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Frequently Asked Questions

NEBDN Level 3 Diploma in Dental Nursing (RQF)

becoming a dental nurse

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Your Interest

How long is the course?
The NEBDN course will take around one year. There is 36 weeks of formal lectures, with breaks for Easter, summer and Christmas.

How long is each class?
Your classes will run either weekly or fortnightly; weekly classes are 2 hours each, fortnightly classes are 4 hours each, so with either one you chose you will typically get 8 hours in our virtual classroom a month. You will choose your course start date before you enrol, and you will get a full timetable with dates and times of classes before you start.

What job could I get at the end of the course?
The NEBDN course will give you an internationally recognised qualification which will allow you to work as a Dental Nurses in a variety of settings including private practices, hospitals and community dental clinics. See our student success stories HERE.

Will I have to do a job placement to gain experience?
Yes, the course includes an assessed work placement. You will need to be working as a trainee dental nurse for a minimum of 16 hours per week over the duration of the course to complete your written PoE (Portfolio of Evidence). The Academy will guide you and offer help in finding a placement in a dental surgery.

How will I get a job as a trainee dental nurse?
We can help you with interview technique and your CV. We have a dedicated support team and a job board where vacancies for trainee dental nurses are advertised. See more about job support we will offer you HERE.

Will I need any inoculations before starting work?
Yes, you will need a valid Heb B certificate. We can advise you how to obtain a blood test and/or vaccination.

When are the exams?
There are 2 stages to the NEBDN exam. You need to pass stage 1 in order to sit stage 2.
Stage 1. Knowledge Test (written) exam – November or April
Stage 2. Professional Discussion – January or June

What is the PoE (Portfolio of Evidence)?
To be eligible to sit your Stage 1 knowledge test, you have to complete your PoE (Portfolio of Evidence). The POE has to be submitted to your tutor. POE submission deadlines will be provided to you. Your tutor/ marking tutor will offer you help and guidance on completing your POE.

When does the eROE need to be submitted?
The eROE has to be submitted to your tutor by 31^stJan for April exam, and 31^st August for November exam.

10. What is the minimum time period to complete the Portfolio of Evidence?
This will be six months to ensure we can capture progress sufficiently.

11. Do practice Mentors need to be a GDC registrant?
Yes, they do need to be a GDC registrant.

What is the cost?
The total course fee is 1695.00 inc VAT. £175.00 deposit followed by 9 monthly payments of £169.00.

What are the exam fees?
The NEBDN exam fee is £525.00. This exam fee covers both your knowledge test and professional discussion NEBDN exams.

Will I be able to retake the exams?
There will be a charge of £169/month for extra tuition

What is the cost if retaking the exam?
£150 exam retake fee (NEBDN reserves the right to change this fee)

How long can I take before having to retake the exam?
Learners will have an opportunity for three resits for the Knowledge Test (Written Exam) and three resits for the scenario-based Professional Discussion (OSCE).

Do you offer revision classes?
yes see this link: Here

Who will be training me?
You will be taught by one of our friendly professional dental nurse tutors. Our trainers are all NEBDN-approved tutors and all former dental nurses so are well places to help you succeed.

Is there a minimum level of education I need to hold to enrol?
Learners must be sufficiently fluent in written and spoken English to communicate effectively with patients, their relatives, the dental team, and other healthcare professionals in the UK. (GDC Standards for the Dental Team, 2.1.2) Learners must also be able to meet the work-based clinical requirements of the Portfolio of Evidence (PoE) by being employed as trainee Dental Nurses.

Where will the exam take place?
Both exams will take place online.

Is the end qualification of the online course the same as the one I would get attending live classes?
Our Live Virtual Interactive Course is fully accredited by the NEBDN which means that upon completion you will be awarded the NEBDN Level 3 Diploma in Dental Nursing (RQF), which is exactly the same qualification as the one you would get after attending our face-to-face classes.

20. Can we claim UCAS Points?
We can confirm that 32 points will be applicable for the NEBDN Level 3 Diploma in Dental Nursing (RQF).

21. Can Learners use Artificial Intelligence (AI)?
We do not condone the use of Learners using AI to complete coursework which risks authenticity and independent study. Use of AI can lead to potential Learner sanctions, especially in PoE.

To qualify as a dental nurse, you need to complete the professional Diploma in Dental Nursing. This is a GDC (General Dental Council) requirement. You will need to work as a student dental nurse at least 16 hours per week. We will help you find a job as a trainee dental nurse. The next SmileWisdom course start dates and class frequency are below. All SmileWisdom classes are with a qualified and experienced tutor.

OPTION-01: – Live online course start dates:
Live online course. Start dates : All SmileWisdom online classes are with a qualified and experienced tutor.

Monday 7 July 2025 – DNO82
6.00pm to 8.00pm (One 2 hour class every week with Claire Maaz)
Tuesday 22 July 2025 – DNO83
9.30am to 11.30am (One 2 hour class every week with Perminder Kaur)
Sunday 31 August 2025 – DNO84
10.00am to 12.00pm (One 2 hour class every week with Fiza Hussain)
Tuesday 30 September 2025 – DNO85
6.30pm to 8.30pm (One 2 hour class every week with Karolina Adamska-Ziolkowska)
Thursday 23 October 2025 – DNO86
9.00am to 11.00am (One 2 hour class every week with Fiza Hussain)
Tuesday 11 November 2025 – DNO87
6.00pm to 8.00pm (One 2 hour class every week with Melina Class)

NOTE: – Each class is the same day and time as the first class.

OPTION-02: – 100% face to face:
100% face to face – classroom based for all lectures with a qualified and experienced tutor.

Thursday 31 July 2025 – DNF25
2.00pm to 6.00pm (One 4 hour class every two weeks with Sarah Hussey)
Thursday 4 September 2025 – DNF26
9.30am to 1.30pm (One 4 hour class every two weeks with Perminder Kaur)

NOTE: – We are based at The Royal Society Of Medicine. 1 Wimpole Street, London, W1G 0AE.

Please see our Terms & Conditions – HERE

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