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  • COVID-19 update

    COVID-19 update

    We have been reviewing guidance from gov.uk, Public Health England and NHS in regard to any implications relating to NEBDN’s activities from the COVID-19.

    At this point the exams will continue as the Government have not recommended cancelling such events, and the guidance that applies to the general public will also apply in this case. In order to support at the Spring Conference on Saturday and the coming examinations, we will be displaying the attached guidance from Public Health England and ensuring that hand sanitiser gel is available.

    We will of course be reviewing any updates on guidance and implementing any further actions where required.

    Any questions please contact us on info@NEBDN.org

  • From Dental Nurse to Dentist

    From Dental Nurse to Dentist

    In this month’s Crowning Careers article, we hear from Suki Nandra, Specialty Registrar in Orthodontics who shares her experience on becoming a Dentist.

    Unlike most dentists, I started my journey in dentistry as a student dental nurse. I sat my NEBDN nursing exam 10 years ago and I am currently a Specialty Registrar in Orthodontics at Guy’s and Medway hospitals.

    After completing my A-Levels I, like many teenagers, was unsure of my future career aspirations. I personally have never been one to favour the academic pathway, so I chose to complete a one-year dental nursing course instead of going to university to study biomedical sciences. The course gave me the opportunity to learn a practical skill where I could work clinically in a hospital and attend lectures on a weekly basis.

    It is an understatement to say when I started as a student dental nurse, I was very naïve to all things dental and at the age of 18 even the workplace seemed foreign. I would still to this day describe my year as a student dental nurse as one of the hardest learning paths I have taken, yet it is likely the most crucial as it paved the way for the rest of my career.

    After completing my dental nurse training, I went on to work as a qualified dental nurse in the orthodontic department at the Eastman dental hospital and assisted postgraduate students. Despite enjoying my job, I couldn’t help imagining what it would be like working on the other side of the patient. By chance I found out that the University of Sheffield accepted dental nurses with A-Levels onto their dentistry programme and after one year I had secured a place in dental school. The University of Sheffield remains the only UK University to recognise and accept the dental nursing qualification as part of a dentistry application. My nursing knowledge and familiarity in the dental environment helped me massively through dental school and luckily made exams involving charting, cross infection and instruments a breeze. Almost certainly, the most important advantage of being a dental nurse before a dentist is that I have a better understanding of how it feels to work on both sides of the patient. I appreciate the frustrations, elations and general emotions that both roles entail during the day. This has helped my working relationships with my team, as I feel a well-functioning team only produces better care for patients.

    Since qualifying as a dentist I have worked in multiple specialties (Oral Maxillofacial surgery, Restorative, Paediatric and Special Care Dentistry) and in multiple settings (Practice, Hospital, Community). Whilst working through training posts I also completed my MFDS (Membership of the Faculty of Dental Surgery) and a Postgraduate certificate in Medical Education.

    This year I have embarked on a three-year specialty training programme in Orthodontics. It is strange to think that I spent years assisting postgraduate students and 10 years later I am one myself. I would not say my journey has been an exceptionally hard transition but it has involved a lot of work. There probably isn’t a more fitting individual than a dental nurse to become a dental clinician and it is definitely more than possible for dental nurses to train as dentists; it’s all about taking that leap.

    For those interested, my article in the BDJ Team describes the application pathways for dental nurses applying for dentistry roles: https://www.nature.com/articles/bdjteam201824.

  • Spring into Action

    Spring into Action

    A look ahead to NEBDN’s Spring Conference designed to help you prepare for future practice

    The National Examining Board for Dental Nurses (NEBDN) is hosting a new event at the Hilton Hotel, Manchester Airport on Saturday 7 March 2020. The conference, in collaboration with the General Dental Council (GDC), is aimed at qualified dental nurses or those training towards a dental qualification interested in GDC developments, new qualifications and career opportunities.

    NEBDN has organised the event to continue to support dental nurses through their candidate journey and provide guidance on the many career choices available once qualified. The conference is also dedicated to course providers interested in new ways of working to grow their business and make them a ‘provider of choice’.

