The Level 3 Diploma in Dental Nursing (RQF) by Infills Academy is accredited by the National Examination Board for Dental Nurses (NEBDN), and the qualification is approved by the General Dental Council (GDC). Upon completion, this dental nurse qualification will enable learners to apply for registration with the GDC and work as a qualified dental nurse.
The syllabus for the Level 3 Diploma in Dental Nursing is delivered online. It combines video lessons supported by a personal assessor and work experience in a dental practice which will enable you to acquire essential skills and the confidence necessary to deal with both members of the public and dental professionals. Online dental nurse training is a highly flexible way to study towards your dental nurse qualification. You can learn at your own pace and choose study times that suit you. The only fixed dates are the final examinations. You do not need to wait for specific start dates - you can begin learning at any time
- Awarding Body: NEBDN (National Examining Board for Dental Nurses)
- Accreditation: General Dental Council (GDC)
- Level: RQF Level 3 (Equivalent to A-Levels)
- Duration: Typically 12–18 months (457 total qualification hours, including 340 Guided Learning Hours)
- Delivery: Blended learning with digital portfolio via PebblePad
The diploma is structured into 10 comprehensive units, covering:
- Professional practice and ethics
- Leadership and teamwork
- Communication in the dental setting
- Inclusive practice and equality
- Assessment and diagnosis
- Treatment planning and referral
- Promoting oral health
- Health and wellbeing (self and team)
- Continuing professional development (CPD)
- Responding to risks and medical emergencies
This qualification prepares students to meet modern professional standards in dentistry while balancing work and study.
You’ll be assessed through three core components:
- Portfolio of Evidence
- Completed online via PebblePad
- Includes: observations, video evidence, patient feedback, witness testimonies
- Minimum of 6 months practical experience required
- Internally assessed and quality assured
- 75-question, 90-minute multiple choice exam
- Tests knowledge across all 10 units
- Taken via MaxExam app, externally marked by NEBDN
- 55-minute online discussion based on workplace scenarios
- Focused on the nine key duties of a Dental Nurse
- Final stage before qualification can be awarded
All assessments are graded on a Pass/Fail basis. Three resit opportunities are available for both the Knowledge Test and the Professional Discussion.
Course Materials
- Induction
- Handbook
- Online Modules accessed via our website (can be used for revision)
- End of module tests
- Practical video tutorials
- MOCK exams that replicate the real exams
- Exam revision/q&a sessions
- Access to Pebblepad for POE completion (NEBDN's online software)
- Personal assessor for help and support and to sign off POE
- NEBDN written exam and Professional Discussion
The course is built around 10 key units, aligned with GDC registration requirements and national occupational standards for dental nursing:
- Professional Practice within the Dental Setting
- Leadership, Management, and Teamworking
- Communication in the Dental Setting
- Inclusive Practice
- Assessment and Diagnosis
- Treatment Planning and Referral
- Promoting Oral Health
- Health and Wellbeing (Self & Team)
- Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
- Responding to Risks and Medical Emergencies
Assessment covers both knowledge and performance competencies, ensuring students demonstrate the skills, behaviours, and professionalism required for safe and effective dental practice.
Full payment
- £1,400
- Plus £525 upfront exam fees
- Valid for 15 months
Monthly instalments
- £525 upfront exam fee
- £96 per month for 15 months
- Valid for 15 months
*Only available to students with at least 12 months before the written exam date
Instalment plan
- Quarterly payments of £280
- Upfront exam fee of £525
- Valid for 15 months
What the course fee includes / excludes
Includes:
- All coursework online (up to 18 months)
- All mock exams and assessments
- Allocated personal assessor
- Initial written exam and professional discussion fees
- Records of Experience via PebblePad
- Exam group revision/Q&A sessions
- Student forum
Does not include:
- Textbooks or reference materials
- Exam resits
- Exam deferrals or course extensions
Enrolment Process:
- Welcome emails sent to student and employer both with forms to sign and return along with photographic ID and practice induction documents
- Welcome Pack posted (includes in-surgery manual)
- Online induction via Zoom
- Access given to course materials on our student login area
- Exam invoice issued
- Once paid, PebblePad login issued by NEBDN after exam registration (can take up to 28 days)
- Coursework targets sent to student
To enrol, you must:
- Aged 16 or over
- Employed as a trainee dental nurse
- Must be working in practice at least 16 hours per week as a trainee
How long does this route take?
This option usually takes around 12 months to complete.
What does the course consist of?
Providers of NEBDN courses may vary slightly but generally will include modules, mocks and 'Portfolio of evidence' to complete.
What qualifications do I need for this route?
There are no formal qualifications required but you must be fluent in written and spoken English.
How many exams are there?
There are two assessments: one written knowledge test and one professional discussion.
Where are the exams based?
All exams are online.
When are the exams held?
- Written examinations are held twice yearly in April and November.
- The Professional Discussion is completed online once eligibility requirements are met.
