FAQ’s

We recommend enrolling a trainee dental nurse once they have completed their probationary period with you. This allows both the practice and trainee time to ensure they are a good fit for one another before beginning formal training.

From 1 June 2026, the General Dental Council (GDC) will require all trainee dental nurses to enrol onto a recognised training programme within 12 months of starting employment. Previously, trainees could work for up to two years before enrolling. The new rules are designed to improve patient safety and ensure trainees access formal education much sooner in their careers.

Leaving a trainee without formal training for an extended period can impact confidence, progression, and retention within your practice.

The NEBDN National Diploma in Dental Nursing has now been updated to align with the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) and the GDC Safe Practitioner Framework.

The updated qualification places greater emphasis on both practical competence and underpinning knowledge. Learners now complete a Portfolio of Evidence (POE) rather than the previous Record of Experience (ROE) format.

The qualification includes:

• Practical workplace evidence
• Written reflections
• Knowledge-based tasks
• Professional discussions
• Feedback from colleagues and patients
• In some cases, video evidence

The new qualification provides a more learner-centred and holistic approach to assessment.

The previous diploma focused heavily on direct observation and witnessing of clinical procedures in practice.

The new Portfolio of Evidence (POE) model still requires learners to demonstrate practical competence, but it also asks learners to show understanding of why procedures are carried out, how they reflect on practice, and how they communicate professionally.

This means learners now provide a wider variety of evidence including:

• Reflective accounts
• Written knowledge tasks
• Professional discussions
• Witnessed practical activities
• Feedback from colleagues
• Patient communication evidence

The updated structure supports safer practice and encourages learners to become more reflective dental professionals.

All of our courses are delivered online, allowing learners to study flexibly around work and personal commitments.

At Dental Nurse Training (DNT), we provide:

• Pre-recorded lectures with voiceovers, videos, and images
• Structured individual learning plans
• One-to-one assessor support
• Flexible programme lengths
• Rolling enrolment throughout the year
• Mock examinations and exam preparation
• Dedicated tutor and assessor support

We understand that every learner is different, so we tailor support and pacing to suit the individual.

No. Our diploma courses operate on a rolling enrolment basis, meaning learners can start throughout the year rather than waiting for fixed cohorts.

This allows us to create an individual learning journey and select an appropriate examination target based on the learner’s circumstances, experience, and confidence.

Yes. We offer flexible programme durations depending on the learner’s needs.

Some learners choose an accelerated route to qualify more quickly, while others prefer a longer programme to better balance work, study, and personal commitments.

Every learner receives an individual learning plan with clear submission targets to help keep them on track.

At DNT, we operate an open-door policy. Every learner has one dedicated assessor throughout their training, and the course director Erica remains actively involved in the learner journey.

Support includes:

• Phone and email support
• Teams appointments when needed
• WhatsApp and text communication
• One-to-one guidance
• Structured learning plans
• Regular feedback and progress monitoring
• Mock examinations and exam preparation

We also work closely with practices and mentors to provide a team approach to supporting each learner.

The NEBDN requires witnessed work to be assessed within set timeframes.

Witnesses must complete their witness documentation within 14 days of the clinical activity taking place. Assessors must complete the learner’s first assessment within 28 days of the activity.

At DNT, we aim to assess learner work every 7–14 days to maintain motivation and progress. Learners are informed of the assessors next marking date in advance so they can submit work before this date

The enrolment process for both our NEBDN Diploma in Dental Nursing RQF and NEBDN Post Certificate courses is designed to ensure that both the learner and the practice have the appropriate support and information in place before the course begins.

To begin the enrolment process, we require:

• A completed application form submitted via our website
• Payment of the course fee, or the pre-arranged payment amount
• Confirmation of employment within a dental practice

Once we have received the application, we issue enrolment questionnaires for both the learner and the practice. These questionnaires help us to:

• Understand the level of support the practice can provide
• Learn more about the learner personally and professionally
• Identify the learner’s preferred learning style and any additional support requirements

Following completion of the questionnaires, induction materials are sent to the learner and practice team to review together.

The formal enrolment is then completed via one of the following methods:

• A telephone call
• A Microsoft Teams session

During this stage, we discuss the course requirements, agree an individual learning programme, and establish a suitable examination target date where appropriate.

