This program provides students with the knowledge and skills to support high-quality dental care during a flexible 12 -24 month course.

SVQ 

The SVQ consists of building a portfolio of evidence for 11 mandatory units:

• Make Sure Your Own Actions Reduce Risks to Health and Safety
• Reflect on, Develop and Maintain Own Skills and Practice in Learning and Development
• Provide Basic Life Support
• Prepare and Maintain Environments, Instruments and Equipment for Clinical Dental Procedures
• Offer Information and Support to Individuals about Dental Services and the Protection of Oral Health
• Provide Chairside Support During the Assessment of Patients' Oral Health
• Contribute to the Production of Dental Images
• Provide Chairside Support During the Prevention and Control of Periodontal Disease and Caries and the Restoration of Cavities
• Provide Chairside Support During the Provision of Fixed and Removable Prostheses
• Provide Chairside Support During Non-Surgical Endodontic Treatment
• Provide Chairside Support During the Extraction of Teeth and Minor Oral Surgery

Each unit is assessed on both the practical aspect and the under pinning knowledge and understanding required as a dental nurse.

Candidates practical evidence will be gathered through methods such as observations within the workplace, professional discussions and competence statements, provided by their clinician, to assess skills and abilities against the standards set by SQA.

Knowledge and understanding evidence will be gathered by completing worksheets and by completing open book online unit assessments delivered by SQA SOLAR.

PDA

The PDA in Dental Nursing consists of the following mandatory units:

• Principles of Infection Prevention and Control in the Dental Environment
• Dental Radiography
• Principles of Oral Health Assessment and Treatment Planning
• Principles in the Management of Plaque Related Diseases

The PDA is assessed through 30-minute invigilated, closed book assessments on each unit.