Dental Nursing – Higher Certificate

CAO Points: 270
Campus: Athlone
years: 2

Course Code US661
Level 6
Course Type Undergraduate – CAO
Study Mode Full Time
Department Nursing & Healthcare

Course Overview

TUS has been to the fore in developing higher education opportunities to degree level for dental nurses. The programme is delivered in an attractive, modern facility, situated on TUS’s Athlone Campus.

Dental nurses play an important role in the modern dental practice. They assist the dentist during dental procedures. Their duties include preparing the surgery, setting out dental instruments, assisting during operations, dealing with patients and looking after cleanliness of the surgery. They may also be responsible for administrative duties such as making appointments and book-keeping. Dental nurses are typically employed by a dentist in private practice, dental hospitals and the HSE.

The Higher Certificate in Science in Dental Nursing has the approval of the Dental Council of Ireland.

Contact Details

Kellie O’Shaughnessy

Email: Koshaughness@tus.ie

What are the entry requirements?

Leaving Certificate

Grade O6 at ordinary level in 5 subjects in the Leaving Certificate to include a laboratory-based science subject, Mathematics, and a language (English or Irish).

QQI

Any major QQI award a pass in C20139 or 5N1833or LCE Mathematics and C20006 or 5N2746 or Leaving Certificate Laboratory Science Subject.

Mature Applicants

Candidates applying as mature applicants may be required to attend an interview and may be requested to take an aptitude test to prove their suitability for a place on this programme.

International Applicants

International applicants should apply directly to the International Office at TUS, allowing plenty of time for completing the visa process. Applications for September start should be made by 1st June at the latest to ensure visas are processed in time. You should familiarise yourself with visa processing times for your country of origin to ensure you make a timely application. Find out more here.

Course Modules

Year 1

Learning and Development in Higher Education
Clinical Dentistry I
Infection Prevention and Control in Dentistry (Including Microbiology)
Dental Anatomy & Oral Disease I
Human Anatomy and Physiology for Healthcare
Clinical Dentistry II
Preparation for Dental Nursing Practice Placement
Clinical Dental Nursing Placement I
Dental Anatomy & Oral Disease II
Human Anatomy
Physiology and Pharmacology for Healthcare

Year 2

Clinical Dentistry III
Clinical Dental Nursing Placement II
Sociology for Healthcare
Psychology and Communication
Dental Research (Evidence Based Practice)
Clinical Dentistry IV
Oral Health Promotion
Clinical Dental Nursing Placement III
Health and Safety in Dental Practice
Business Management

What can you do after this programme?

Career Opportunities

Many dental nurses find employment in general dental practices and opportunities also exist in dental and general hospitals in a more specialised capacity. After three years with a qualification and certain specified responsibilities, you may be promoted to the senior dental nursing grade within certain areas of the health service.

A number of TUS Dental Nursing graduates have been awarded places on dental hygiene courses through the UCAS UK college entry system.

Further Study

Further study pathways include; Orthodontic therapy, Dental Hygiene, Sedation training, Radiography, and Dental Implant nursing.

More Information

New Dental lab 2023 – TUS Athlone Campus