Overview
The DNN impression-taking course is designed so that any nurse in any part of the UK can complete their competency training. To enrol, you must be GDC-registered, you must be employed and indemnified, and there must be a registered dental professional able and willing to supervise you. The course is suited to nurses who aspire to treat patients directly and to take impressions under the prescription of a registered dentist or clinical dental technician. The course is suited to nurses working in both private settings and in the National Health Service.
Learn to take alginate impressions suitable for the following applications:
- Study models;
- Orthodontic appliances;
- Retainers;
- Dentures;
- Bleaching trays;
- Mouth guards.
How long will it take?
It completely depends on you and your circumstances, including:
- How much time you can dedicate to your online studies (four hours);
- How soon you can complete the portfolio (a minimum of twenty-four impressions).
- You have a maximum of three months to complete the course.
Student Feedback
Benefits
Starting in February 2024, enrolled students can now access our Level 1 Certificate in Essential Learning Skills at no additional cost. Developed by Melanie Pomphrett RDH, who holds a Masters Degree in Professional Dental Practice and a Postgraduate Certificate in Education, this course is carefully designed to empower students for successful completion of their course.
The DNN impression-taking course is designed so that any nurse in any part of the UK can complete their competency training. The major benefits include:
- Online tutorials;
- Downloadable booklet;
- Affordable extended-duties course;
- Tutor support;
- Flexible learning;
- Nationwide availability;
- Complete at your own leisure within three months;
- 7+ hours of Verifiable CPD;
- Free access to a Level 1 Certificate in Essential Learning Skills;
- Certificate of Competence awarded upon successful completion.
Learn to take impressions suitable for the following applications:
- Study models;
- Orthodontic appliances;
- Retainers;
- Dentures;
- Bleaching trays;
- Mouth guards.
Structure
Blended learning:
- Online articles and video tutorials;
- Online multiple choice quizzes;
- Record of Competence Portfolio.
Access to the online learning modules is available from the course start date and will expire after three months. You should complete modules one through to five before commencing your portfolio.
Record of Competence portfolio
- You are expected to complete a minimum of twelve log sheets (twelve patients), including a minimum of twenty-four individual impressions (twelve upper and twelve lower.)
- We do not specify patient groups. i.e children, adults.
- You have a maximum of three months to complete your Record of Competence.
The role of the supervisor:
Your supervisor should be:
- GDC-registered;
- Qualified/trained in impression-taking;
- Willing to guide you through your practical training;
- Able to comment on and sign your portfolio.
Objectives
GDC Development Outcomes: A, B, C, D.
Learning Objectives
Module 1, Part 1: Legal and Ethical Issues
- Understand your role in providing a high standard of patient care;
- Describe the nine GDC Standards and have a clear understanding of how the standards apply to you as a dental care professional;
- Demonstrate knowledge of scope of practice;
- Demonstrate knowledge of informed consent;
- Understand indemnity requirements.
Module 1, Part 2: Patient Management and Assessment
- List the required materials and conditions for an impression-taking appointment;
- Assess a patient prior to treatment;
- Describe the referral process;
- Provide a high standard of patient care and communication throughout the procedure.
Module 2: Impression Materials
- List the characteristics of the ideal impression material;
- List the most common impression materials used in dentistry;
- Describe the advantages and disadvantages of using alginate;
- Describe the purpose of using addition-cured silicone;
- Understand the importance of appropriate impression tray selection.
Module 3: Taking Impressions
- Describe the correct manual mixing technique using alginate;
- Describe the steps required to take an upper and lower impression.
Module 4: Assessing Impressions
- Describe the anatomical landmarks that should be present on the impression;
- Describe features of the ideal impression;
- Describe impression errors and how to correct them;
- Understand how to grade your impressions;
- Demonstrate knowledge of the reflective learning cycle;
- Start your Record of Experience log sheets and successfully complete them.
Module 5: Post-Impression-Taking
- Ensure excellent patient communication at the end of the appointment;
- Understand how to write clinical notes post-treatment;
- Describe the correct procedure for disinfecting impressions;
- Discuss the requirements for sending impressions to the laboratory.
Record of Competence
- Demonstrate ability to grade and reflect upon impression technique;
- Demonstrate understanding of the reflective model;
- Demonstrate competence to take impressions unsupervised under prescription.
Advanced Impression-Taking Certificate
Upon successful completion of the Certificate in Impression-Taking, students can apply for the Certificate in Advanced Impression-Taking, which will give them additional competency in silicone impression-taking. Students who opt to complete bite impressions will gain additional competency in bite impression-taking. To apply for the Advanced Certificate, you would be required to complete the following:
- an additional 12 silicone impressions;
- 6 bite impressions (optional);
- 1000-word essay on the differences, advantages and disadvantages of impression materials. This would be based on the learning materials and your own research (referenced);
- a reflective account.
Eligibility
To be eligible, you must have completed the Dental Nurse Network impression-taking course or refresher course within the last 12 months. If it has been more than 12 months since you completed impression-taking training, you will need to complete a declaration that you have continued to take impressions since completing your training and have actively taken impressions within the last 12 months.
The fee is £39.00.
Assessments must be submitted within 3 months of purchase.
Tutors
Leanne Scott DCP
Registered Orthodontic Therapist: 196566
Qualifications: Diploma Orthodontic Therapy, Level 3 Award in Education and Training, Radiography (NEBDN), Oral Health Education (BDA)
Competency Training: Impression-Taking, Fluoride Varnish Application, Temporary Restorations
Emma Leather RDN
Registered Dental Nurse: 148732
Qualifications: NVQ Level 3 Dental Nursing, Level 4 National Certificate in Internal Quality Assurance, Level 3 Award in Education and Training, Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement, Oral Health Education (BDA)
Competency Training: Impression-Taking, Fluoride Varnish Application
Rachel Hughes RDN
Registered Dental Nurse: 156989
Qualifications: National Certificate Dental Nursing, Level 4 Award Teaching, Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement, Oral Health Education (BDA), Dental Radiography (BDA)
Competency Training: Impression-Taking
Dates
- Monday 22 April 2024 - Available
- Monday 20 May 2024 - Available
Payment
Payment Plans
We now offer the option to pay over three months. Please be aware, this increases the fee to £120.00 inc. VAT.
Payment due dates:
- 22 April 2024 £40.00 (Non-refundable deposit)
- 22 May 2024 £40.00
- 22 June 2024 £40.00
We will NOT send reminders of payment due dates. Failure to make payment by the due dates will result in automatic removal from the course.
Please note, your certificate of competence will not be awarded until full payment is made.
Discounts
Discounts must be requested before payment is made. We do not automatically apply discounts.
Please note that discounts are applied to the VAT-exclusive fee: £91.67. Discounts cannot be applied to payment plans.
Multiple applicant discounts
- Two applicants: 5% discount
- Three applicants: 10% discount
- Four or more applicants: 15% discount
Multiple course discounts
- Two courses: 5% discount
- Three courses: 10% discount
- Four or more courses: 15% discount
Please apply by telephone or use the application form here. DNN will send you an invoice.