    The morning session includes keynote speaker Rebecca Cooper, head of GDC Policy and Research, alongside Debra Worthington and Clare Gross, who will discuss the Mouth Care Matters programme. The afternoon sessions will be split into two different workshops to allow delegates to get the most out of the day. Trainee and qualified dental nurses will hear from guest speakers from the Royal Navy, the British Army and Dentaid, for the ‘Crowning Careers’ special. Each presenter will provide information about their career journey and the job opportunities available. Following this, Guy Rubin, Research Manager at the GDC, will present a talk on the scope of practice and why this is so important moving forward as a dental nurse. The scope of practice also describes additional skills that can be developed after registration, as a dental nurse’s scope of practice is likely to expand over the course of their career.

    Simultaneously, NEBDN’s course providers will receive a business update from NEBDN’s senior management team, based around its future aims and objectives and in collaboration with the charity’s vision and values. The afternoon session will also provide an update about recruitment and retention to cover elements, such as growing a business and how to successfully retain new cohorts.

    Kate Kerslake, CEO at NEBDN commented: ‘Our vision and values shape who we are as a charity and, by hosting this conference, we can collaboratively bring practitioners, trainees and dental nurses together to share good practice. We will also talk about our exciting plans for the future when it comes to progressing our qualifications and streamlining our processes. Our vision is to be the leading provider, supporting excellence in dental nurse education and development in the UK, and we hope that this conference brings us one step closer to achieving that.’

    As part of the event, Kate and the board of trustees will present awards to acknowledge individuals who have demonstrated an outstanding service or commitment to NEBDN – in the education and training of dental nurses, patient oral healthcare and/or NEBDN’s work. The Special Recognition Awards will congratulate the winners who were nominated earlier this year
    and who will be announced at the event. The conference will also provide five hours of verifiable CPD with a certificate issued after the event. Tickets are available to purchase at £8.00 per person through Eventbrite up until 28 February 2020 and includes conference access, five hours CPD, refreshments and a hot buffet lunch.

    Book tickets here

    Article published in the Dental Nursing Journal

  • A decade in dentistry

    A decade in dentistry

    This month’s Crowning Career article is from Natalie Watson, Education and Quality Assurance Officer, General Dental Council (GDC).

    Back in 2007, at the age of 16, I began my career in dentistry, prior to the GDC’s introduction of dental nurse registration. At the time, I hadn’t ever considered a career in dentistry and thought of it as a temporary role until I discovered what it was that I wanted to do. I Initially worked as a trainee dental nurse in a busy NHS practice, supporting a hygiene therapist who taught me the skills I needed to successfully carry out my duties. Once I gained more experience in the role, I started to consider the vast career opportunities that were available within dentistry.

    In 2008, I learnt of a dental nursing training programme at Birmingham Dental Hospital and decided that it was an opportunity that I wanted to pursue. This so happened to be the same year that the GDC introduced mandatory registration for dental nurses. Shortly after enrolling in the application process, I was thrilled to be offered a place at Birmingham Dental Hospital. The two years that I spent there gave me access to a wide range of dentistry experience and highlighted the career opportunities that would become available once I had achieved my qualification. The training that I received, as well as the support from tutors and dental professionals, inspired me to explore a career in dental education.

    Once I qualified as a dental nurse, I worked in a mixed NHS and private dental practice for four years and put my skills into practise. Alongside a full-time job, I completed a part-time course in my spare time, gaining a teaching qualification. I also undertook post-qualification courses such as radiography, sedation and impression taking, which enabled me to gain further skills in preparation for a job in education.

    Although I was suitably qualified, I faced difficulties getting into education as employers often viewed me as being too young and inexperienced. However, I was determined to succeed. In 2014, at the age of 23, I secured employment with a dental training provider as a dental nurse tutor and assessor. Over the next four years, I was responsible for teaching the Level 3 Diploma in Dental Nursing as well as the Level 4 Dental Practice Management qualification. My role also involved assessing students within their own workplace to ensure they were meeting the required standards expected of them. This role enabled me to gain qualifications in assessing, internal quality assurance and management.

    In 2018, the GDC opened its Operational Hub in Birmingham and vacancies were advertised, including the education and quality assurance role. I knew that this would be the perfect opportunity to use all of the skills that I had acquired during a decade working in the industry. As a GDC registrant, I thought of this as an exciting opportunity and was keen to enhance my skills further in the quality assurance of dental education. I am now ten months into my role and thoroughly enjoy the variety that it brings. It has also been of great interest to me getting to know more about the GDC and I feel proud to work here.

