Below is a listing of post-qualification courses for dental nurses supplied by the British Association for Dental Nurses (BADN) and the National Examining Board for Dental Nurses (NEBDN). Though this is not fully comprehensive it does include useful ideas and leads.

Course details supplied by BADN

NVQ Assessor award, Leeds Contact Anne Riley on 0113 2336283 July 2004

Certificate in Oral Health Education, Sunderland Contact Dawn Longmore/Claire Kelly on 0191 510 9090 September 2004 - March 2005

Certificate in Dental Nurse Sedation, Sunderland Contact Dawn Longmore/Claire Kelly on 0191 510 9090 September 2004 - March 2005

Certificate in Oral Health Education, Leeds Certificate in Conscious Sedation, Leeds Contact Anne Riley on 0113 2336283 September 2004

Certificate in Special Care Dental Nursing, Leeds Contact Anne Riley on 0113 2336283 November 2004

Certificate in Orthodontic Dental Nursing, Leeds Contact Anne Riley on 0113 2336283 December 2004

Course details supplied by NEBDN

The National Examining Board for Dental Nurses provides four post-certification awards that are available to qualified dental nurses who are on the current Voluntary National Register of Dental Nurses.

Certificate in Oral Health Education The examination tests the practical skills and the theoretical knowledge necessary for the provision of oral health education in dental practice in a one to one situation or in small groups. It consists of a workplace assignment, a project, written papers and an oral examination.

Certificate in Dental Sedation Nursing This qualification is only suitable for candidates required to assist in the surgery during routine conscious sedation on a regular basis, as the completion of a Portfolio of Experience, including logsheets, is a requirement for the award. Theoretical knowledge and practical skills are also assessed through written papers and a practical/oral examination. The examinations for the above awards are held on the 3rd Saturdays in March and September each year. Attendance on a training course is not obligatory but is recommended.

Certificate in Special Care Dental Nursing This qualification is suitable for dental nurses who assist during the treatment of people whose health and social care needs may require special oral health provision.

Certificate in Orthodontic Nursing This is a qualification suitable for dental nurses who assist in orthodontic procedures. These two awards are available only through NEBDN approved training centres. Underpinning knowledge and understanding are then assessed through written papers available in June and December each year. See Box