Only Social Work applicants need to pay for their DBS. It costs £46 and can be purchased on our online store.
Overview
The BSc in Enhanced Dental Nursing Practice is delivered in partnership with Guys and St Thomas NHS Foundation Trust. It aims to develop academic and clinical training to enable dental nurses to move into different career pathways within dentistry and other healthcare provisions. The degree covers all aspects and supports developing the learner to move into non-clinical roles such as leadership or quality or to continue down specialist pathways.
The BSc in Enhanced Dental Nursing Practice aims to further develop graduates to be enhanced practitioners with specialist skills such as oral health education and promotion as well as academic abilities within research and leadership. By nurturing personal development and utilising transferable skills you will be adaptable demonstrating your ability to work autonomously as well as undertake a whole host of health care employment opportunities
Why Dental Nursing Practice at LSBU?
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- Working with our highly experienced dental teams allowing you to experience the real-world work environment.
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- Dedicated facilities for simulation training laboratories at our Central London sites offering highly realistic virtual reality training.
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- Access to patients in year one.
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- A range of clinic placements within the current place of work, and training /teaching will be within the Hospital Setting.
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- LSBU Health and Social Care graduates are the second highest paid amongst all London Modern university graduates, and the sixth highest in the UK one year after graduating (DfE LEO data 2022).
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- Students on this course could be eligible to receive a non-repayable amount of up to £11,000 per academic year with the NHS Learning Support Fund.
| ModePart-time | Duration4 years | Start dateSeptember | Application code5947 | Application method Direct to LSBU |
Location
Guys & St Thomas Hospital
Entry Level Requirements
Want to start your course this September? call 0800 923 8888 for entry requirements.
Academic criteria requirements:
- English Level 2 (Functional skills/GCSE/Equivalent)
- Maths Level 2 (Functional skills/GCSE/Equivalent)
- Dental Nursing Level 3 qualification
Non-academic requirements:
- 2 years qualified dental nursing experience and they need to be registered as a Dental Nurse on the General Dental Council Register
The applicant must be able to demonstrate that they are supported by their employer and will ensure the following:
- Close mentorship during clinical and non-clinical working days
- Supported release of time to facilitate the applicant’s assessment requirements
- To have identified a suitable Lead Assessor with the relevant specialism and with relevant experience, knowledge, and skills to sign learners practice based learning records. These can include
- Consultants
- Dental Care Professionals
- Qualified Dentists
- Qualified specialist Dental Nurses with 2 years of experience.
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Missing English and Maths qualifications?
If you do not have the required English and Maths qualifications needed to satisfy the entry requirements for this programme, we have courses available at our partner College that you can take to upskill in these areas. Find out more at South Bank College.
Advanced entry
If you have already completed some studies at another university, we may be able to consider you for advanced entry. Please see our advanced entry page for more information.
The international fee for this course shows as "£0" because this course is not open to international students.
For more information, including how and when to pay, see our fees and funding section for undergraduate students.
Please check your fee status and whether you are considered a Home, EU or International student for fee-paying purposes and for our regulatory returns, by reading the UKCISA regulations.
See our Tuition Fees Regulations (PDF File 391 KB) and Refund Policy (PDF File 775 KB).
Possible fee changes
The University reserves the right to increase its fees in line with changes to legislation, regulation and any government guidance or decisions.
The fees for international students are reviewed annually and the University reserves the right to increase the tuition fees in line with the RPIX measure of inflation up to 4 per cent.
Scholarships
We offer several types of fee reduction through our scholarships and bursaries. Find the full list and other useful information on our scholarships page.
International students
The course is not currently open to international students.
International (non Home) applicants should follow our international how to apply guide.
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| Mode Part-time | Duration 4 years | Start date September | Application code 5947 | Application method Direct to LSBU |
For full BSc (Hons) Degree Programme applications are made through LSBU
For Standalone modules applications are made through LSBU
Personal statement
Your personal statement helps us to assess your interest, knowledge and insight into the specific profession you are applying for Dental Nursing and is an important part of our selection process. You should ensure that you demonstrate the personal qualities / skills to becoming a healthcare professional and the values embedded within the NHS constitution and General Dental Council Standards.
