Dental Nursing

This course delivers a high standard of education, using state-of-the-art technology to provide dental nursing education outside of the major dental hospital centres in Ireland.

Throughout the course, video-conferencing, online learning and mobile learning will be used to enhance your learning experience. The use of technology means we can reach students in various geographical locations in Ireland, as well as create a blended learning environment for our students.

All candidates are required to submit a personal statement with their application. Decisions on entry will be made on the basis of this statement for candidates who meet the Leaving Cert or mature requirements as set out below.

Candidates for the part-time programme must be currently employed as a trainee Dental Nurse in a Dental Practice at the time of application.

Candidates for the full-time programme may be invited to attend for an interview.

Leaving Certificate Entry Requirements

O6/H7 in at least five subjects in the Leaving Certificate. Current Leaving Certificate students are welcome to apply.

Mature Students

Mature applicants should be 23 years old on or before 1st January of the year of application. Mature applicants may be required to attend an interview.

English Language Requirements

For English language requirements, please see the English Language Requirements for EU Applicants.

Fitness to Practice

This programme is subject to UCC's Fitness to Practise Policy.

Student Garda Vetting

All students on this programme will come into contact with the public and assume positions of trust through educational and training opportunities. To ensure the protection of the public, and to justify public trust and confidence, UCC is committed to ensuring that only suitable candidates are allowed to undertake this programme.

Vetting is carried out by the Admissions Office in UCC under the National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Acts 2012 to 2016 (the Acts) once a student has accepted their place on the programme. This involves a police check to establish whether the individual being vetted has had criminal convictions in the past or whether any criminal proceedings are pending. The Garda Siochána provide this information for students who have resided in Ireland for a period of six months or more (including permanent residence).

All students who have resided outside Ireland for a period of six months or more must furnish a Police Clearance Certificate from their country or countries of residence. This certificate should state that the student has had no convictions recorded against them while residing there.

Further information can be found on our Student Garda Vetting page.

The Diploma in Dental Nursing provides you with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills that are highly sought by dental practitioners.

The employment rate of our graduates is extremely high and there is also an opportunity to travel with your qualification. Some of our graduates have obtained work in the UK, Australia and Canada.