Product Diploma
NEBDN Diploma in Dental Nursing
Course Fee
£2185
The course fee includes:
- NEBDN registration fees
- Portfolio of Evidence (POE) access
- First written examination fee
- Full tutor and assessor support
- Mock examinations and exam preparation
- Access to all online learning materials via the Dental Nurse Training learning platform
Course Overview
The NEBDN Level 3 Diploma in Dental Nursing (RQF) is a nationally recognised qualification designed for trainee dental nurses working within dental practice.
At Dental Nurse Training, we provide a flexible and supportive online learning experience that allows learners to build the knowledge, practical skills, and professional behaviours needed to qualify as a dental nurse.
Our course is fully aligned with the updated Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) specification and the General Dental Council (GDC) Safe Practitioner Framework.
Entry Requirements & Enrolment
To enrol onto the Diploma in Dental Nursing (RQF), learners must:
- Be living and working in the UK
- Be employed within a dental practice as a trainee dental nurse
- Have support from their employer to complete the qualification
We strongly recommend that learners begin formal training once they have settled into their role and completed their probationary period.
The NEBDN requires learners to remain in paid employment for the duration of the qualification because the course involves practical workplace evidence that must be completed within practice.
For this reason, Dental Nurse Training does not enrol learners before they have secured employment. We also do not provide placements or recruitment services.
We strongly believe that both the learner and the dental practice should independently find the right working relationship before training begins. A supportive practice environment is extremely important for success during the qualification.
From 1 June 2026, the General Dental Council (GDC) require all trainee dental nurses to enrol onto a recognised training programme within 12 months of beginning employment.
Portfolio of Evidence (POE)
The updated NEBDN Diploma qualification now uses a Portfolio of Evidence (POE) rather than the previous Record of Experience (ROE) model.
The POE is completed electronically using the NEBDN’s online platform, PebblePad, which can be accessed on desktop devices or through the PebblePocket mobile app.
The updated qualification places greater emphasis on both practical competence and professional understanding. Learners are expected not only to demonstrate what they can do clinically, but also their understanding, communication skills, and ability to reflect on practice.
Evidence submitted within the POE may include:
- Knowledge-based tasks
- Witnessed clinical procedures
- Written reflections
- Professional discussions
- Feedback from colleagues
- Performance evidence
- Video evidence where appropriate
We provide structured guidance to help learners clearly understand how to meet each assessment criterion. Where possible, we help learners combine evidence effectively so that one submission can meet multiple requirements.
This helps reduce unnecessary workload while still fully meeting NEBDN standards.
We understand that trainee dental nurses are balancing work, study, and personal commitments all at the same time. For this reason, our course has been designed to provide flexibility without learners feeling unsupported or left to manage everything alone. Every learner receives a personalised learning journey tailored to their confidence, previous experience, and preferred examination target.
Learners always have direct access to their dedicated assessor and are guided throughout the qualification with structured learning plans, regular feedback, and ongoing support.
Flexible Rolling Enrolment
Our diploma course operates on a rolling enrolment basis, allowing learners to start throughout the year rather than waiting for fixed intake dates.
Once enrolled, learners can begin their theoretical training immediately.
We recognise that every learner works at a different pace. Some learners may prefer an accelerated pathway to qualification, while others may wish to spread the qualification over a longer period to better balance work and personal commitments.
At the start of the course, each learner receives:
- A personalised induction
- An individual learning plan
- Structured submission targets
- An agreed examination target
This personalised approach helps learners stay organised, motivated, and confident throughout training.
Surgery Time & Study Expectations
There is no set requirement for the amount of surgery time needed to complete the qualification.
Learners must spend sufficient time working clinically in order to build genuine practical experience and complete their Portfolio of Evidence.
We strongly encourage practices to provide trainees with as much clinical exposure as possible during training.
Where possible, practices should also allow learners some time during working hours to complete portfolio work. However, learners should also expect to complete independent study and coursework at home.
Because every learner develops differently, surgery time and study expectations are discussed individually during induction.
Witnessing Requirements
Clinical procedures completed within practice must be witnessed by GDC registered members of the dental team. Different members of the team may support learners depending on the procedures being carried out.
Witness guidance and support is now provided directly by the NEBDN.
Assessment & Feedback
We believe regular assessment and feedback are extremely important in helping learners stay motivated and confident throughout training.
NEBDN requirements state that witness documentation must be completed within 14 days of a clinical activity taking place, and the learner’s first assessment must be completed within 28 days.
Our assessors aim to review learner work every 7–10 days. Learners are regularly updated regarding their progress, upcoming submissions, assessment dates, and any areas requiring improvement.
This structured approach helps learners remain organised and supported throughout the qualification.
Written Examination
The first stage of the NEBDN examination process is an online written examination available in April and November.
Learners are given 90 minutes to complete 65 multiple choice questions. The examination is graded as pass or fail.
Entry to the written examination is dependent upon the Portfolio of Evidence being fully completed and signed off by the assessor, Internal Quality Assurance (IQA), and External Quality Assurance (EQA).
Professional Discussion
Once the written examination has been successfully passed, learners progress to the final stage of assessment known as the Professional Discussion.
The Professional Discussion lasts approximately 55–60 minutes and is conducted virtually via Zoom with an NEBDN examiner.
The discussion is based on realistic workplace scenarios and covers the nine core duties of a qualified dental nurse in line with the GDC Scope of Practice.
At DNT, learners receive mock professional discussions, revision support, and one-to-one preparation sessions to help them feel confident ahead of their final assessments.
Why choose Dental Nurse Training
Learners choose Dental Nurse Training because of our flexible online learning, personalised support, rolling enrolment options, and strong communication with practices.
We understand that becoming a dental nurse can feel overwhelming at times, particularly when balancing study alongside work and home life. Our aim is to make the qualification manageable, supportive, and achievable while helping learners build confidence and professionalism throughout their journey.
We pride ourselves on being approachable, supportive, and genuinely invested in every learner’s success.