    As a large focus of the dental profession is lifelong learning, I am eager to gain more skills and further develop in my current role. Dentistry is an exciting career and there are various opportunities available if you put your mind to it and set yourself achievable goals. Upon reflection, it is rewarding to know that the aspirations I set for myself when I was younger have been achieved and I look forward to a long career in dentistry.

  • A Spotlight on Ann Lilley

    A Spotlight on Ann Lilley

    This month’s spotlight is on Ann Lilley, who shares her dental nurse journey from a community-based perspective.

    When I left school in 1988, my first dental nursing post was in a general dental practice in my home town just outside of Bristol. I worked in a well-respected dentist that was much loved by staff and patients. It was a fantastic practice with five surgeries and staff were like family. I continued to work there for eight years during which I trained one day a week at Bristol Dental Hospital. The training course ran for a year and I qualified in 1991 having taken the NEBDN National Certificate.

    During my time at the practice we had many amazing memories, one of which was when the local Bristol BBC made a documentary about dentistry on a programme called “close up west”. They filmed us for a week and it made us feel very important. There was one part where they filmed me all day and then speeded up the film to show a day in the life of a dental surgery. We have been trying to find a copy for years as it would be very funny to watch it now as I was considerably younger and slimmer!

    I left the practice in 1996 to start my family, and decided I would be a mum for a while and seek work later. After less than a year I saw an advert back at Bristol Dental Hospital, where they were recruiting staff to operate the Out of Hours Emergency Dental Service evenings at weekends, for non-registered patients who were unable to see a dentist. This fitted in really well with family life, so I applied for a nursing post.

    Within a very short space of time I ended up managing the service and triaging patients due to the huge numbers attending in pain. Over the years our teams have seen many changes and moved to different sites. I am still a Senior Dental Nurse there and share this role with a wonderful colleague called Donna. I’ve been working for the Out of Hours service for 23 years! Clearly I enjoy it. During our time we have operated dental advice lines for Bristol, BANES and North Somerset alongside the OOHS pain clinics.

    A few years ago 111 took over the triage for OOHS dental patients but we continue to operate the clinics and emergency appointments during evenings and weekends. As my hours were reduced, I applied for a dental nurse post for the Primary Care Dental Service which I already work for, but based in the Community at Weston General Hospital, on behalf of UHBristol NHS Trust. The Primary Care Dental service has seven community clinics across the region. We see patients with additional needs, complex medical histories, phobic children and anyone who is unable to attend a general practice. Sedation is offered when deemed appropriate in our clinical settings to help patients relax during treatment. Domiciliary home care is offered to patients who are bed bound and all patients are treated by a referral system.

    I gained the NEBDN qualification in Sedation Dental Nursing a few years ago and I still feel it was the most interesting course I had ever done. Our tutor at Bristol Dental Hospital is outstanding and I would thoroughly recommend Post-Registration qualification training to everyone. We also operate Hospital Orthodontic clinics here, our Consultant from Bristol Dental hospital operates Out Patients clinics here once a week. We have the opportunity to nurse for Orthognathic and complex orthodontic cases and see the finished results some years later.

    I am the happiest in work I have ever been, I am the joker of the clinic and my job means the world to me. The staff treat patients with such care and we go above and beyond at times. Our trust has just been given an ‘Outstanding’ award by the Quality Care Commission. I am very proud of all we have achieved and would recommend nurses to look for community based work if you are looking for a challenge and rewarding work.

    Fun fact: My passion is singing, and I am part of a local Rock Band called the Cringe, I am often heard singing at work and my patients love it. I encourage everyone to be positive, happy and work hard. Care for others always!

  • A spotlight on Debra Worthington

    A spotlight on Debra Worthington

    This month’s Crowning Careers spotlight is on Debra Worthington, who shares her journey from Dental Nurse to Maxillofacial Unit Manager.

    On leaving school I fell into dental nursing. I had always thought I would pursue a career in general nursing, and it wasn’t until a friend’s father who was a local dentist told me he was looking for a nurse that my journey began. I continued to work in a general dental practice for a further six years, during which I sat the NEBDN national certificate, qualifying in 1983.

