NC Oral Health Care: Preparing for Practice SCQF level 6

National Certificates (NCs) are practical qualifications designed to equip learners with the knowledge and skills (including Core Skills) required for further study or to gain employment.

The NC in Oral Health Care: Preparing for Practice at SCQF level 6 includes four units which cover generic transferable skills and knowledge (teamwork, health and safety at work, first aid, and reflective learning), as well as several units which develop specific knowledge of the legislation, standards, and ethics required for a career in the dental nursing profession. Practical skills required to effectively and safely care for dental patients will be developed in a realistic working environment.

This qualification covers areas such as decontamination, first aid, health and safety, dental anatomy, dental patient care, the clinical assessment of patients' dental health, and the safe handling of instruments, materials, and equipment used in dental practice.

NCs are designed for full-time delivery over one year (or part-time over two years) and are available through colleges and training providers.

Qualification structure

Group award code: GP3A 46.

The National Certificate in Oral Health Care: preparing for Practice at SCQF level 6 consists of 12 mandatory units (74 SCQF credit points).

Code Unit title SQA credit SCQF credit points SCQF level
F3GE 11 Working with Others 1 6 5
F300 04 Ensure your Own Actions Reduce the Risk to Health and Safety 1 8 6
HX1W 75 Introduction to First Aid 1 6 5
J1DX 45 Oral Health Improvement: an Introduction 1 6 5
J1DS 46 Infection Prevention and Decontamination in an Oral Health Care Environment 1 6 6
J1DY 45 Dental Anatomy: an Introduction 1 6 5
J1DW 46 Safe Working Practices in an Oral Health Care Environment 1 6 6
J1DV 46 Dental Procedures: Instruments, Materials and Equipment 1 6 6
HE3D 46 Dental Care Professionals: Fitness to Practice 1 6 6
J0FE 46 Dental Care Professionals: Reflective Practice 1 6 6
J1DR 46 Oral Health Assessment: an Introduction 1 6 6
J1DT 46 Dental Patient Care: an Introduction 1 6 6

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How to assess

Each unit specification gives detailed information on the evidence requirements and approaches to assessment for the unit.

Assessment of this NC is through a series of theoretical and practical assessments or tasks undertaken in a realistic simulated working environment. Some assessments will be carried out under supervised open-book conditions, while others will be under supervised closed-book conditions.

There are opportunities to combine the delivery and assessment of various units. Please refer to the group award specification and the unit specifications for further guidance.

Deliver this qualification

Why study this qualification

This NC is suitable for a wide range of candidates including:

  • school leavers
  • adults returning to education
  • learners looking to progress to an HNC/HND
  • migrants to the UK
  • candidates whose first language is not English

Access

Entry is at the discretion of the centre.

No prior qualifications are required to undertake this qualification.

Employment and progression

The NC in Oral Health Care: Preparing for Practice may provide progression opportunities to:

  • the PDA in Dental Nursing*
  • the SVQ in Dental Nursing*
  • employment in the oral health care sector, perhaps as a trainee dental nurse*

*subject to evidence of successful PVG

Qualification structure

Group award code: GP3A 46.

The National Certificate in Oral Health Care: preparing for Practice at SCQF level 6 consists of 12 mandatory units (74 SCQF credit points).

Code Unit title SQA credit SCQF credit points SCQF level
F3GE 11 Working with Others 1 6 5
F300 04 Ensure your Own Actions Reduce the Risk to Health and Safety 1 8 6
HX1W 75 Introduction to First Aid 1 6 5
J1DX 45 Oral Health Improvement: an Introduction 1 6 5
J1DS 46 Infection Prevention and Decontamination in an Oral Health Care Environment 1 6 6
J1DY 45 Dental Anatomy: an Introduction 1 6 5
J1DW 46 Safe Working Practices in an Oral Health Care Environment 1 6 6
J1DV 46 Dental Procedures: Instruments, Materials and Equipment 1 6 6
HE3D 46 Dental Care Professionals: Fitness to Practice 1 6 6
J0FE 46 Dental Care Professionals: Reflective Practice 1 6 6
J1DR 46 Oral Health Assessment: an Introduction 1 6 6
J1DT 46 Dental Patient Care: an Introduction 1 6 6

Unit search