Higher Certificate in Science Dental Nursing
Course Overview
-
2
Years
-
6
Level
-
376
Points
-
US661
CAO Course Code
Why take this course?
AIT 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 AIT’s East 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, by dental hospitals and by the HSE.
What will I experience?
This course will give you the appropriate multi-disciplined skills to enable you to play a key role in dental practices. These skills are in the nursing and business areas and will enable you to contribute effectively to the modern dental practice.
What opportunities might it lead to?
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.
After graduating from this programme you may apply to join the BSc in Dental Practice Management with Oral Health Promotion at AIT. A number of AIT Dental Nursing graduates have been awarded places on dental hygiene courses through the UCAS UK college entry system.
Additional Information
The Higher Certificate in Science (Dental Nursing) has the approval of the Dental Council of Ireland.
Course Details
- Course Duration:
- 2 Years
- CAO Course Code:
- US661
- Cut Off CAO Points:
- 376
- Course Award:
- Higher Certificate in Science
- Course NFQ Level:
- Level 6
- Department:
- Dept of Nursing & Healthcare
- Minimum Entry Requirements:
-
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.
Careers & Opportunities
Career Prospects
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 AIT Dental Nursing graduates have been awarded places on dental hygiene courses through the UCAS UK college entry system.
Work Placement
There is a practice placement in both years of this programme.
Further Study
After graduating from this programme you may apply to join the BSc in Dental Practice Management with Oral Health Promotion at AIT.