    Whilst fully enjoining my work I began to want to broaden my horizons and learn new skills. In November 1992 I secured a role in my local hospital in the Orthodontic Department – this is where my passion for orthodontics began. I went on to work at two further hospital trusts each time gaining more experience, not only in orthodontics but in oral surgery and restorative dentistry. I also gained Post-Registration qualifications in Oral Health, Radiography, Conscious Sedation and Radiography.

    In 2001 I moved to another Trust, while this was further from home I knew I wanted to develop further and moving into this role was the only way I would achieve this. The role enabled me to develop leadership and management skills. I studied for and gained qualifications awarded by the Institute of Leadership and Management. I stayed in this role for nine years, but I still wanted to progress further and started to look for further opportunities.

    The opportunity did come up and in January 2010, I started at Salford Royal Hospital which is where I’m still based now. As the Maxillofacial Unit Manager I am autonomously responsible for the professional leadership and management of a team of community dental nurses, maxillofacial and orthodontic nurses, orthodontic therapists and dental therapists. The specialities which fall into my remit are orthodontics, oral and maxillofacial surgery, special care and paediatric dentistry.

    I am accountable for the overall clinical and operational day to day delivery of clinical standards of care and management of the dental care professional workforce; I endeavour to deliver a high-quality patient centred service which meets patient’s needs.

    I am actively involved in clinical governance, risk management, and I’m the Radiation Protection Supervisor. I have gained a teaching qualification and successfully completed the NHS Senior Leadership Programme.

    I have thoroughly enjoined every minute of my career. It has not been easy juggling a family, working and studying; but if you set yourself personal goals, then with support and guidance, you will achieve them.

    Some interesting facts about me and things I’ve been pleased to be a part of are:
    • My role on the Committee of the Orthodontic National Group (ONG) where I served as Chair for nine years. I am currently two years into a three-year tenure as President. This consists of working at a national level with senior members of the British Orthodontic Society. I attend meetings with the General Dental Council (GDC), and I was invited to meet the GDC when they were reviewing the Scope of Practice in 2013.
    • I am a current member of the Dental Care Professionals Advisory Board at the Royal College of Surgeons in Edinburgh.
    • I have worked with The Centre for Workforce Intelligence, who has been commissioned to report on the future duties of dental care professionals and dental student intake numbers.
    • I worked with NHS England on a scoping document – looking at medicines prescribing for DCP’s.

    Like to know more? Debra will be at our Spring Conference 7 March 2020 discussing details on the ‘Mouthcare Matters’ programme. Click here to book your place.

    Debra Worthington

  • From Dental Nurse to Quality Manager

    From Dental Nurse to Quality Manager

    For this month’s Crowning Careers, we are joined by Emma Hoyles, Quality Manager at NEBDN who joined the Charity in May 2019.

    My career as a qualified NEBDN Dental Nurse started in 1999 following a whole day of examinations (I sympathise with students as back then it was a vigorous style of oral, practical, written and multiple-choice questions all in one day). When I left school, I went to college and trained to be a Nursey Nurse and got a job at a private day nursery. However, not long after that I decided it wasn’t for me. I felt disheartened after spending all that time studying and wasn’t sure what to do next. I then found an advert in a local newspaper for a trainee dental nurse position and have not looked back since!

    Once I gained employment as a trainee nurse, I spent three years at a practice in Lancashire learning all the practical aspects of the job. The practice had six surgeries and was a busy high street NHS surgery that supported the training of foundation dentists as well as trainee dental nurses. I had to attend night school every Thursday evening from 6-10pm to learn all the theory content.

    I then moved on to Manchester as a qualified dental nurse working for a city centre high street mixed NHS and private practice. Initially I spent most of my time working in surgery and then learnt further aspects of the job like running the reception, stock ordering and supporting with the implementation of quality processes and systems. This then led to becoming one of the senior nurses within the practice. I loved every minute of it and especially liked implementing new systems and training and developing new staff. Watching other people’s skills and knowledge improve was very rewarding. After three years I was then promoted to be a Dual Site Practice Manager, which involved looking after two city centre practices in Manchester.

