The City & Guilds Level 3 Dental Nursing Practitioner Diploma is designed to prepare learners for a successful career as a qualified dental nurse.

The programme is delivered over 12-18 months, combining academic learning with practical, workplace-based experience. Learners attend college one day per week or online lessons for theory teaching, with the remainder of the course completed within an approved dental practice placement, allowing learners to develop real-world skills in a clinical environment.

During the course, learners must successfully complete 11 mandatory units, covering core areas of dental nursing practice, including:

• Professional practice
• Health and safety
• Infection prevention and control
• Anatomy and oral health assessments
• First aid and medical emergencies
• Dental radiography
• Periodontal and restorative support
• Prosthetic and endodontic procedures
• Extractions and minor oral surgery
• Oral and physical health promotion

On successful completion of the apprenticeship, learners will:

• Be eligible to apply for GDC registration as a qualified dental nurse
• Gain a nationally recognised qualification that supports career progression into roles such as education, assessment, leadership, and mentoring

The qualification is fully aligned with:

• GDC Safe Practitioner Framework
• ST1431 Dental Nursing Occupational Standard
• Skills for Health National Occupational Standards