As part of your commitment to the course we would normally expect that you have undertaken some independent research and work experience / observation in a clinical setting, this can include placements, voluntary work or virtual experiences.
See our top tips for writing your personal statement.
Considering your application
Your application will be circulated to a number of potential supervisors who will look at your academic qualifications, knowledge, experience and insight to the profession.
If you are successful, you will be offered a place on a course and informed of the next enrolment date. The whole process normally takes between six to eight weeks, from the closing date of the applications (July) to a decision being made about your application at the School.
Results
If you are unsuccessful in your application to LSBU for this year you cannot apply through UCAS Extra or Clearing. However, you can apply for the following year. It is important that you read the comments in the results statement so that you are prepared for any other interviews you may have.
Prepare to start
Core Reading list:
- Felton, S., Chapman, A. and Preceded, A. (2021). Basic guide to oral health education and promotion. Hoboken, Nj: Wiley-Blackwell.
- Hardy Limeback and Wiley, J. (2012). Comprehensive preventive dentistry. Ames: Wiley-Blackwell, Cop.
- Ireland, R. (2010). Advanced dental nursing. Chichester, U.K.; Ames, Iowa: Wiley-Blackwell.
- Levine, R., Stillman-Lowe, C.R. and Springer link (Online Service (2019). The Scientific Basis of Oral Health Education. Cham: Springer International Publishing.
- Boud, D., Keough, R. and Walker, D. (1985).
- ‘Reflection: Turning Experience into Learning’ Kogan Page.
- Gibbs,G. (1988). Learning by Doing A guide to teaching and learning methods Further Education Unit
- Locke, E. A., Morisano, D. & Travers, C. J., (2014). Self-reflection, growth, and academic outcomes: A qualitative Study. British Journal of Educational Psychology, 85(2), pp. 224-241.
- Moon,Jennifer A (2008) Reflection in Learning & Professional Development. Routledge Falmer, Abingdon, Oxon.
- Nicol, J.S. and Dosser, I., (2016). Understanding reflective practice. Nursing Standard, 30(36), p.34.
Disclosure Barring Service (DBS)
All pre-registration students need to be DBS cleared before going on placement. You’ll need to have an enhanced DBS check even if you have had one before and will not be able to go on placement until this is complete.
The DBS process is not difficult but can take some time so it's best to get started as soon as you receive your email. You will receive the email during Summer 2023.
DBS update service
If you're part of the DBS update service, your subscription is up to date and you already have a DBS certificate, please bring in your original green DBS certificate for the document check. To take advantage of the update service, your certificate needs to be classified as 'Enhanced' and workforce must be listed as 'Adult and Child'. If you have any queries, please email us at hscdbsoh@lsbu.ac.uk.
How to complete your DBS
Our DBS supplier, Verifile, will send you an email with all the details you need to complete your DBS.
Verifile will give you instructions to log into their system and complete your personal details and information. To complete the process, you'll need your passport or driving licence and 5-year address history including dates when you moved in/out.
You can use your application number to track the progress of your DBS.
When you've finished, your Disclosure Statement will be mailed to the most recent address in your submission, so please make sure it's correct. We don't automatically receive a copy of this Statement, which is why we need you to bring it in as part of the next step.
Frequently asked questions
What do I need to declare on my DBS?
Please include any and all major and minor, spent and unspent convictions, cautions, warning and reprimands, even if they relate to juvenile offences or seem trivial or unimportant. Some minor offences will not prevent you from going on placement or being offered a place on your course, but still need to be reviewed so it’s best to be honest and include everything. Also, the more information you include about any offences can help reduce the time it takes to assess them.
I’ve applied for/had a DBS in past. Do I need to do it again?
Yes, you do. You need to have an up-to-date DBS. Once you have received the email from our DBS supplier make sure you start the process straight away. All details of how to do this will be outlined in the email. If you don’t complete your DBS in the timeframe given, we may withdraw your offer even if term has already started. So it’s important that you get started as soon as you receive the email.
Why do I need an enhanced DBS check?
Government legislation requires all Higher Education Institutions who offer courses where students may come into unsupervised contact with children or vulnerable adults to have this check. These checks also help us to ensure duty of care to our students, and create a safer environment for patients seen by our students.