    Being a practice manager was great, but I missed the practical side of the job and the face to face interaction with patients, so I decided to look for other opportunities and in 2006 I went to work for NHS Direct as a Dental Nurse Advisor. My role there involved the clinical triage and assessment of patient’s not under the care of a dentist or during the out of hours period. This enabled me to provide clinical advice within my scope of practice and signpost patients to the most appropriate service, dependant on their needs. I was quickly promoted to team leader whilst there managing a team of 25 dental nurse advisors. However, due to some organisational changes and contracts ending, I decided to return to my former role as practice manager between 2010 – 2013.

    After working in public and private sectors I realised I enjoyed working in the public sector the most and carried on my career progression to Cumbria where I worked as a Network Manager for the Community NHS Dental service. It was a big step-up in terms of seniority, so it was quite a challenge. I looked after 10 sites across Cumbria with operational responsibility for approximately 150 staff members. The service covered a broad spectrum of patients including patients with complex medical needs or suffering from severe dental anxiety, special care patients, patients with oral cancer and paediatric patients requiring treatment under general anaesthetic.

    Working here gave me a good experience of engaging with wider stakeholders and patient groups. I enjoyed the operational aspect of that job. However, I have always had a passion for quality, governance, education and supporting the progression of role of the dental nurse. I stumbled across the NEBDN role on Facebook and after reading the job description I felt it was the perfect job for me. I’ve now worked here for over five months and love the diversity of the role. I love working with the team and getting to meet different types of course providers and influencing and improving our quality assurance processes. I feel proud that I have gone full circle, from sitting an NEBDN exam to now working here. After taking different career paths I feel I was meant to stay within the field of dental nursing. I am passionate that I can support education and help to shape the future of dental nurses.

    My advice to future dental nurses thinking about their next steps, would be to stay true to your own personal values and put time and effort in when you can. Gain all the knowledge and skills available when opportunities arise and don’t be afraid to try different roles to see what area you work best in. I never thought I would be working for NEBDN or undertaking a master’s degree in healthcare leadership and management – I am now half way through completing my course and I couldn’t be prouder of myself and my achievements.

    If you would like to work at NEBDN click here

    Alternatively, follow our monthly recruitment posts to see the latest opportunities available on our news page.

    Emma Hoyles, Quality Manager at NEBDN

  • Special Recognition Awards 2019 – call for nominations now open!

    Special Recognition Awards 2019 – call for nominations now open!

    Do you know someone who has made a major impact on:
    ▪ The education and training of dental nurses
    ▪ Patient oral healthcare and/or
    ▪ NEBDN’s work

    If you do, then please join us in nominating someone for a Special Recognition Award!

    What is a Special Recognition Award?
    A Special Recognition Award is for individuals who have demonstrated dedication, outstanding service and commitment to NEBDN and/or the education and training of dental nurses through involvement and achievement at a national or UK level.

    The award may recognise a specific single achievement (e.g. for a specific project) or achievements over a significant period of time (e.g. a significant contribution for a number of years).

    Criteria
    To be considered for a Special Recognition Award, an individual will need to have achieved one of the following roles, being or having been actively involved:
    ▪ In oral health
    ▪ In patient care
    ▪ As a member of the NEBDN examination team
    ▪ As an NEBDN Board or Committee member
    Or
    Given more than five years’ service to the NEBDN as an examiner, committee member or Board member.

    How to nominate?
    Nominations can be made by any anyone via email to SRA@nebdn.org

    Click here for nomination form

    The closing date for nominations is 27 September 2019.

     

  • What to expect at the OSCEs

    What to expect at the OSCEs

    More than 1,000 candidates participate in 10 different stations to complete the timed practical exam – the OSCE, which will result in a pass or fail mark. Here, the team at NEBDN talk us through the preparation.

    As part of the National Examining Board for Dental Nurses (NEBDN) qualification, candidates must have completed their written exam first before sitting their practical. Once qualified, successful candidates will receive their NEBDN National Diploma in Dental Nursing and can then go on to register with the General Dental Council (GDC).

    NEBDN does a wonderful job of organising the OSCEs, which is a massive project to manage across multiple locations in the UK – there were more than 550 candidates sitting their exam in London alone! So much work goes on behind the scenes with everyone making a great effort to work as a well-oiled team. It really is an inspiring project.

