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Diploma for Dental Nursing Practitioners (England) (5238)

Last Updated: 16 Oct 2024
Start your journey in the dynamic and ever-growing field of dental care today with one of our Level 3 Dental courses: 

The Level 3 Technical Occupational Entry to Professional Practice for Dental Nurses (Diploma) (5238-30) has been developed as part of the Qualification Reforms in England, is approved for funding and will be available for first teaching in September 2025. 

Coming soon – We will publish information shortly regarding updated qualifications designed to meet the needs of learners wishing to work as a dental nurse in Wales or Northern Ireland. 

The Level 3 Dental Nursing Practitioner (Diploma) (England) (5238-33) will be available from 01 November 2024.

We offer a comprehensive Dental Nursing Apprenticeship designed for aspiring dental professionals looking to gain hands-on experience while advancing their education. The apprenticeship journey will include completion of the 5238-33 and has a typical duration of 18 months. 

To achieve the apprenticeship, you will have achieved or will work towards a Level 2 in Maths and English in functional skills, or equivalent, and successfully complete the Level 3 Diploma in Dental Practitioners (5238-33). 

Throughout the apprenticeship, you will be guided by experienced dental professionals committed to your success.
Our apprenticeship covers patient care, dental hygiene, restorative treatments and procedures, radiography assistance, and much more.

When successfully completed your apprenticeship enable registration as a dental nurse with the GDC.
The Level 3 diplomas for Dental Nursing are designed for individuals seeking a rewarding career in dental healthcare. These diplomas will equip students with the essential knowledge and practical skills required to work effectively as a dental nurse in various dental settings. They cover key aspects of dental practice, patient care, infection control, radiography, and supporting dental procedures. 

These Diplomas are ideal for: 
  • Individuals interested in a career in dental nursing
  • Current healthcare workers looking to specialise in dentistry
  • Students wishing to meet the General Dental Council (GDC) requirements to become a registered dental nurse in the UK
Available to deliver in the following:
  • England

Interested in delivering this qualification?

Find out more about how to become an approved City & Guilds centre or fill out our online customer application form. 

General Information

What Is Involved In Studying This Course?

These qualifications align with the Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours (KSBs) within the ST1431 Dental Nurse occupational standard (England) and are mapped to both the Safe Practitioner Framework (GDC 2023) and the Skills for Health National Occupational Standards (NOS). The qualifications are assessed by a portfolio of evidence, practical observation and multiple-choice questions which cover the following areas: 

  • Health and safety practices in the dental setting 
  • Prevention and control of infection in the dental setting 
  • Dental and regional anatomy, oral health assessments and treatment planning 
  • Recognising and supporting actions during first aid and medical emergencies 
  • The safe use of ionising radiation to produce quality radiographic images 
  • Provide support for the control of periodontal disease and caries, and the restoration of cavities 
  • Provide support during the stages of prosthetic treatments 
  • Provide support during the stages of endodontic procedures 
  • Provide support during extractions and minor oral surgery 
  • Scientific and practical information to support the patient’s oral and physical health 

You must have access to realistic working and supportive learning environments that enable the development of the knowledge, skills and behaviors referenced above. Learners must also have opportunity to become familiar with the online testing environment used to administer the MCQ test. 

What Careers Can This Lead To?
On gaining further experience as a dental nurse, the learner may then progress onto the following City & Guilds qualifications:

  • 6317 Assessment qualifications
  • 6502 Education and Training qualifications
  • ILM Coaching and Mentoring qualifications
  • ILM Leadership and Management qualifications
What Is Involved With Delivering This Course?
City & Guilds expects these qualifications to be delivered by highly skilled practitioners of learning delivery, assessment and quality assurance. Therefore, staff delivering these qualifications must be able to demonstrate that they meet the occupational expertise requirements outlined in the Qualification Handbook.    

Centres must be able to demonstrate that they have access to the equipment and technical resources required to deliver these qualifications and its assessments. For further information please refer to the Qualification Handbook.  

Level 3

Level 3 Technical Occupational Entry to Professional Practice for Dental Nurses (Diploma) (5238-30)
Last Registration Date: 01 Nov 2027

Level 3 Technical Occupational Entry to Professional Practice for Dental Nurses (Diploma)

  • Accreditation No: 610/3909/3 This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
  • Type: Other This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
  • Credits: Data unavailable Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
  • Guided Learning Hours: Data unavailable This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
  • Total Qualification Time: Data unavailable The total time for the qualification
  • Key Stage: Data unavailable This shows the equivalent Key Stage level.
  • Last Certification: 01/11/2028 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
  • Qualification fees in the UK: TBC, please speak to your Account Manager for further information Our typical price is the one that is most often paid by a centre for a completed learner. Some prices are made up of multiple charging points so action like taking difference units or specialisms to complete and resitting assessments may mean the cost for some learners differs.
Level 3 Dental Nursing Practitioner (Diploma) (England) (5238-33)
Last Registration Date: 31 Dec 2027

Level 3 Dental Nursing Practitioner (Diploma) (England)

  • Accreditation No: 610/4803/3 This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
  • Type: Other This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
  • Credits: Data unavailable Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
  • Guided Learning Hours: Data unavailable This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
  • Total Qualification Time: Data unavailable The total time for the qualification
  • Key Stage: Data unavailable This shows the equivalent Key Stage level.
  • Last Certification: 31/12/2030 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
  • Qualification fees in the UK: TBC, please speak to your Account Manager for further information Our typical price is the one that is most often paid by a centre for a completed learner. Some prices are made up of multiple charging points so action like taking difference units or specialisms to complete and resitting assessments may mean the cost for some learners differs.

Here you can find all documents related to this suite of qualifications.

By clicking on the section headings below, you can access a variety of documents such as the qualification handbooks and assessment materials, Statements of Purpose, and recognition letters from industry and employers.

Some documents may be password protected. Passwords can be retrieved by logging in to  and visiting the Administration section of the relevant qualification catalogue page.

Interested in delivering this qualification?

Find out more about how to become an approved City & Guilds centre or fill out our online customer application form. 

Explore our wider maths & English offer

Our maths & English qualifications underpin our apprenticeships and technical qualifications. They build learners’ confidence with the core skills required for employment, including the capacity to problem solve and use technology effectively. They are also key to triggering conditions of funding.

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> (4238) Dental Nursing

> (5234) Dental Nursing