SVQ Dental Nursing SCQF level 7
Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQs) recognise competence in job-related skills and are based on National Occupational Standards.
This SVQ covers areas such as health and safety, infection prevention and chairside support.
This qualification has been designed in partnership with the dental education sector in Scotland and Skills for Health, the sector skills council to ensure relevance to the sector.
This qualification is available through employers, colleges and training providers.
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Why deliver this qualification
Learners will gain a nationally-recognised qualification that guarantees that they have the skills, knowledge and abilities required to carry out their role successfully. Employers will also benefit from their employees being proficient.
Assessment is carried out in the workplace. This minimises any time learners need to be away from their work.
Learners can progress to a range of qualifications including advanced PDAs and the HND in Dental Nursing.
The SVQ can be offered in any of the following modes:
- full-time
- part-time (for example, day-release)
Who does this qualification suit
This SVQ is suitable for:
- learners who may have just left school
- individuals who are currently in employment and who wish to obtain a formal qualification
Access
Entry is at the discretion of the centre.
Candidates should be in a job or placement where they are carrying out relevant tasks and responsibilities which allow them to gather the required evidence.
Learners do not need to have formal relevant qualifications to enter this SVQ. Good communication skills, both oral and written, are required. It is likely that learners will also be undertaking the PDA in Dental Nursing and should have completed a thorough induction and/or introductory-level dental nursing units.
Progression
On completion, successful candidates may apply to the GDC for registration as a Dental Care Professional (DCP) Dental Nurse provided they have also gained the PDA in Dental Nursing at SCQF level 7 (or equivalent). Candidates may also progress to the HND in Dental Nursing.
Approval
Specific delivery requirements
Centres interested in offering this qualification must come forward for approval and should contact SQA’s Business Development Team for guidance.
Assessors and verifiers must be able to meet SQA’s general requirements for technical/occupational competence as outlined in the Systems and Qualification Approval Guide. The specific delivery requirements are set out in the assessment strategy.
All assessors and internal verifiers involved in the delivery and assessment of the SVQ must be registered as Dental Care Professionals with the General Dental Council (GDC).
How to assess
For general information, please refer to the document Information for Assessment of Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQs). For detailed guidance on how to assess this particular SVQ, please refer to the assessment strategy.
Where can you take this course?
Qualification content and delivery tools
Current
Information about the qualification(s)
Qualification Structure
Group award code: GV94 23
The SVQ in Dental Nursing at SCQF level 7 consists of 10 mandatory units.
For details of the units making up the SVQ, please refer to the qualification structure (52 KB).
National Occupational Standards
SQA works in partnership with other organisations to ensure that National Occupational Standards are relevant to the current and future needs of Scottish industries.
Unit information for this qualification is available on our Unit Search.
Core Skills signposting
Core Skills mapping is carried out by the SSC responsible for the development of an SVQ. It is a requirement of SQA Accreditation that every SVQ submission includes information on where possible opportunities for candidates to develop Core Skills exist across the mandatory units.
Centres should note that mapping is not audited or validated against the Core Skills framework/units so is not accepted by SQA awarding body as evidence towards achievement of the Core Skills units.
- Core Skills signposting (80 KB)
Modern Apprenticeships
This SVQ is a mandatory component in the Modern Apprenticeship in Dental Nursing.
SQA also offers the following components of this apprenticeship.
PDA in Dental Nursing at SCQF level 7 (GV8T 47)
The following core skills are embedded in the qualification:
| Unit title |
SCQF 3 |
SCQF 4 |
SCQF 5 |
SCQF 6 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Core Skills: Communication |
|
|
F427 04 |
|
| Core Skills: Numeracy |
F429 04 |
|
|
|
| Core Skills: Information and Communication Technology |
|
|
F42F 04 |
|
| Core Skills: Problem Solving |
|
F42J 04 |
|
|
| Core Skills: Working with Others |
|
|
F42P 04 |
|
Information about delivery, assessment, quality assurance and support material
Assessment strategy
Assessment Strategy (108 KB)
Assessor's guidelines
Candidate Guidance and Portfolio
Lapsing
Information about the qualification(s)
Qualification Structure
SVQ in Dental Nursing (GH0H 23)
This group award has been replaced.
It enters its lapsing period on: 31/07/25
It finishes on: 31/07/29
The SVQ GH0H 23 at SCQF level 7 consists of 11 mandatory Units.
For details of the Units making up the SVQ, please refer to the Qualification Structure (60 KB).
National Occupational Standards
Unit information for this qualification is available on our Unit Search.
Core Skills signposting
Core Skills mapping is carried out by the SSC responsible for the development of an SVQ. It is a requirement of SQA Accreditation that every SVQ submission includes information on where possible opportunities for candidates to develop Core Skills exist across the mandatory units.
Centres should note that mapping is not audited or validated against the Core Skills framework/units so is not accepted by SQA awarding body as evidence towards achievement of the Core Skills units.
Information about delivery, assessment, quality assurance and support material
Assessment strategy
Assessor's guidelines
- SVQ 3 Dental Nursing at SCQF level 7 (764 KB)