new Level 3 Diploma assessment route complete a Knowledge Test and Professional Discussion instead of the previous written examination and OSCE format.
Legacy learners registered under the previous National Diploma may still be required to complete the older assessment route. Your training provider will confirm which route applies to you.
When are the assessments held?
Assessment dates are set by NEBDN and published within the relevant examination schedule. Learners should follow the schedule for their particular qualification and registration date.
Can I take the assessments before completing my portfolio?
Learners must meet the relevant eligibility requirements before being entered for external assessments. Infills Academy will monitor your progress and confirm when you are eligible.
What happens if I experience a technical problem?
Follow the instructions issued by NEBDN for your assessment and use the official support details provided for that session. Complete all required technology checks in advance and ensure your device remains connected to a power source.
Study for the NEBDN Level 3 Diploma with Infills Academy
Infills Academy delivers flexible online dental nurse training supported by workplace experience and an allocated personal assessor.
Our programme includes online learning, practical resources, mock assessments, portfolio support and revision sessions to help learners prepare for each stage of the qualification.
Find out more about the NEBDN Level 3 Diploma in Dental Nursing or view our pricing and enrolment options.