Who reviews my DBS?
As part of the University’s admissions process, declarations of any offence may be referred to a virtual panel made up of senior managers from partner NHS Trusts and/or other sectors within Health and Social Care. Any DBS that is considered by the panel will be anonymised. The panel members then deliberate and make a recommendation whether the application be rejected, accepted or request further information or documents.
When will I hear back from the panel about my DBS?
If you have declared an offence, we might ask for more information from you in writing which will help the panel make a decision. Once your declaration has been referred to the panel it can take up to 28 working days to be processed.
Which address do I use?
You need to put your current address on your DBS application because this is where your Statement will be mailed. If you’ve moved house between submitting and receiving your DBS, make sure you have mail forwarding set up so that you’ll receive your statement. If you’ve moved recently, make sure you have proof of your new address (such as a new bank statement) to bring for your document checks.
I’ve lost my statement. What do I do?
If you’ve lost your statement you will need to pay £46 to purchase a new one.
I’ve had my application rejected due to my DBS declaration/disclosure. Can I appeal the decision?
Yes. If your application has been rejected due to your DSB declaration/discloser, you will be sent a letter to confirm this. There will be instructions in the letter about how you can appeal and which supporting information you need to provide. Once a decision has been made you will receive a letter from the School Executive Team.
Document check
Once you have completed the online part of the DBS process, you will need to produce three accepted documents from this list (PDF File 248 KB) to be verified.
Document check on campus
Southwark: Southwark Student Help Desk in the K2 building Monday – Friday between 9am-11am or 1pm-4pm
Havering: come to reception at Havering Monday – Friday between 8:30-10:30am, 12-2pm, 4-5pm
Document check at the Post Office
If you’re not able to come to campus, you can get your documents checked and certified at the Post Office for a fee of £10.50. To do this, make photocopies of your three accepted ID documents and take your DBS form, copies and originals of your documents to the Post Office. The Post Office will stamp the form and photocopies and given them back to you. Email your post office receipt, stamped form and stamped documents to hscdbsoh@lsbu.ac.uk.
Occupational Health (OH)
An exciting part of many of our Health and Social Care courses is the opportunity to learn off-campus and work with patients, clients and/or service users. Before you start, we need to make sure that you have the correct levels of immunisations.
Questionnaire
Once you have enrolled, students will be asked to complete an occupational health check, the first part is completing an online questionnaire sent from our occupational health provider.
GP appointment
The second part of your occupational health check is to get any inoculations that you may need from your GP. When attending your GP appointment, please take printed copies of these two documents with you.
Vaccination Screening Advisory Letter (PDF File 126 KB)
GP Vaccination and Screening History (PDF File 117 KB)
Occupational Health appointment
After these steps are complete you will receive an email from OHWorks Ltd inviting you to attend an appointment on-campus with an Occupational Health Nurse. These appointments take place during the week and sometimes when your classes have already started.
The OH team have prepared this guide (PDF File 588 KB) which outlines what to expect at each stage. If you have queries or concerns about your Occupational Health clearance or inoculations please contact the Occupational Health team.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to be double vaccinated?
Yes - government legislation advises that everyone must be double vaccinated to work in a health care setting with effect from 1 April 2022.
My local GP doesn’t have my vaccination history. What should I do?
Contact the OH team at lsbu@ohworks.co.uk who will be able to advise you.
What if I can’t make my OH appointment?
Please contact the OH team to reschedule at least 48 hours in advance. Remember that you won’t be able to go on placement until you’re cleared.
I’ve already registered with LSBU’s Disability and Dyslexia Support Unit (DDS). Do I still need to tell the OH Nurse about my condition?
Yes. Tell the OH Nurse about all conditions including specific learning difficulties even if you’ve declared these in the past. This will allow us to make reasonable adjustments whilst you’re on placement.
If I’ve declared a condition to the OH Nurse, do I need to register with LSBU’s Disability and Dyslexia Support Unit as well?
The information you share with the OH Nurse will be treated with confidence, meaning that it won’t be automatically shared with the DDS team. The DDS team can help you to receive support for your lectures, assignments and exams so it’s worth to register with them and provide evidence of your condition if you need this support.
