Dental Nursing - Course Overview - Dental Assistant

The following information is extracted from the NEBDN website for your benefit.  You can visit their website or ask our Admissions Office for more details of this course.

National Certificate Examination in Dental Nursing

Access to the Examination is open to any person working as a dental nurse.  However, candidates who are successful will not be awarded the qualification until they complete 24 months' full-time (or part-time equivalent) practical experience as a dental nurse.

Format:  The National Certificate Examination consists of 5 sections and candidates are require to pass all 5 sections. However a borderline failure in one section can be compensated for by a good pass in another section.

1.   Written Paper - Part A:

15 Multiple-choice questions.  A diagram and short questions.  Short-answer questions.  Charting questions.  Candidates are advised to spend not more than 30 minutes on Part A.

2.   Written Paper - Part B:

Four conventional-type questions from a selection of five.  Candidates are advised that: all four answers carry equal marks; most of the questions have more than one part; the examination runs from 9.30am to 11.30am; pure essays are not necessary; neatly laid out note-form answers with sub-headings are acceptable; diagrams wherever relevant are acceptable. Candidates are advised to allow at least 90 minutes for Part B.

Two hours in total are allowed for the completion of the two written papers which are usually held from 9.30am to 1.30am on the examination day.

3.  Spotter Tests:

In the spotter the candidate is asked to identify in full 20 items arranged in groups of 4.  The candidate may pick up any item to examine it but must replace it carefully in its original position.  1 minute is allowed for each group of 4.

4.   Practical:

Candidates are required to carry out 2 practical tasks from a selection of 4 tests.  Candidates are advised that: if they are uncertain of the scope of the tests or the equipment available, they should ask the examiner for clarification; examiners may ask relevant questions during the tests; they could be asked to repeat a test; refusal to carry out a chosen test will gain no marks.

5.  Oral:

Candidates undergo oral questioning to assess their depth of knowledge and understanding.  13 minutes are allowed for the Practical / Oral - up to 5 minutes for the Practical tests and the remainder of the 13 minutes for the Oral.  The Spotter, Practical and Oral sections take place on the afternoon of the examination day.