NVQ and VRQ in

Dental Nursing

NVQs are already in place for other health workers. Dental Nursing is now being added to the expanding list. The new qualifications is intended to bring dental staff qualifications into the framework of existing recognised and transferable qualifications.

The NVQ and VRQ in Dental Nursing have been developed with the support of the National Examination Board for Dental Nurses to make sure that it meets all the professional needs of dental nurses.

This level 3 NVQ is aimed at dental nurses who provide direct patient care and support during treatments – from preparing materials for fillings and supporting the dentist during procedure to practice management. You need to complete a number of units that includes:

  • Processing and producing dental X-rays
  • Providing support during the examination of a patient’s oral health
  • Helping patients to feel comfortable
  • Providing support during the prevention and control of perio disease and caries

As this is an NVQ you can learn, train and demonstrate your true skills on the job. Your abilities will be tested in the workplace and you will need to prove that you can do a number of work related tasks. You will be assessed in several ways: by portfolio – you build up a folder of evidence of what you have done at work; and by observation – an assessor watches you work and checks that you can really do the tasks.

The VRQ Certificate is being released in September 2007, so we do not have complete details for this award. We do know that it will be delivered alongside the NVQ Award. The VRQ Certificate in Dental Nursing is a vocational qualification, so the emphasis will be on "factual knowledge". There is an examination to sit at the end of the course. The VRQ Certificate can be taken by qualified nurses who may wish to update their knowledge and gain credits toward their personal Professional Development.

Together the VRQ Certificate and NVQ Award are needed to register with the GDC as a Dental Nurse.

Dental Nurse Studying