Numeracy practice
Before starting your course, you may want to check or practice your numeracy skills. The National Numeracy Challenge is a free online tool that helps you learn, revise and quiz your essential numeracy skills. You’ll also be able to get a certificate to show your efforts.
Enrolment and Welcome Week
Before you start your course we’ll send you information on what you’ll need to do before you arrive and during your first few days on campus. You can read about the process on our new students pages.
Uniforms
Most placements and some practical sessions in our skills laboratories will require you to wear a uniform and name badge. You will be measured for uniforms specific to your course as part of your Welcome Week activities after enrolment. In the meantime, we have prepared answers to frequently asked questions that you might find useful.
Frequently asked questions
Do I get a uniform for when I go on placement?
Yes, LSBU will supply you with uniforms for your placement with the exception of Social Work and Health and Social Care BSc students who are not required to wear uniforms for their placements.
Which uniforms will I receive?
Nursing and midwifery students will receive two pairs of trousers, three tunics and a name badge. Polo shirts will be issued instead of tunics for students studying mental health nursing, physiotherapy, chiropractic and sport rehabilitation. ODP students will receive one set of scrubs top and trousers.
How long do the uniforms need to last?
The items are to last for the duration of your programme of study.
How do I know what size I am?
A measuring and distribution service will be available by the uniform provider at both Southwark and Havering campuses. As garments are fitted for work purposes they need to allow for flexibility of movement so it’s best to have the uniform provider measure you up.
Am I able to request a longer tunic?
You can request a longer tunic for religious or medical reasons. To do this, you should advise the uniform supplier at the measuring session. These tunics are 2 inches longer and sleeves finish just above the elbows. Due to infection control, full length sleeves are not permitted.
Can I use a preferred name or a nickname on my name badge?
Name badges are professional and need to include your formal names.
What do I do if I lose or damage my name badge?
You can order a replacement name badge direct with the uniform provider. Badges need to be worn at all times when you are at placement.
Can I order more uniforms?
You are welcome to purchase additional items at Work in Style. You will need to log in using your student ID and then follow the step-by-step instruction. Please note that dresses are not available.
Can I try on my uniforms?
You should try on your uniforms the day you receive them so that the staff at the measuring service can help arrange any size exchanges. If you choose not to try on your uniforms and require different sizes at a later date you will need to purchase these through the uniform provider’s online portal at your own cost.
What do I do with my uniform after I complete my studies?
They are yours to keep – you do not need to return the garments.
Practice placements
Most health and social care courses’ practice placements will operate outside normal working hours e.g. evenings, nights, weekends and bank holidays.
Holidays
Your holiday periods will not follow the normal University timetable because of placements. You’ll receive more details once you start your course.
The structure of the course has been set up to develop and enhance the learner within a dental clinical environment, by starting with the basic skills of reflective practice, oral health, and restorative dentistry. The second year develops understanding of quality, which includes audit and risk, and research methods, which will support further learning in the following two years of the course. Optional modules will be chosen for years 2 and 3 in different areas of nursing in dentistry from sedation, radiography, implants, healthy psychology, and special care nursing.
The third year will support development in leadership and management whether in a practice, community or hospital setting. The final year students will bring together what they have learn in research, management and quality improvement in the final 3 modules.
Part Time, BSc hons Enhanced Dental Nursing Practice
Year one L4 = 120 credits
Year Two L5 = 60 credits
Year Three L5 = 60 credits
Year Four L6 = 120 credits
Year 1 (Core Module)
- Reflective Practice and Professional Behaviours (40 Credits)
This module will develop skills and support the student to become a reflective practitioner. This module will promote the use of reflection to identify areas of personal and professional development and how this can enhance knowledge skills and understanding. This module will also focus upon the central role of reflective practice and how this can support excellence in the delivery of care to patients and clients. - Oral Health Education (40 Credits)
Oral health education is the process of disseminating knowledge of oral health to patients/ clients from diverse backgrounds and communities. This module will develop the students’ knowledge surrounding care of the mouth and promoting oral health. - Restorative Practice (40 Credits)
This module will provide the Dental Nurse with the foundations needed to support the development of knowledge, skills and understanding required to take patients dental records. This module will focus upon practical skills such as photography, impression taking and Intra-oral scanning. The Dental Nurse will be able to develop their skills to provide an effective service to patients/ clients.