    How many centres?
    The number of centres and locations may change each exam, depending on how many candidates pass their written exam. The June exam had five centres – Belfast, Birmingham, London, Manchester and Swindon.

    How many candidates?
    June 2019 had 1,032 candidates sit the exam.

    How many are there in a year?
    The OSCEs run twice a year – once in January and once in June.

    What can a dental nurse expect on the day?
    Once candidates arrive at the examination centre, they will register for the examination. They will need to bring their photographic ID and candidate notice (without these they will not be allowed entry to the examination). They will then be shown an area to change into their clinical uniform. Candidates will be given housekeeping instructions followed by a candidate briefing. From this point on, they are in examination conditions and must listen carefully to all instructions. Candidates will be given a handbook containing copies of the OSCE candidate instructions that they will see in the exam prior to going in, then they will be taken to the examination room.

    How best to prepare?
    Preparation for the OSCE exam should be started by the course provider and will include a full mock exam. In preparation for the OSCEs, candidates should refer to the candidate briefing, the GDC Learning outcomes and the NEBDN curriculum information found on the website under National Diploma – Resources. The curriculum states the assessment methods used for each learning outcome. Revision should focus on the topics that are assessed by OSCEs.

    How important is timekeeping?
    Timekeeping is very important. Candidates should check their travel routes a few days before the exams for delays or diversions. Candidates who arrive late won’t be let into the exam.

    What advice do you have to calm those nerves?
    We all get nervous in unfamiliar environments. Candidates will have carried out a mock exam and should feel confident with an OSCE situation. The tasks are something that a dental nurse carries out every day, so we encourage candidates to try to push their nerves aside, take five seconds and breathe during the exam and refer to the candidate instructions, which will be in each OSCE station.

    I’m nervous about people watching me – what advice do you have on handling this?
    Candidates are completing tasks that are simulations of the clinical environment that they work in. Be confident, smile, and try to forget that people are watching.

    Are the examiners friendly?
    Our examiners are dentists and dental care professionals who have been carefully selected based on their expertise and experience in their field. They are briefed to be fair and consistent – they will be friendly but won’t be able to offer any gestures to signal if candidates are completing a task correctly or not.

    Do I need to wear my uniform to the examination centre?
    Candidates should arrive in normal clothes and change into their clinical uniform and shoes, just as they would arrive to their place of work.

    Candidates will be assessed on their professional appearance and behaviour. Footwear should offer protection against spills and be able to be wiped cleaned. Open-toe shoes, pumps/plimsolls and Croc-style shoes are not permitted. A full list is available on our website under Resources – Exam Guidance.

    What are the different stations and how are the various tasks split?
    There are 10 stations in total. There will be stations where candidates will be required to mix dental materials. The mixing instructions will always be available for the candidate to refer to in the exam.

    However, candidates should take time to refer to instructions of materials used in their workplace It is not unknown for a dentist to like a material to be mixed in a specific way but, on many occasions, this is not how the instructions state it should be mixed. The OSCE marking guides for materials always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

    Some stations require candidates to select instruments and items for clinical use in the correct order relative to the procedure. Candidates should practise laying out items in the correct order in their practice.

    Many of the OSCEs are split into separate tasks within the test. Candidates should read the scenario and then conduct the test carrying out the tasks separately.

    The OSCEs are intended to provide an assessment in a simulated clinical setting. Candidates need to conduct themselves throughout the exam as if they are working in their own surgery.

    What if I panic?
    If a candidate panics during the exam they should remember to take a deep breath and carry on. If that doesn’t work, then the candidate should tell the examiner or helpers that they are starting to panic. Please bear in mind candidates will not receive additional time for stopping.

    Is it true the examiners will not speak to me or answer my questions?
    Very few stations within the exam require the candidate to interact verbally with the examiner. However, there will be stations where the candidate is required to give instructions/information to an actor playing the part of a patient or to the examiner directly. Candidates should be able to give instructions on the care of an appliance, such as a denture, crown or bridge.

    They also need to be able to give pre-and post-operative advice for extractions. Candidates should take advantage of practising these skills in the workplace prior to sitting the exam in a timed environment. Candidates need to communicate with the actor as if they were a real patient. All stations are five minutes in length.

    How long after my exam will I have to wait for results?
    Once the exam has finished, NEBDN has to collate all of the marks. This is done via an online tablet application and sent for processing. All marks have to be ratified and this usually takes up to six weeks to complete.

