National Apprenticeship in Dental Nursing (North Strand Campus)

National Apprenticeship in Dental Nursing - Leading to Higher Certificate in Dental Nursing (QQI Level 6)

Duration: 2 Years

QUALIFICATION / CERTIFICATION

Higher Certificate in Dental Nursing (QQI Level 6).

This is a National Apprenticeship delivered through an earn-and-learn model, combining paid employment with structured college education.

• Nationally recognised qualification

• Government-supported programme

• Industry-led training model

Applications open for September 2026.

WHAT WILL I STUDY?

Year One

• Foundations of Practice

• Dental Nursing Theory and Practice

• Clinical Dentistry 1

• Dental Ethics, Communication & Teamwork

• Applied Dental Anatomy & Physiology for Clinical Practice

• Personal & Professional Development 1

Year Two

• Clinical Dentistry 2

• Health Promotion

• Foundations of Dental Management & Leadership

• Personal & Professional Development 2

• Innovation in Dentistry

Programme Structure:

• 3 days per week employed in a registered dental practice

• 2 days per week attending college

• Additional block placements to enhance clinical competence

HOW WILL I LEARN?

• On-the-job clinical training in a working dental practice

• Blended Learning- Structured college lectures and guided discussions

• Collaborative group learning

• Case studies and practical skills development

• Ongoing support from a workplace mentor

HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED?

• Continuous assessment throughout the programme

• Practical skills and workplace competency evaluation

• Academic assignments and project work

Successful completion leads to the award of a Higher Certificate in Dental Nursing (QQI Level 6).

WHAT WE WOULD LIKE FROM YOU!

• Professional and motivated approach

• Interest in healthcare and patient care

• Commitment to workplace-based learning

• Secure an apprenticeship contract with a registered employer

• Minimum B2 level of English language proficiency

Mature applicants may apply through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

CAREER / PROGRESSION OPPORTUNITIES

Our employment rates are extremely high in this field. As a graduate of the Apprenticeship in Dental Nursing, you can work in a variety of working environments, including dental hospitals and Health Service Executive (HSE) dental clinics, as well as in general and specialist dental practices.

Advancement in the field may include senior dental nurse, clinic nurse manager, practice manager, marketing representatives for relevant companies, dental nurse tutor and the area of health promotion.

Upon qualifying, students are encouraged to extend their knowledge through participation of post qualification courses. See also idna.ie.

Please check with individual HEIs/Third level colleges for latest information and eligibility.

• B.Sc. in Dental Practice Management with Oral Health Education (Athlone IT/TUS) – Direct application

• Specialist Certificate in Health Promotion (NUIG) – Direct application

• Certificate in Dental Radiography (Dublin Dental Hospital/UCD) – Direct application

• Dental Hygiene (TCD) – CAO Mature route

• Dental Hygiene (UCC) – Direct application

• Orthodontic Therapist (TCD) – Direct application, mature only

• Dental Technician (TCD) – CAO Mature route

  
  

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

• Five subjects at O6/H6 or equivalent OR

• Level 5 award in a related field

• B2 English language proficiency

• Successful interview

Admission is subject to meeting entry requirements and securing an apprenticeship contract with a registered employer.

Enquiries: lourda.kennedy@kmcfe.cdetb.ie