Year 2
- Research Methods in Context in Dentistry (Core) (20 Credits)
This module supports students to evaluate the impact of research in context and its role in providing excellence in dental nursing care and delivery. This module supports the student intellectual abilities to understand how research informs practice and service development. This module will provide students with skills and knowledge surrounding understanding what best evidence is, and the tools to use using appropriate strategies. - Quality & Governance in Dentistry (Core) (20 Credits)
TThis module will provide the students with the skills and knowledge required to be able to understand and implement a quality service. This module will focus upon how patient care quality improvements can be made through upholding effective clinical governance. Students will examine and understand how services can learn from complaints, patient feedback, to support continual improvements to a service. The student will be equipped with the knowledge and practical skill to be able to assess, investigate and grade incidents to improve care within the clinical environment. - Conscious Sedation Nursing in Dentistry (Optional) (20 Credits)
This module will provide students with the knowledge skills and experience to support the use of conscious sedation within the dental setting. Students will develop and enhance their skills surrounding advanced sedation techniques, drugs used and practical skills including the management of complications. The student will enhance their knowledge and intellectual skills to be able to support patients with anxiety and phobias when receive Dental treatment. Students will be able to understand the assessment process for undertaking conscious sedation and be aware of contraindications. Students will be equipped with the skills to recognise and manage the clinical environment to promote a positive experience and support patients and clients. - Health Psychology in Dentistry (Optional) (20 Credits)
This module will explore the psychological and behavioural processes that influence the delivery of oral health care such as, aspects of communication, impact of anxiety and psychological management techniques, how we can influence patients’ behaviour. - Implant Nursing in Dentistry (Optional) (20 Credits)
This module has been developed to support students to develop the essential skills required to effectively support clinicians in implant dentistry. The module will provide the student with an in-depth understanding of effective working methods/ techniques, such as four-handed dentistry, aseptic techniques, implant components and different types of implant provisions and prostheses to provide effective and safe clinical care. - Special Care Nursing in Dentistry (Optional) (20 Credits)
This module supports the student to develop the skills and understanding to deliver oral care for people with diverse and additional needs. Some patients/clients with diverse and complex needs require special oral health provision and adaptions to be made to promote a safe and comfortable environment. Students undertaking this module will gain knowledge and clinical skills relevant to patients with complex, diverse, and additional needs and to understand the requirements which may be needed to adapt their treatment. This module supports the foundation knowledge relating to legislation ethics, complexities and working with other healthcare professionals and services to provide holistic dental care.
Year 3
- Leadership and Management (Core) (20 Credits)
This module will provide the students with skills and knowledge required to be able to understand the difference between leadership and management. This module will focus on the different styles of leadership, and how their leadership style impacts on others. This module will also develop skills in coaching and mentoring, to support teams and enhance the student’s professional development. - Oral Cancer (Core) (20 Credits)
This module will provide students with a critical understanding of signs and symptoms of oral cancer. Within the module student develop knowledge and understanding surrounding risk factors, diagnosis methods and treatment options to support the patient and the dental team. Students will further enhance their communication skills and implement appropriate strategies to support patients throughout their diagnosis and treatment journey. Students will enhance their skills in order to provide oral hygiene and general oral health advice to those in surgical recovery, with treatment side effects or with prosthetic appliances. - Radiography Nursing in Dentistry (Optional) (20 Credits)
On successful completion of this module the student will be qualified to work as an operator under IR(ME)R having received a prescription from dentist in order to take patients' intra- and extra-oral radiographs safely. The enhanced skills and information acquired will bring great benefit to the patients and employer improving efficiency and care delivery. This will provide students with an opportunity to be more involved in the patient care and further support the dentist to diagnose and plan treatments by supplying accurate diagnostic radiographs. - Health Psychology in Dentistry (Optional) (20 Credits)
This module will explore the psychological and behavioural processes that influence the delivery of oral health care such as, aspects of communication, impact of anxiety and psychological management techniques, how we can influence patients’ behaviour. - Implant Nursing in Dentistry (Optional) (20 Credits)
This module has been developed to support students to develop the essential skills required to effectively support clinicians in implant dentistry. The module will provide the student with an in-depth understanding of effective working methods/ techniques, such as four-handed dentistry, aseptic techniques, implant components and different types of implant provisions and prostheses to provide effective and safe clinical care. - Special Care Nursing in Dentistry (Optional) (20 Credits)
This module supports the student to develop the skills and understanding to deliver oral care for people with diverse and additional needs. Some patients/clients with diverse and complex needs require special oral health provision and adaptions to be made to promote a safe and comfortable environment. Students undertaking this module will gain knowledge and clinical skills relevant to patients with complex, diverse, and additional needs and to understand the requirements which may be needed to adapt their treatment. This module supports the foundation knowledge relating to legislation ethics, complexities and working with other healthcare professionals and services to provide holistic dental care.