Before NEBDN registration and PebblePad access can be issued, the practice must complete all required documentation, including:

• The Service Monitoring Agreement (SMA)
• The Training Support Sheet
• The learner contract/agreement

Learners are able to begin the theory elements of the course before all paperwork has been finalised.

NEBDN qualifications require learners to record clinical experiences completed within practice.

These procedures must be witnessed by a GDC-registered member of the dental team. Depending on the procedures being completed, multiple witnesses may support a single learner throughout their qualification.

For the updated NEBDN Diploma in Dental Nursing (RQF), witness training, guidance, and support are provided directly by the NEBDN. At the start of the course, Dental Nurse Training supplies the NEBDN with the details of all witnesses involved in supporting the learner.

The NEBDN then provides each witness with their own PebblePad login details, together with access to the relevant witness guidance and support materials. Witnesses for the Diploma qualification therefore have direct access to PebblePad in order to review and complete witness requirements.

For NEBDN Post Certificate qualifications, witness arrangements differ slightly. Witnesses do not receive their own PebblePad login accounts. Responsibility remains with the training centre and employer to ensure that witnesses understand their role and responsibilities and have reviewed the relevant NEBDN witness guidance and toolkit documentation before supporting learners.

Dental Nurse Training will review and assess the evidence and work submitted in relation to witnessed procedures for Post Certificate qualifications.

Witnesses supporting learners on NEBDN qualifications must be appropriately qualified and registered members of the dental team who are competent to observe and confirm the procedures being completed.

At the start of the course, the practice provides Dental Nurse Training with the details of any individuals who will be involved in supporting the learner as a witness and/or mentor. These details are recorded within the Service Monitoring Agreement (SMA).

All witnesses and mentors involved in supporting the learner are required to:

• Review the Dental Nurse Training induction materials
• Understand their responsibilities when supporting and supervising learners
• Complete and sign the Training Support Sheet to confirm they have reviewed the induction and understand their role within the learner’s training

This process also confirms that witnesses and mentors understand their professional responsibilities as GDC registrants, including the importance of maintaining accurate, honest, and truthful documentation and records at all times.

For the updated NEBDN Diploma in Dental Nursing (RQF), witness guidance and support are managed directly by the NEBDN. Once witness details have been submitted by Dental Nurse Training, the NEBDN provides witnesses with their own personal PebblePad login details together with the relevant witness guidance and support materials.

For NEBDN Post Certificate qualifications, witnesses do not receive individual PebblePad login accounts. Responsibility remains with the training centre and employer to ensure that witnesses have reviewed the relevant NEBDN witness guidance and toolkit documentation before supporting learners.

There is no fixed minimum amount of surgery time required for the NEBDN Diploma in Dental Nursing (RQF).

However, trainees must spend sufficient time in a clinical environment to develop genuine hands-on experience, build confidence, and complete the practical elements of their Portfolio of Evidence (POE).

Practices should consider each learner’s individual needs, experience, and progress when planning clinical exposure and surgery time.

While there is no set hourly requirement, learners working fewer than 16 hours per week in practice may find it more difficult to gain the breadth of clinical experience and consistency required to progress effectively through the course and complete their portfolio within the expected timeframe.

Yes. We actively encourage trainees to gain experience in surgery before beginning formal training, provided practices follow GDC guidance regarding trainee supervision.

Dental nurse is a protected professional title, therefore anyone who is not yet GDC registered must be clearly identified as a trainee dental nurse at all times within the practice. This includes communication with patients, colleagues, and professional documentation.

Yes. We can offer flexible payment schedules tailored to individual circumstances.

Please contact Erica directly at erica@dentalnurse.training to discuss available options.

Currently, we are unable to gain government funding for the Diploma in Dental Nursing (RQF).

However, many learners and employers prefer this route because it offers:

• Flexible online learning
• Faster qualification completion
• Minimal disruption to working hours
• Individualised support
• Structured guidance throughout training

Current UK guidance relating to hepatitis B immunisation and healthcare workers can be found in:

• UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) — Immunisation against infectious disease: Hepatitis B, The Green Book, Chapter 18
• UKHSA guidance on health clearance and blood-borne viruses in healthcare workers
• British Dental Association (BDA) infection prevention and control guidance

The UKHSA Green Book advises that healthcare workers at risk of exposure to blood or body fluids should receive hepatitis B immunisation and that post-vaccination antibody levels (anti-HBs titres) should be checked one to two months after completion of a primary course of vaccine.

