NEBDN National Diploma in Dental Nursing Curriculum
This curriculum is based on the GDC registration requirements for dental nurses. It sets out the knowledge, skills and behavioural requirements that should be developed and demonstrated. These are set out in terms of professional competencies and the importance of each is indicated according to the following three categories: Essential (E) Important (I) Supplementary (S)

Assessments during training and in the NEBDN Examination can cover any of the competencies set out in this curriculum – indeed, most if not all of them will be assessed at some stage of training or in the examination. However, in the interest of good clinical care and high professional standards, the NEBDN examination will very strongly feature the ‘essential’ and ‘important’ competencies, although a sample of ‘supplementary’ material is also likely to be assessed.

The curriculum covers four domains of professional practice:
Clinical, Professional, Communication, Management and Leadership
The competencies for each domain are expressed in terms of learning outcomes. There are also five overarching learning outcomes:
Upon registration with the GDC the Registrant should be able to:

• Practice safely and effectively, as set out in the GDC Fitness to Practice guidance making the high quality long term care of patients the first concern
• Apply an evidence-based approach to learning, practice, reflective practice and decision making
• Accurately assess own capabilities and limitations, demonstrating reflective practice, in the interest of high quality patient care and act within these boundaries
• Describe the role and responsibility of being a registrant & show professionalism throughout education, training and practice in accordance with GDC guidance
• Act with integrity and uphold high personal and professional values 

Glossary of terms used in Curriculum
Definitions are given in relation to their relevance to the NEBDN National Diploma in Dental Nursing qualification, and the expected areas of coverage by the definitions.

Biochemistry(1.1.4) – as a minimum this should include the chemistry of living organisms and the substances involved in their metabolism. To include the structures and functions of cellular components such as proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, nucleic acids and other bio molecules.
Clinical practice (3.3.3) – that area of dentistry involved with the direct delivery of dental treatment to patients, in the dental chair.

Areas of coverage should include the following methods:
Written – Letter and Electronic
Verbal –Face to face &Telephone
Non-verbal

Dental biomaterials(1.1.10) – those materials designed for use in the oral cavity during the practice of dentistry, which are biologically compatible.

• Cementing fixed orthodontic components
• Cementing fixed restorations
• Impression taking
• Linings for cavities
• Pain control
• Permanent fillings
• Sealing root canals
• Temporary dressings
• Wound dressings

Functions of major body systems (1.1.5) – the physiology of the major body systems, in relation to their significance to dental treatment.
Areas of coverage should include Cardiovascular, Digestive, Nervous and Respiratory

Health and Safety legislation (1.4.5) – the legislation and regulations that specifically pertain to the safe running of the dental workplace.Areas of coverage should include all of the following, their successive updates, or relevant international variations:

• Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Environmental Protection Act (Waste Regulations)
• Fire Precaution Regulations
• First Aid Regulations
• Health and Safety (Young Persons) Regulations
• Health and Safety at Work Act
• Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations (IR(ME)R)
• Ionising Radiation Regulations (IRR)
• Manual Handling Regulations
Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR)

Medical conditions (1.3.6) – those physical conditions or medications that make understanding of oral health messages, or acceptable standards of oral health, difficult for the patient to achieve.
Areas of coverage should include the following medical conditions and medications; Hearing impairment, Medications with detrimental oral side effects, Mobility impairment and Visual impairment

Patient-centered care and approach(2.1.2 and 4.2.1) – the actions taken to ensure that the dental team behave and work in a manner that ensures the best interests of the patient are maintained at all times.
Areas of coverage should include the following principles:

• Patient consent
• Patient confidentiality
• Handling complaints
• Adhering to GDC Standards guidance
• Adhering to GDC Scope of Practice

Psychiatric conditions(1.3.6) – those mental, emotional, or behavioral conditions that make attendance for oral care or dental treatment, or the understanding of oral health messages given, problematic for the patient.
Areas of coverage should include the following conditions:
Dental anxiety, Dental phobia and Special educational needs

The term specifically discounts any other psychiatric conditions, as sufferers of those are considered as special needs patients whose dental treatment and oral care is beyond the remit of a basically qualified dental nurse.
Sterilization, decontamination, and disinfection materials (1.1.6) – those materials used during these procedures to obtain asepsis, decontamination, or disinfection. Areas of coverage should include the following materials:

• Deionised water
• Solution decontaminants
• Solution disinfectants
• Surface disinfectants

Vulnerable groups(2.2.7) – patient groups that may be vulnerable to abuse by others, due to their age or their diminished mental or physical capacity.
Areas of coverage should include the following groups:
Children, Elderly, Mentally incapacitated adults, Physically incapacitated adults