Description

Course title:	Certificate in Paediatric Dental Nursing
This course is aimed at dental nurses who work with paediatric patients and who wish to improve their knowledge and understanding of this patient group.
Awarded by:	DELTA Awards
Structure:	The course is delivered by way of seven modules. All modules are mandatory and must be passed
Grading:	Pass or fail
Pre-requisites:	Candidates must hold GDC registration and a recognised Dental Nurse qualification
Assessment:	This course is assessed by: Case studies – each module will require the completion of one or more case studies (depending on the module subject). These case studies will be assessed collectively and form 40% of the overall grade Essay submission – an extended essay is required in the final module and forms 20% of the overall grade Final examination – a 90 minute written “open book” examination on given topics forming 40% of the overall grade Candidates must achieve a pass in all assessments to gain the certificate.
Resit Arrangements:	Candidates can receive a small course extension to amend or change any information in the case studies or essay submissions. A fee may be applicable. Candidates get two included attempts at the final examination. Further attempts will incur a charge.
Practical Component:	Undertaking plaque scoring.This course requires the involvement of a workplace supervisor / expert witness who will take overall responsibility for the practical evidence completed within the workplace. This person will receive their own account login and be required to sign off the evidence submitted. Please ensure you have this person in place prior to course application. Failure to do so will compromise course progress.
Guided Learning Hours:	This programme is 300 Guided Learning Hours (GLH)
Course length:	9 – 12 months
Credits:	This course attracts 30 credits

Course Content

Module 1 Content	Module 1 Assessment
Managing the Child Patient Consent Medical Conditions and common childhood illnesses History and Examination The first appointment Acclimatisation, prevention and stabilisation Introduction to the principles of child development Clinical conduct and the clinical environment	In-module assignments Two case studies which contribute to the final grade

Module 2 Content	Module 2 Assessment
Growth and Development Anatomy of the head Abnormal and normal development Deciduous and permanent dentition Eruption dates – premature and delayed loss of primary teeth Abnormalities and variants of normal development Soft tissue development	In module questions and answers One case study which contributes to the final grade

Module 3 Content	Module 3 Assessment
Behaviour Management, including Anxiety and Pain Management Options Modelling, Communication, Tell-show-do Patient considerations – age, level of co-operation, previous dental experience Pain management Sedation techniques – oral sedation, IV sedation, inhalation sedation General anaesthesia Topical and local anaesthesia	In module patient survey Two case studies which contribute to the final grade

Module 4 Content	Module 4 Assessment
Prevention of Dental Disease Dental caries Oral health advice – toothbrushing and plaque control Diet and sugars Fluoride and fissure sealants Periodontal conditions	End of module essays Case study which contributes to the final grade

Module 5 Content	Module 5 Assessment
Plaque Scoring Professional Conduct The Oral Cavity Plaque Indices	Submission of a workplace record of experience detailing 5 patients who have undergone plaque scoring Extended case study which contributes to the final grade

Module 6 Content	Module 6 Assessment
Dental Procedures (Restorative) Restoring primary and secondary dentition Restorative materials, instruments and equipment Stainless steel crowns Pulp treatments Periodontal conditions	End of module assignments Two case studies which contribute to the final grade

Module 7 Content	Module 7 Assessment
Dental Procedures – Urgent Care and Trauma, Extractions and Orthodontics Trauma and urgent care Extractions – primary and secondary teeth Extraction instruments Complications Orthodontic treatment indications	End of module assignments Two case studies which contribute to the final grade

Assessment

Case Studies

The candidate is required to complete 11 case studies which involve their role in the treatment of children in various dental situations. The case studies are assessed collectively and contribute to 40% of the final grade. All case studies must include:

Details of the treatment undertaken
The role of the dental nurse during the treatment
A critical evaluation of the appointment(s) including identification of strengths, areas of good practice and areas of improvement
Where possible, supporting literature should be included to justify treatment management decisions

Extended Essay

An extended essay on the management of pain and anxiety contributes to 20% of the overall grade. This essay title is provided in the final module of the course and the candidate has until the exam to complete and submit.

Written Exam

Candidates will be required to sit a final written exam of 90 minutes duration. The examination is provided electronically and candidates are able to undertake this in their own environment under strict, remote invigilation. The examination comprises a selection of three essay questions randomly chosen from six previously seen questions. Students have 8 weeks to prepare for the exam and are permitted to take references into the exam to include in their answers. This contributes to 40% of the final grade.

Level 4 Certificate in Paediatric Dental Nursing