Year 4
- Research and Evidenced Based Practice in Dentistry (Core) (40 Credits)
This module has been developed to enhance existing knowledge and understanding of the importance of research in dentistry and dental nursing practice. This module will focus upon how research can be integrated into service delivery and provide a foundation for promoting good research practices. The module will further develop students understanding of key principles in research and prepare students to undertake research proposal - Change Management in Dentistry (Core) (40 Credits)
This module will provide the Dental Nurse with skills and knowledge required to be able to undertake change management in their departments. Understanding what change management is and how it fits into organisational change. To gain the understanding of the benefits and desired outcomes. - Service Development and Quality Improvement in Dentistry (Core) (40 Credits)
The module will bring together the learning of all modules to look at a quality or service improvement project the student will undertake to show their learning.
Careers
Employability Service
At LSBU, we want to set you up for a successful career. During your studies – and for two years after you graduate – you’ll have access to our Employability Service, which includes:
- An online board where you can see a wide range of placements: part-time, full-time or voluntary. You can also drop in to see our Job Shop advisers, who are always available to help you take the next step in your search.
- Our Careers Gym offering group workshops on CVs, interview techniques and finding work experience, as well as regular presentations from employers across a range of sectors.
Our Student Enterprise team can also help you start your own business and develop valuable entrepreneurial skills.
On completion you will be able to practice as a dental nurse with enhanced skills in the chosen area of specialism, such as implant nursing, sedation nursing or special care nursing in dentistry. You will also be able to go into leadership and management where you will be able to support clinical areas or lead your practice to support staff and patients. Other pathways are research or infection control where you will be able to evaluate, teach, audit and implement changes in dentistry.
Professional, statutory and regulatory body accreditations:
- Royal College of Surgeons accredited course in line with IASCD National guidelines
- Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations 2017 (IR(ME)R)
- Ionising Radiation Regulations (IRR) 2017
Partner Trust is Guys and St Thomas NHS Trust
Placements
Students applying should already be working in a hospital, community or dental practice with access to a variety of patients.
Teaching and Assessment
The course is taught with a variety of lectures, group work, tutorials, workshops, practical sessions and virtual learning, using our clinical dental environment, specialist laboratories and radiology department.
Independent study makes up a great proportion of this course with some modules requiring the student to undertake independent learning activities. This supports your development of your own reflective practice, work independently on projects and develop independent research skills required to learn at degree level.
The course will meet the specific learner’s needs by developing dental skills and knowledge to support their career as dental nurse. The course includes the additional scope of practice skills that the General Dental Council (GDC) have written for dental nurses which we develop their practical skills to support patient care.
The learners will develop their academic skills through the four years they will learn how to write critically, develop problem solving skills and analysis, learn about research and how to contribute to their own working environments.
You will need to ensure that they have an agreement, commitment and support from their employer before applying for the degree. You will need to be supported to be released for face to face or hybrid lectures, workshops and tutorials. Your employer will need to be able to support clinical aspects within the working environment to complete your portfolios clinical work. Your employer will need to appoint an appropriate practice assessor to support the completion of the portfolio.
You will be assigned a personal tutor who will support you during the duration of your degree.
People profiles
