Description
About this course
Achieve your NEBDN Certificate in Dental Radiography with Open Academy London. A qualified dental nurse awarded this certificate can act under prescription as an IR(ME)R operator, safely taking intra-oral and extra-oral radiographs of patients.
Our dental nursing courses are accredited by the National Examining Board for Dental Nurses (NEBDN), and our students have an outstanding record of achievement in passing the examination. The skills and knowledge you gain will strengthen your CV, benefit your employer and patients, and give you an edge when applying for the jobs you really want.The course is suitable for GDC-registered dental nurses who currently assist, or will shortly be assisting, in dental radiography. It is ideal if you want to be more involved in patient care and support your dentist’s diagnosis and treatment planning by providing good diagnostic radiographs.
- Nationally recognised NEBDN qualification, equivalent to Level 4
- Live online classes you can join from anywhere in the UK
- Tutors who are GDC-registered and NEBDN-approved
- Course hours count towards your core CPD
All you need to know
Awarding body
National Examining Board for Dental Nurses (NEBDN)
Level
Equivalent to Level 4.
Duration
6 months, with a live class once a month.
Study method
A dedicated online course plus live tutor-led webinar classes.
Examination
A written exam, held twice a year in March and September.
Practice support
Your practice must allow you to take radiographs and supervise you while you do.
How is the course delivered?
Live online lectures take place in a virtual classroom on our teaching platform, so you can study with us from anywhere in the UK.Our advanced teaching platform makes you feel like you are in a real classroom, without the time and cost of commuting. It is perfect if you want to combine good quality education with a busy lifestyle.
How dental radiographs work
Dentists use radiographs for many reasons: to find hidden dental structures, malignant or benign masses, bone loss and cavities. A radiographic image is formed by a controlled burst of X-ray radiation, which penetrates oral structures to different degrees depending on their density before striking the film or sensor.Teeth appear lighter because less radiation penetrates them to reach the film. Dental caries, infections, other changes in bone density and the periodontal ligament appear darker, because X-rays readily penetrate these less dense structures. Dental restorations may appear lighter or darker, depending on the density of the material.
What is included?
During this course you will have:
- A standardised, quality-assured learning experience
- An independent, objective assessment of your theoretical and practical knowledge
- A portfolio of practical experience in the form of a detailed Record of Competence (RoC)
- A nationally respected and recognised qualification
- Eligibility to become an IR(ME)R operator
- Course hours that count towards core CPD, in line with GDC requirements
NEBDN qualifications are nationally recognised and instantly understood by prospective employers. Our course is accredited against NEBDN standards, so every candidate gets a fully supported learning experience and is well prepared for the busy world of general dental practice.
Syllabus
- Radiation physics
- Radiation protection
- Apparatus and equipment
- Films and processing
- Digital imaging
- Principles of imaging
- Film handling
- Techniques
- Intra-oral techniques
- Extra-oral techniques
- Quality assurance
- Care of the patient
Assessment
To be awarded this qualification, you must complete and satisfy the requirements of the Record of Competence, and pass the examination.
Record of Competence (RoC)
You complete a work-based Record of Competence, which your tutor will explain to you. It has three sections:
- Practical Competence Assessment Sheets (PCAS)
- Case studies
- Supplementary outcomes
Examination
A written examination with two sections, held twice a year in March and September:
- Part A: 45 multiple choice questions (MCQ)
- Part B: 30 extended matching questions (EMQ)
Entry requirements
To apply for the course, you must:
- Be registered as a dental nurse with the General Dental Council (GDC) or Irish Dental Council (IDC).
- Be currently working in general dental practice.
- Be able to meet the work-based clinical requirements of the Record of Competence.
- Have an employer who will let you take radiographs and supervise you.
- Hold a valid First Aid or Basic Life Support (BLS) certificate.
- Be fluent in written and spoken English, to communicate with patients, their relatives, the dental team and other healthcare professionals.
- Have a good level of English and maths. You may be asked to sit a short, basic test at interview.
- Be vaccinated against Hepatitis B, with evidence of immunisation if possible.
- Be aged 18 or over.
- Have the right to work and study in the UK.
How to apply
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Send your application form
Complete and sign the application form and email it to info@openacademylondon.co.uk, together with any documents requested, such as a copy of your passport or photo driving licence.
