Level 3 Diploma in Dental Nursing
The City & Guilds qualification that leads to registration with the General Dental Council. Study online with a named tutor and build your skills chairside in a real dental practice.
- You are 18 or over and live in England
- You work in a dental practice, or want to, for at least 16 hours a week
- You want to become a GDC registered dental nurse
Not in a practice yet? You can still enrol today. See how we help you find a role
Awarded byCity & Guilds, one of the UK's best known vocational awarding bodies
Rated Excellent by learndirect learnersBecome a qualified dental nurse with the Level 3 Diploma in Dental Nursing
The City & Guilds Level 3 Technical Occupational Entry to Professional Practice for Dental Nurses (Diploma) (5238-30) is the qualification that lets you join the General Dental Council register as a dental nurse.
You study 11 units online with a named tutor, build a portfolio of evidence from your work in a dental practice, are observed at work by your assessor, and sit two short online exams. Most learners qualify in 12 to 18 months.
You need to be 18 or over, living in England, and working in a dental practice for at least 16 hours a week once placed. No GCSEs are needed.
Working as a trainee already? From 1 June 2026 the GDC expects trainee dental nurses to be enrolled on a recognised qualification within 12 months of starting work, down from 24 months (General Dental Council).
Course facts
- Full title
- City & Guilds Level 3 Technical Occupational Entry to Professional Practice for Dental Nurses (Diploma)
- Qualification number
- 5238-30, Ofqual 610/3909/3
- Awarding body
- City & Guilds
- Level
- Level 3, the same level as A levels
- Typical duration
- 12 to 18 months
- Study time
- 381 guided learning hours, 501 total qualification time
- Units
- 11 mandatory units, each pass or fail
- Assessment
- Portfolio, 2 workplace observations, a final practical observation and 2 online exams
- Entry
- 18 or over, no GCSEs, 16 hours a week in practice
Is the dental nursing diploma right for you?
This course is for you if
- You work as a trainee dental nurse and need a GDC approved qualification
- You want to start a career in dentistry, with or without experience
- You can spend at least 16 hours a week in a dental practice in England
- You prefer studying online around your shifts, with a named tutor
- You manage a practice and want to qualify a trainee without an apprenticeship
Think again if
- You want a fully online course with no time in practice. Every GDC approved route needs real clinical experience
- You are under 18, or living outside England
- You are already a registered dental nurse. Look at post registration courses such as radiography or oral health education
- You want to work as a hygienist or therapist straight away. That route is a degree
You need a dental practice to complete this course
This is a work based qualification. Your assessor needs to see you supporting real patient care, so you will need a placement or job in a dental practice in England by the time your workplace assessments begin.
- At least 16 hours a week, in an NHS or private practice
- Supervised by a GDC registered professional
- Your practice agrees to your assessor observing you at work
- Not in a practice yet? Enrol today and our careers team helps you find a trainee role while you start your online units
Check you can start
Three quick questions, about 30 seconds. Nothing is saved.
From enrolment to the GDC register
Five stages. Most learners finish in 12 to 18 months, depending on their hours in practice.
- 1
Enrol and induction
Meet your tutor, set up your e-portfolio and plan your study around your shifts.
- 2
Learn online
Work through 11 units with tutor support, at times that suit you.
- 3
Build your portfolio
Record real evidence from your work in practice as you go.
- 4
Observations and exams
Your assessor observes you at work, then you sit two online exams.
- 5
Qualify and register
Receive your City & Guilds certificate and apply to the GDC register.
11 mandatory units covering the whole role
301Preparing for professional practice in dental nursing44 hours
The role and responsibilities of a dental nurse, the GDC standards you work to, and the reflective practice, communication and patient centred care skills you will use throughout your career.
44 guided learning hours. Assessed by portfolio, observation and multiple choice exam.
302Health and safety practices in the dental setting35 hours
The health and safety laws that apply in dentistry, how practice policies work, and how to use safe working practices every day.
35 guided learning hours. Assessed by observation and multiple choice exam.
