Course Overview
This accredited certificate in plaque indices is ideal for registered dental nurses, offering a valuable skill set to assist patients in maintaining their oral health. The course focuses on teaching dental nurses to confidently and competently use plaque control records during patient appointments, motivating patients to improve their oral hygiene. It includes basic oral health training and plaque scoring using disclosing tablets or solutions.
By completing this course, dental nurses will enhance their ability to perform plaque control scoring, provide relevant patient advice, track a patient's progress, and document appointment notes effectively. Course Brochure
This course has been updated with new learning materials.
Benefits
Flexible Completion Time: Learners have up to three months to complete the course, but fast-track completion is available within two weeks.
Flexible Learning Schedules: Adapt the course to fit your personal and professional commitments.
Comprehensive Online Tutorials: Access detailed and engaging tutorials to guide your learning.
Outstanding Support: Benefit from easily accessible and exceptional support throughout your learning journey.
Accreditation: Accredited Certificate in Plaque Indices awarded upon completion.
Structure
Course Summary
Format: online, self-paced, with in-clinic plaque scoring appointments under supervision
Average completion time: 2 months
Number of Learning Units: 6
CPD Hours: 8 hours
Guided Learning Hours: Average of 18 hours (depending on the learner's speed)
Course Assessments
Unit Quiz: One multiple choice quiz per unit
Assessments: Record of Competence - see information below
Support
Optional drop-in support session classes available.
One-to-one tutor support is easily accessible by email, telephone, or Zoom.
Record of Competence Portfolio
As part of the course, you are required to complete ten records/log sheets not ten patients. A minimum of one patient should be seen on two separate occasions - this will count as two records/log sheets. All appointments must be completed under supervision until you are declared competent. There are no specified patient groups (i.e., children or adults).
The Role of the Supervisor:
Your supervisor must be:
- GDC-Registered: Must hold current registration with the General Dental Council.
- Qualified/Trained in Plaque Indices: Evidence is required for dental nurses who are supervising.
- Willing to Guide: They should be committed to guiding you through your practical training.
- Able to comment and sign: They must be able to provide feedback and sign off on your portfolio.
Modules
Module 1 Learning Objectives
- Confidently explain to a patient what dental plaque is.
- Confidently explain to a patient how plaque forms in the oral cavity.
- Confidently explain to a patient the role of dental plaque in oral disease.
- Have a good understanding of what indices are.
- Be able to explain why we use dental plaque indices.
- Be aware of different plaque indices methods.
- Be able to explain as a step-by-step guide the process of taking a dental plaque score (Plaque Control Score).
- Have a good understanding of how we can use plaque indices in practice as dental nurses.
- Be aware of any pre- / post- dental plaque indices advice to give the patient.
- Be able to confidently write up appointment notes.
Module 2 Learning Objectives
- Understand the importance of evidence based dentistry
- Understand the key principles within the Delivering Better Oral Health toolkit on the following topics:
- Prevention of Caries
- Toothbrushing
- Fluoride
- Understand the key principles within the Delivering Better Oral Health toolkit on the following topics:
- Prevention of Periodontal Diseases
- Prevention of oral cancer
- Alcohol and smoking cessation
- Understand the key principles within the Delivering Better Oral Health toolkit on the following topics:
- Diet
- Non-Carious Tooth Surface Loss
Tutors
Meet Your Tutor: Stephanie Carter
Why learn from Stephanie?
Stephanie Carter brings a unique blend of experience, knowledge, and dedication to her role as a course tutor. Here’s why you’ll benefit from her expertise:
Extensive Experience: Over 18 years in the dental industry.
Educational Excellence: Holds a Level 5 Diploma in Education.
Key Qualifications:
Dental Hygienist and Therapist
Dental Nurse
Level 4 Quality Assurance
Level 3 Assessor
Diploma in Mentorship and Coaching
Professional Affiliations:
Member of the Faculty of Dental Trainers, Edinburgh: The faculty promotes the role of the dental trainer, recognises achievement and excellence, and ultimately enhances the quality of patient care.
Stephanie’s dedication to personal and professional growth ensures that you will receive a comprehensive and profoundly insightful learning experience.
Course Assessors
The role of the assessor is to mark your assessments and give you feedback.
Hilary Urry
Registered Dental Nurse
Foundation Degree in Dental Nursing including Plaque Indices
Qualified Tutor and Assessor
Payment Options
Payment Plans
We now offer the option to pay over three months. Please be aware, this increases the fee to £135.00 inc. VAT.
Payment due dates:
- 03 November 2025 £45.00 (Non-refundable deposit)
- 03 December 2025 £45.00
- 03 January 2025 £45.00
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. Discounts cannot be applied to payment plans.
Multiple applicant discounts
- Two applicants: 5% discount
- Three applicants: 10% discount
- Four or more applicants: 15% discount
Please apply by telephone or use the application form here. DNN will send you an invoice.
Rachel Lloyd
Online tutorials to complete one week before the one-day workshop.
The Certificate in Impression-Taking Course enables dental nurses across the UK to complete their competency training in dental impressions with flexibility and ease. To enrol, you must be GDC-registered, employed, and indemnified, and have a registered dental professional available and willing to supervise your training. This course is ideal for dental nurses who aspire to treat patients directly by taking dental impressions under the prescription of a registered dentist or clinical dental technician. It is suitable for dental nurses working in both private dental practices and the National Health Service (NHS).
The Dental Nurse Network CPD Subscriptions offer a wide range of interesting articles and videos that are;
Registered dental nurses are not required to complete non-verifiable CPD. We have kept this page open for nurses who are restoring their registration and are required to complete non-verifiable CPD. Please contact the GDC before restoring your registration to find out what your CPD requirements are.