As requirements may vary depending on an employer’s local policies and Occupational Health risk assessment, practices should refer to current UKHSA guidance and seek Occupational Health advice when determining when a trainee dental nurse may commence clinical duties.

All NEBDN-accredited providers teach the same qualification specification, but support levels and delivery methods can vary significantly.

Important questions to ask include:

• Will I have a dedicated tutor or assessor?
• Is the course structured or fully self-paced?
• How often will my work be assessed?
• What support is available?
• Are all fees included?
• What are the costs for deferrals or resits?
• Is the learning style suitable for me?

At DNT, our ethos is to always put learners first through personalised support, flexible learning plans, and regular communication.

No. The Diploma in Dental Nursing (RQF) cannot be completed without employment within a dental practice.

The NEBDN requires learners to be in paid employment for the duration of the qualification in order to complete the practical and portfolio requirements needed to sit the examinations.

At Dental Nurse Training (DNT), we do not enrol learners before they have secured employment as a trainee dental nurse. We also do not provide placements or recruitment services.

We strongly believe it is important for learners to find a dental practice that suits them and for practices to recruit the right person for their team independently. A successful training journey relies heavily on a supportive and stable working environment.

For this reason, we would never take payment or enrol a learner before they have found suitable employment and completed any probationary period required by their employer.

We strongly encourage learners to consider this carefully when choosing a training provider.

No. We believe in complete transparency regarding fees.

Our advertised fees include:

• Induction
• Course materials
• Mock examinations
• Full tutor and assessor support
• Initial examination fees

Additional fees may apply for:

• Deferrals
• Resits
• Practice transfers during training

We clearly explain all costs before enrolment.

Resit and deferral fees vary between providers.

At DNT, we strongly encourage learners to ask providers about these fees before enrolling. We believe ongoing support and good preparation significantly reduce the likelihood of resits.

For all NEBDN Diploma and Post Certificate qualifications, learners are responsible for the cost of any examination resits.

NEBDN written or knowledge test resits are charged at £250, and OSCE or Professional Discussion resits are charged at £400. These fees are organised through the training centre and include both the NEBDN examination fee and the associated centre administration costs.

For BDA Oral Health Education (OHE) and Radiography qualifications, examination resits are charged at £130. These resits are organised directly between the learner and the BDA.

Yes, transfers are possible.

However, transferring part-way through a qualification can be disruptive and costly due to transfer fees and differences in delivery methods.

We recommend discussing your situation with us in detail before transferring.

If you are considering transferring, please contact Erica directly at erica@dentalnurse.training.

Yes. All of our post-certificate programmes are designed to be flexible and personalised.

Learners can choose:

• Their preferred exam target
• Their programme length
• A study pace that fits around work and home life

Each learner receives an individual learning plan and dedicated assessor support.

We currently offer:

• NEBDN Dental Radiography
• NEBDN Oral Health Education (OHE)
• NEBDN Certificate in Fluoride Varnish Application
• BDA Dental Radiography
• BDA Oral Health Education (OHE)

This allows learners to choose the qualification pathway best suited to their career goals.

All of our courses at DNT are supported in the same way. The post-certificate learners have a dedicated assessor who can be contacted by:

• Email
• Telephone
• Teams appointments

We also complete a learner questionnaire or telephone consultation before enrolment to ensure the course is suitable for the learner’s needs.

We understand that every learner has different goals, learning preferences, levels of experience, and workplace support available to them.

Before beginning the enrolment process, we are happy to arrange an informal telephone call or Microsoft Teams discussion to talk through your individual circumstances, career goals, and the qualification pathways available. This gives you the opportunity to ask questions and helps us determine whether we are the right training provider for your needs.

During these discussions, we will consider factors such as:

• Your current experience and confidence within practice
• Your preferred style of learning
• The level of support available within your workplace
• Your career goals and future plans
• Suitable examination targets and timeframes

We believe it is important that learners choose the right course and training provider before committing financially. If we feel that another pathway, timeframe, or training centre may be more suitable for your individual needs, we will discuss this openly with you before enrolment takes place.

This depends on the course being undertaken.

For BDA courses, there are set start dates each month and the enrolment process is normally completed within approximately three weeks.

For NEBDN  courses, learners can begin as soon as they are fully enrolled. The timeframe depends on how quickly all documentation is completed and returned to us. For a busy practice, the process can usually take up to three weeks.