Certificate in Dental Nursing for Patients with Special Needs
Course title: Dental Nursing for Patients with Special Needs
This course is aimed at dental nurses who work with patients with special needs or require special considerations to facilitate their treatment and wish to improve their knowledge and understanding of this patient group.
Awarded by: Delta Awards
Structure: The course is delivered by way of six modules. All modules are mandatory and must be passed. Resources include written course material and scheduled one to one tutorials with the course tutor if required.
Grading: Pass or fail
Pre-requisites: Candidates must hold GDC registration and a recognised Dental Nurse qualification. Candidates must work in an environment which supports the treatment provision for special care patients.
Assessment: This course is assessed by:
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- Workplace Portfolio of Evidence which includes 10 patient case reports and a research assignment. This forms 50% of the final grade
- Final examination – a 90 minute written exam on a selection of the subjects covered and forms 50% of the overall grade
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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.
Candidates get two attempts at the online examination. The examination is an “Open Question” written format.
Practical Component: None
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
Conditions Affecting the Body System
Multiple Sclerosis Muscular Dystrophy Arthritis Rheumatoid Arthritis Spinal Cord Injury Brain Injury Module 2 Content
Mental Health and Brain Disorders
Bipolar Disorder Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Schizophrenia Epilepsy Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Module 3 Content General Health Conditions Cardiovascular conditions Respiratory disorders Diabetes Obesity Module 4 Content Cancer Care Mouth cancer Head and neck cancers Cancer patients and oral health
Module 5 Content The Paediatric Patient Autism Dyslexia and dyspraxia Learning difficulties Down Syndrome Deaf-blindness Cerebral Palsy Spina bifida
Module 6 Content Additional Treatment Requirements
Treatment under General Anaesthesia Treatment under sedation Domiciliary care Carers and care facilities Safeguarding |
Module 1 Assessment
Portfolio of evidence Final examination
Module 2 Assessment
Portfolio of evidence Final Examination
Module 3 Assessment
Portfolio of evidence Final examination
Module 4 Assessment Portfolio of evidence Research assignment Final examination
Module 5 Assessment Portfolio of evidence Research Assignment Final examination
Module 6 Assessment
Portfolio of evidence Research assignment Final examination
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Assessment
Case Reports – The candidate is required to complete 10 case reports which involve their direct involvement with the treatment of special care patients. The case reports are assessed collectively and contribute to 50% 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
- Evidence of reading and research and supporting literature should be included to justify treatment management decisions
Research Assignments
The candidate is required to complete an additional research assignment as part of the portfolio of evidence. This is assessed alongside the case reports to contribute toward 50% of the overall grade.
Written Exam
Candidates will be required to sit a final written exam of 90 minutes duration. The examination is provided online with full remote invigilation, and candidates will be required to undertake this under strict examination conditions. The exam is an Open Question format where the candidate will be given copies of potential questions in advance to allow preparation. The exam contributes to 50% of the overall grade.