COURSE CURRICULUM

The Diploma in Dental Nursing is a two-year program combining academic study with extensive practical clinical training, both delivered at the Dublin Dental University Hospital at Trinity College Dublin. Students attend full-time from Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., while still having opportunities to enjoy university life. In the first year, students experience a mix of lectures and clinical practice, building foundational knowledge and practical skills in a supportive environment. Modules include Microbiology and Pathology, Physiology and Medical Emergencies, Clinical Dentistry I and II, Anatomy, Public Oral Health, Social Concepts in Dentistry, Computer Skills, and Clinical Placements I. In the second year, students gain broader clinical exposure by working with dental clinicians across a variety of disciplines in the hospital, external institutions, and private practices. Second-year modules include Clinical Dentistry III, Practice Management, Health Psychology, Clinical Placements II, a Portfolio of Experience, and a Case Study involving both a written report and oral presentation. Assessment throughout the course is comprehensive and includes attendance, assignments, written and practical examinations, continuous clinical assessment, clinical logbooks, Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs), portfolios, case studies, and presentations. This balanced approach ensures students develop the academic knowledge, practical competence, and professional skills needed for a successful career in dental nursing.