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Suitability assessment
We review your application to check you are suitable for the course. You may be asked to sit a short, basic English and/or maths test at interview.
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Pay your deposit
Once your application is approved, you pay a non-refundable deposit before the start date to secure your place.
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Enrolment confirmed
We email you a confirmation of your enrolment. At this point a binding contract is formed, and the full course fee becomes payable.
You are responsible for obtaining the right to work and study in the UK before paying your deposit. No refunds are given if you withdraw because you have not obtained, or have not kept, the required permission.
Course fees
The course fee is £900 (including VAT), paid in two instalments. The NEBDN exam fee is paid in addition.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| DepositNon-refundable, non-transferable and non-exchangeable | £450 |
| Second instalmentDue at the end of the first month of the course | £450 |
| NEBDN examination fee (current)Paid in addition to the Open Academy London fee | £205 |
| Change to a different cohortFor example, a different time or day | £99 |
| Late payment (including VAT)Per week or part week, from the 1st of the following month | £10 |
Fees are payable at the end of the calendar month. If you leave the course at any time, the total course fee of £900 remains payable, less any amount already paid. If your course is completed but you continue to attend lessons, monthly fees will continue.
Progression route
If you want to progress to a Dental Hygienist role, a radiography qualification is invaluable. It shows any university that you not only hold a national diploma, but already know how to take radiographs under a dentist’s prescription.
“A qualification in radiography is like a diamond, not many people have it. If everybody had it, it would lose its value! Only those who are really determined will do it.”
Liz
Frequently asked questions
Who is the NEBDN Certificate in Dental Radiography for?
It is for registered dental nurses who want to be more involved in patient care and support their dentists in diagnosis and treatment planning by providing good diagnostic radiographs.
How long is the course?
The course takes 6 months, and you attend classes once a month.
What job could I get at the end of the course?
You can act under a clinician’s prescription as an IR(ME)R operator, safely taking intra-oral and extra-oral radiographs of patients. The skills and knowledge you gain strengthen your CV and benefit your employer and patients.
When is the exam?
National examinations are held twice a year, in March and September.
What else is required besides attending classes?
You complete a work-based Record of Competence (RoC), which your tutor will explain. It has three sections:
- Practical Competence Assessment Sheets (PCAS)
- Case studies
- Supplementary outcomes
What does the course cost?
The course fee is £900 (including VAT), paid as a £450 deposit and a second instalment of £450. This excludes the NEBDN exam fee.
What does the exam cost?
The current NEBDN exam fee is £205. This is in addition to the Open Academy London tuition fee.
Who are the tutors?
Our expert trainers and tutors are all GDC-registered and NEBDN-approved.
Is there a minimum level of education?
Yes. You must be a registered dental nurse with the General Dental Council (GDC) or Irish Dental Council (IDC), and hold a valid First Aid or Basic Life Support (BLS) certificate.
Do I need a work placement?
You must have a supportive employer to supervise the completion of your Record of Competence.
Where does the training take place?
All lectures are live online and fully interactive, in a virtual classroom on our teaching platform. You can study from anywhere in the UK without commuting.
What is the structure of the exam?
It is a written examination with two sections, held twice a year in March and September:
- Part A: 45 multiple choice questions (MCQ)
- Part B: 30 extended matching questions (EMQ)
What must I do to be awarded the qualification?
You must complete and satisfy the requirements of the Record of Competence, and pass the examination.
As a registered dental nurse, how can I already assist with radiographs?
General dental nurses can assist the dentist with radiographs by:
- Preparing the film and film holder
- Monitoring the patient
- Maintaining cross-infection control
- Processing and storing radiographic film
How is this different from a CPD course in dental radiology?
CPD courses are part of the mandatory core topics in your CPD cycle, but they do not allow you to take radiographs or set up radiographic equipment. The NEBDN Certificate in Dental Radiography allows you to:
- Choose radiographic film
- Position the patient
- Set up radiographic equipment
- Take radiographs under a clinician’s prescription
Once qualified, can I take radiographs on my own?
Yes, but always under a registered dentist’s prescription.
Have a question about this course? Call our team on 0208 049 7448 and we will be happy to help.