    All of NEBDN’s exam schedules are available on the website under the Qualifications area – this provides a rough estimation of dates for when the results go out.

    Will I get feedback?
    Each candidate will receive a pass or fail mark following their exam via postal service. NEBDN does not provide an overall pass mark percentage to any candidates, but they do offer a candidate performance report to those who fail the exam and there is a charge for this service.

    The feedback report will highlight the stations where the candidate failed, including a list of any items they didn’t correctly complete. Candidates who fail automatically get enrolled to the next exam as long as their Record of Experience (RoE) is in date.

    Is there anywhere online I can access resources that will help me to pass?
    NEBDN upgraded its website in May and has dedicated pages of information and a new course provider search function.

    Under the Qualifications tab – National Diploma, candidates will find a resources list with documents such as pass mark guidance, an exam schedule and candidate briefing for the OSCEs and much more.

    Written by NEBDN and published in the Dental Nursing Journal September 2019 edition.

  • Join the Army as a Dental Nurse

    Join the Army as a Dental Nurse

    This month’s Crowning Careers spotlight is on Lance corporal La-Toya Vernon who talks about the job opportunities available in the Army.

    My career as a Dental Nurse started in December 2008 after successfully completing the first stage of training to join the British Army. I completed the second stage for trade training which included a 14-week course comprising nine weeks of theory and some practical classes, ending with a four-week placement in a Tri-Service dental centre to put the theory into practice. Once I had completed the 14-week course I was assigned to my first dental centre in February 2009 where I worked for two years and completed the NEBDN qualification, gaining my National Diploma as a Dental Nurse in May 2010.

    I served a little over five years in the Royal Army Dental Corps (RADC), working all over the country in Tri-Service dental centres. I have worked with numerous dentists and dental care professionals (both military and civilian), learning something from each of them along the way. I gained the competencies to apply fluoride and take impressions, I mentored three trainee dental nurses and became a practice manager of a three chair centre. The change in my job role from Dental Nurse to Practice Manager made me consider my career in the Military, I enjoyed dental nursing and didn’t feel I had experienced enough before entering the administrative role of a Practice Manager.

    I then left the Army in November 2013 and worked in a private practice for six months. The transition from Military to civilian work was harder than I expected. The appointment times were shorter, the clinical hours longer and the pay was less. I was now working for a business that charged patients for their treatment and I found it hard to treat patients for what they could afford and not always for what they required. In the Military we complete all treatments required to ensure patients were dentally fit to maintain their daily job roles and deploy on operations.

    Shortly after I worked for a dental agency that allocated clinicians to the Ministry of Defence giving me the best of both worlds. I worked part-time in a private practice with an implant specialist at a denture clinic run by a Clinical Dental Technician and his team, who were also Ex-Army. I had now been out of the Army for over three years and felt I needed a new challenge. I was keen to complete some more courses and found I was lacking the support and encouragement I was used to in the Army when interested in something new. I found I had become bored with my routine of work, I wanted something that would push me to continue to progress with my career and maintain high standards. A friend mentioned I should re-join the Army and having experienced both sides of dental nursing and knowing the future opportunities available to me, I re-joined the RADC in May 2017.

    Since then I have held my own clinics for Fluoride application, Impressions and Oral Health advice, given oral health briefs to young soldiers new into service, completed the NEBDN Intravenous Sedation Nursing qualification and mentored two trainee Dental Nurses.

    Outside of my clinical role I help mentor three Military Dental Nurses who are junior to me and I am responsible for the equipment within this and four other dental centres. I keep up to date with my fitness and military basic skills and I also represent the RADC and the Army Medical Services for Netball. I am due to move on to my next assignment with the Army later this year where I will be working with an outreach team talking to young people about the job roles and opportunities that are available within the Military. I have been a Dental Nurse for 10 years and had the luxury of working in different locations, experienced different types of dental care and worked in many roles. I have enjoyed my career both in the Military and civilian practice, the Military gives me the challenges I enjoy to make my day job that little bit more interesting, meeting different people along the way and rewarding the hard work I put in.

    If you are interested in joining the Army click here for more information

     

    Lance corporal La-Toya Vernon