303Prevention and control of infection in the dental setting44 hours
Infectious diseases and how they spread, decontamination, and the practical skills to keep the clinical environment hygienic and safe.
44 guided learning hours. Assessed by portfolio, observation and multiple choice exam.
304Dental and regional anatomy, oral health assessments and treatment planning41 hours
Dental and regional anatomy, supporting the dentist during an oral health assessment, dental charting and keeping accurate records.
41 guided learning hours. Assessed by observation, portfolio and multiple choice exam.
305Recognising and supporting actions during first aid and medical emergencies28 hours
How to recognise medical emergencies, support first aid, use emergency equipment and drugs as a trained responder, and record what happened.
28 guided learning hours. Assessed by portfolio, observation and multiple choice exam.
306The safe use of ionising radiation to produce quality radiographic images32 hours
Radiography law, and the principles of taking, processing, storing and quality assuring dental X-rays in your practice.
32 guided learning hours. Assessed by portfolio, observation and multiple choice exam.
307Support for the control of periodontal disease and caries, and restoration of cavities29 hours
What causes gum disease and tooth decay, how they are managed, and how to prepare for and assist with periodontal and restorative treatment.
29 guided learning hours. Assessed by portfolio, observation and multiple choice exam.
308Provide support during the stages of prosthetic treatments28 hours
Fixed and removable prostheses such as crowns, bridges and dentures, and how to support each stage of treatment.
28 guided learning hours. Assessed by portfolio, observation and multiple choice exam.
309Provide support during the stages of endodontic procedures24 hours
Root canal and other endodontic treatments, possible complications, and how to prepare the surgery and support the patient.
24 guided learning hours. Assessed by portfolio, observation and multiple choice exam.
310Provide support during extractions and minor oral surgery25 hours
Extractions and minor oral surgery, possible complications, and how to prepare the clinical environment and care for the patient.
25 guided learning hours. Assessed by portfolio, observation and multiple choice exam.
311Scientific and practical information to support the patient's oral and physical health51 hours
Giving patients oral hygiene and health advice tailored to their needs, using national campaigns and good communication.
51 guided learning hours. Assessed by portfolio, observation and multiple choice exam.
How you're assessed
Most of your assessment is based on what you actually do at work. There are two short online exams, and every unit is graded pass or fail.
Portfolio of evidence
Real examples from your work, built up in your e-portfolio and reviewed by your tutor.
Workplace observations
Your assessor observes you supporting patient care in your practice.
Final practical observation
A summative observation of you supporting a dental procedure from start to finish.
Online exams
Multiple choice tests on the theory, taken under exam conditions.
Your certificate comes from City & Guilds
- City & Guilds certifiesOnce every unit and exam is passed, City & Guilds issues your diploma.
- You apply to the GDCYour diploma is on the GDC list of approved dental nursing qualifications.
- You are on the registerEmployers and patients can check your name on the public GDC register.
Support from enrolment to registration
A named tutor
The same tutor guides your online learning and reviews your portfolio work.
A workplace assessor
Observes you at work and signs off your practical competence.
Careers help
Help with your CV and finding a trainee dental nurse role if you need one.
Learner support team
UK based advisers by phone, email and chat, Monday to Friday.
One fee, including your exams and registration
Ways to pay
Learning and monthly payments start when you enrol, whether or not you are working in a practice yet. Monthly plans are provided by our finance partners and include a finance charge, so the total payable is higher than the course fee. The exact monthly amount, total payable and terms are confirmed at checkout, subject to status.
Representative example: course fee £2,124.99, deposit £0, amount of credit £2,499.99, 24 monthly payments of £118.27, total amount payable £2,838.43, representative APR 12.5%. Credit is subject to status.
