Dental Nursing

What is a Dental Nurse?

The dental nurse plays an important role in the organisation and management of the dental practice, assisting the dentist in all aspects of patient treatment. The main duties of a dental nurse include infection prevention and control, chair-side assistance, preparation and maintenance of the dental clinic and equipment, and patient care.

This programme empowers you with the skills and practical competence required to work in a dental environment. You will learn about the day-to-day role of the dental nurse and acquire the qualification for entry to the Dental Council Voluntary Register of Dental Nurses.

Leaving Certificate:

Applicants are required to present six subjects including: English, Mathematics, and one of Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Agricultural Science or Physics/Chemistry.

Of the six subjects presented, two must be of a standard of at least Grade 4 on Ordinary Leaving Certificate papers. The remaining four subjects must be presented to a standard of at least Grade 6 on Ordinary Leaving Certificate papers.

Mature Students:

Applications may also be considered from mature applicants who do not satisfy the academic entry requirements but can demonstrate appropriate experience relevant to the course.

Entrants will have to pass Trinity's health screening requirements, you can learn more here.

Students will also be required to undergo Garda Vetting, you can learn more here.

English Language Requirements

All applicants to Trinity are required to provide official evidence of proficiency in the English language. Applicants to this course are required to meet Band C (Higher Entry) English language requirements. For more details of qualifications that meet Band C, see the English Language Requirements page here.

As a graduate of Dental Nursing, you can work in a variety of working environments, including dental hospitals and Health Service Executive dental clinics, as well as in general and specialist dental practices. Depending on the work setting, advancement in the field may include senior dental nurse, clinic nurse manager, practice manager, marketing representatives for relevant companies, dental nurse tutor, course co-ordinator, and the area of health promotion.