Dental Nursing - Traineeship
This is a National Apprenticeship delivered through an earn-and-learn model, combining paid employment with structured college education.
| Award Name | Level 6 Higher Certificate (Level 6 NFQ) |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | Major |
| Awarding Body | QQI |
| NFQ Level | Level 6 NFQ |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 6 Higher Certificate (Level 6 NFQ) | Major | QQI | Level 6 NFQ |
Duration
2 years.
Programme Structure:
3 days per week employed in a registered dental practice
2 days per week attending college
Additional block placements to enhance clinical competence
Entry Requirements
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Five subjects at O6/H6 or equivalent
OR
Level 5 award in a related field
B2 English language proficiency
Successful interview
Admission is subject to meeting entry requirements and securing an apprenticeship contract with a registered employer.
Enquiries: lourda.kennedy@kmcfe.cdetb.ie
WHAT WE WOULD LIKE FROM YOU!
Professional and motivated approach
Interest in healthcare and patient care
Commitment to workplace-based learning
Secure an apprenticeship contract with a registered employer
Minimum B2 level of English language proficiency
Mature applicants may apply through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
Careers / Further progression
CAREER / PROGRESSION OPPORTUNITIES
Our employment rates are extremely high in this field. As a graduate of the Apprenticeship in Dental Nursing, you can work in a variety of working environments, including dental hospitals and Health Service Executive (HSE) dental clinics, as well as in general and specialist dental practices.
Advancement in the field may include senior dental nurse, clinic nurse manager, practice manager, marketing representatives for relevant companies, dental nurse tutor and the area of health promotion.
Upon qualifying, students are encouraged to extend their knowledge through participation of post qualification courses. See also idna.ie.
Please check with individual HEIs/Third level colleges for latest information and eligibility.
B.Sc. in Dental Practice Management with Oral Health Education (Athlone IT/TUS) – Direct application
Specialist Certificate in Health Promotion (NUIG) – Direct application
Certificate in Dental Radiography (Dublin Dental Hospital/UCD) – Direct application
Dental Hygiene (TCD) – CAO Mature route
Dental Hygiene (UCC) – Direct application
Orthodontic Therapist (TCD) – Direct application, mature only
Dental Technician (TCD) – CAO Mature route
Further information
Applications open for September 2026.
National Apprenticeship in Dental Nursing - Leading to Higher Certificate in Dental Nursing (QQI Level 6)
This is a National Apprenticeship delivered through an earn-and-learn model, combining paid employment with structured college education.
Nationally recognised qualification
Government-supported programme
Industry-led training model
HOW WILL I LEARN?
On-the-job clinical training in a working dental practice
Blended Learning- Structured college lectures and guided discussions
Collaborative group learning
Case studies and practical skills development
Ongoing support from a workplace mentor
Successful completion leads to the award of a Higher Certificate in Dental Nursing (QQI Level 6).
Year One
Foundations of Practice
Dental Nursing Theory and Practice
Clinical Dentistry 1
Dental Ethics, Communication & Teamwork
Applied Dental Anatomy & Physiology for Clinical Practice
Personal & Professional Development 1
Year Two
Clinical Dentistry 2
Health Promotion
Foundations of Dental Management & Leadership
Personal & Professional Development 2
Innovation in Dentistry
HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED?
Continuous assessment throughout the programme
Practical skills and workplace competency evaluation
Academic assignments and project work
Enquiries: lourda.kennedy@kmcfe.cdetb.ie