This module will provide the student with the theoretical and practical skills required to provide chairside support during basic dental procedures. It will also help the student to develop an understanding of the development and progression of dental diseases, their prevention and use of radiography in dentistry. The student will gain an introduction to the ethical requirements of a dental nurse.

1. Demonstrate an ability to communicate effectively with different groups of patients, the general public and other members of the dental team.
2. Understand the Code of Practice for Dental Nurses as prescribed by the Dental Council of Ireland and the General Dental Council standards for the dental team.
3. Discuss the importance of confidentiality in a clinical setting.
4. Acquire an ability to accurately record relevant clinical information.
5. Describe the basic restorative procedures and prepare the materials and instrument packs commonly used in these procedures.
6. Explain the procedures involved in the preparation and decontamination of reusable invasive medical devices.
7. Describe the aetiology of dental diseases and explain the principles of oral disease prevention. Understand the uses of dental radiographs in disease diagnosis.

This module will introduce the learner to the fundamentals of biology including the structure and functions of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells and the characteristics of the major biomolecules. It will also introduce the study of microorganisms and the concept of immunity.

1. Discuss the structural features of eukaryotic cells and the key functions of cellular organelles.
2. Describe the basic structures and functions of major classes biomolecule.
3. Explain the processes of mitosis and meiosis in relation to cell division and the basic features of genetics.
4. Distinguish between the different classes of microorganism based on key structural features and describe the involvement of virulence factors and host protection elements in the immune process.
5. Demonstrate basic skills in laboratory practice and procedure.

This module supports the student in developing the skills and knowledge required to build effective and appropriate professional relationships between patients and the wider dental team. The module explores the components essential to understanding communication to enable effective communication that is both ethical and supports desirable clinical outcomes. Furthermore, the module seeks to promote the empathy and trustworthiness required when working with vulnerable groups and as part of a multi-disciplinary team. The module will explore the role of reflective practice in relation to patient-centered communication and how this may affect health compliance issues. This module aims to support the development of compassionate and caring dental nurses and provide a basis for professional values.

1. Develop and demonstrate appropriate scientific communication skills and employ IT tools in the production of scientific evidence based written material.
2. Recognize the key components of the person and team-centred communication process. Identify the barriers that can arise and demonstrate knowledge of the skills required to overcome these.
3. Demonstrate techniques required to engage and build interpersonal and inter-professional communication skills in a safe environment.
4. Appraise both personal communication skills and those of others, to enable appropriate and effective professional relationships with service users and members of the wider dental team.
5. Reflect on the range of person and team-centred communication skills in order to become a caring and knowledgeable practitioner.

This module introduces a number of basic skills required to promote the role of the student dental nurse in relation to their clinical, support and administration roles. These basic skills will provide the foundation of clinical and administrative skills throughout the programme. This module will develop the student's practical skills to assist them with their clinical Work placements.

1. Recognise and adopt safe house-keeping skills in relation to the clinical work environment.
2. Demonstrate the essentials of asepsis and sterilisation with respect to materials and instruments.
3. Demonstrate competency in a range of support-based clinical procedures.
4. Demonstrate proficiency in basic first aid and CPR.
5. Develop proficiency in the principles and practice of a range of office-based skills.

To introduce the learner to the role of nutrition in the aetiology and management of general oral health. The social, cultural and environmental factors, which contribute to health promotion, will also be explored.

1. Describe the general relationships between diet and nutrition, and oral health and disease.
2. Identify and discuss the factors that influence the management of oral health.
3. Describe the variety of issues affecting oral health at different life stages.
4. Describe models of and approaches to health promotion in the context of medical, emotional, behavioural, empowerment and social factors, and discuss their application.

This module will provide the student with the theoretical and practical skills required to provide chairside support during advanced dental procedures including implantology. The student will gain an introduction to the use of IV and sedation and relative analgesia. The student will learn the anatomy relevant to the Dental Nurse. This module will also help the student to develop an understanding of signs and symptoms of various oral pathologies.

1. Describe the anatomy of the head and neck region.
2. Recognise the signs and symptoms of some common oral pathologies.
3. Understand the use of x-rays in dental practice and the relevant legislation.
4. Describe the role of the dental nurse during minor oral surgery procedures.
5. Discuss the use of sedation and general anaesthesia in dentistry.
6. Explain the materials and methods involved in advanced restorative procedures.
7. Describe the infection prevention and control procedures during and following minor oral surgery and advanced restorative dentistry.

This module is designed to provide the learner with an understanding of the significance of microorganisms in the clinical environment and their role in infection and human disease. Emphasis will be placed on the preparation and maintenance of the clinical environment for the control of microorganisms in the context of relevant Health and Safety legislation in Ireland and the UK.

1. Describe the microorganisms frequently responsible for oral infections.
2. Explain the importance of immunisation in relation to the dental team.
3. Discuss the principles and causes of cross-contamination.
4. Explain the principles of sterilisation and disinfection and the methods used to evaluate their efficacy in the clinical environment.
5. Explore legislation relevant to disease and infection control in clinical practice

The principle aim of this module is to enable the student to discuss and debate ethical and professional issues in relation to dental nursing and to understand the roles of the Dental Nurse within the dental team. The concept of discrimination will be discussed to ensure the student is aware of the importance of treating all patients equally. The student will be familiar with the Dental Council Codes of conduct and the scope of practice for dental nurses.

1. Describe the professional relationship that exists between the patient and members of the dental team.
2. Discuss the welfare of patients entrusted to their care is safe – guarded without regard to the patient’s nationality, sex, race, creed, opinions or social and economic standing.
3. Explain the importance of consent and maintaining patient confidentiality subject only to any limitations imposed by law.
4. Discuss the work they are legally entitled to perform.
5. Recognize guidelines and policies pertaining to the ethical, legal and current issues and advancement of their profession.

The overall objective of this module is to provide the student with a period of exposure to clinical practice in order to develop and consolidate dental nursing theory and practice in either the HSE, NHS and private sector.

1. Demonstrate their ability to work as a cohesive member of the dental team.
2. Demonstrate appropriate communication skills.
3. Describe the practice management skills required in a dental practice and demonstrate their ability to accurately record dental and medical history.
4. Prepare written reflective reports outlining their role as a dental nurse in different situations.
5. Recognize opportunities to improve personal knowledge and skills by availing of the experience of the dentist and other members of the dental team.
6. Describe their experiences during clinical placement and complete a reflective journal.