What's included
- City & Guilds registration and certification
- Both online exams
- Named tutor and workplace assessor
- E-portfolio and all learning materials
- Help finding a trainee dental nurse role
- GDC fees once you qualify: the application fee, then the annual retention fee
How the cost compares
Some dental nursing courses quote a lower course fee, then add the awarding body exam fee on top. Ours includes it.
| Comparison | learndirect, City & Guilds | Typical NEBDN route |
|---|---|---|
| Leads to GDC registration | Yes | Yes |
| Exam fee included | Yes, both exams | Often extra, the NEBDN exam fee is £525 |
| How you are examined | Two 45 minute online tests plus workplace observations | One national written exam plus a practical exam |
| Start date | Any time | Usually set intakes |
NEBDN fee from the NEBDN 2025 fees schedule, checked 3 November 2026.
What you need to start
Aged 18 or over
And living in England.
No GCSEs needed
Good written and spoken English to complete your portfolio.
16 hours a week in practice
Once placed, supervised by a GDC registered professional.
Your practice will usually arrange an enhanced DBS check and hepatitis B vaccination, which are standard for clinical dental roles.
What dental nurses are paid
Once you are on the GDC register you can work in NHS and private practices, hospitals and community dental services across the UK.
Sources: NHS Employers pay scales 2026, National Careers Service, General Dental Council. Checked 3 November 2026.
- StartTrainee dental nurseWorking in practice under supervision while you study.
- You are hereLevel 3 Diploma in Dental NursingQualify and join the GDC register as a dental nurse.
- Post registrationSpecialiseRadiography, oral health education, sedation or orthodontic nursing.
- Next stepsLead or retrainHead dental nurse, practice manager, or a degree in hygiene and therapy.
Rated Excellent by our learners
Dental nurse course questions
Will this qualification let me register with the GDC?
Yes. The City & Guilds Level 3 Technical Occupational Entry to Professional Practice for Dental Nurses (Diploma) is on the General Dental Council's list of approved dental nursing qualifications. Once you pass, you can apply to join the GDC register as a dental nurse.
Do I need to be working in a dental practice?
You can enrol before you have a role, and our careers team will help you find one. To complete the course you need at least 16 hours a week in a dental practice in England, supervised by a GDC registered professional.
How much does a dental nurse course cost?
Our fee is £2,124.99 and includes City & Guilds registration and both exams. You can pay in full, or spread the cost at £118.27 a month over 24 months with £0 deposit through our finance partner (total payable £2,838.43). GDC registration fees are paid separately once you qualify.
Do I need GCSEs to become a dental nurse?
No. You need to be 18 or over, live in England, have good written and spoken English, and be able to spend at least 16 hours a week in a dental practice.
How long does it take to become a dental nurse?
Most learners complete the diploma in 12 to 18 months, depending on their hours in practice. You then apply to the GDC to join the register.
Can I do a dental nurse course online?
Your learning is online with a named tutor. Your practical skills are assessed in your workplace by your assessor, so you cannot qualify without time in a dental practice.
What exams are there?
Two 45 minute online multiple choice tests on the theory. You also have two workplace observations and a 60 minute final practical observation at work. Both exams are included in your fee.
What is the difference between City & Guilds and NEBDN?
Both lead to GDC registration. The City & Guilds diploma is assessed through your portfolio, workplace observations and two online tests, and you can start at any time. NEBDN uses a national written exam and a practical exam.
How long do trainee dental nurses have to enrol?
From 1 June 2026, the GDC expects trainee dental nurses to be enrolled on a recognised qualification within 12 months of starting work, down from 24 months.
Is this an apprenticeship?
No. It uses the same type of City & Guilds qualification found in many apprenticeships, but you pay one fee and there is no apprenticeship paperwork.
When do payments start?
Learning and payments start when you enrol, whether or not you are working in a practice yet.
How much do dental nurses earn?
NHS dental nurses are Band 4, £28,392 to £31,157 from April 2026. The National Careers Service gives a typical range of £25,000 to £39,000 across all employers.
Not sure if dental nursing is right for you?
Talk to a course adviser about your eligibility, payment options and finding a trainee role. Call 01202 006 464.
Your enrolment
Level 3 Diploma in Dental Nursing, City & Guilds 5238-30
Representative example: course fee £2,124.99, deposit £0, amount of credit £2,499.99, 24 monthly payments of £118.27, total amount payable £2,838.43, representative APR 12.5%. Credit is subject to status.
