Certificate in
Dental Practice Management
Next start date
Monday 07 September 2026
Price
£149 or £55 p/m
Schedule
Flexible
Location
Online Course
Overview
Are you aspiring to become a practice manager or have you recently transitioned from a dental nurse or receptionist role? The Certificate in Dental Practice Management course, broadly at Level 2, provides essential foundational training. This course is ideal if you are not yet ready to enroll in Level 3 training.
Building on a solid foundation, the course covers the role and responsibilities of a practice manager, compliance with CQC, GDC, and DoH, leadership and management skills, effective communication, resource management, and staff development, with additional modules on marketing, finance, and human resource management.
Benefits
- Fast-Track Available: Average completion time 1 month; fast-track available.
- Excellent Learner Support: Optional drop-in support session classes available. One-to-one tutor support is easily accessible by email, telephone, or Zoom.
- Certified Training: Certificate in Dental Management upon successful completion.
Course Summary
- Format: online, self-paced
- Average completion time: 1 month
- Number of Learning Units: 9
- CPD Hours: 9 hours
- Guided Learning Hours: Average of 18 hours (depending on the learner's speed)
The Role of a Manager (GDC Development Outcomes: B)
- Explore what it means to be a Practice Manager and why it is an executive role
- Look at changes in CQC inspections and the GDC's Standards for the Dental Team that influence the management of a dental practice
- Discover the essential functions of a Practice Manager
- Understand the importance of developing a strategy in practice
Compliance (GDC Development Outcomes: B, D)
- Explain the role of the CQC in dental industry regulation and the consequences of non-compliance.
- Demonstrate how to evidence and maintain compliance with CQC regulations.
- Create a compliance schedule and understand the use of AI in policy and procedure support.
- Understand the responsibilities and accountability in health and safety, GDC standards, GDPR and infection control.
- Recognise the importance of audits for quality improvement and how to conduct them effectively.
Leadership and Management (GDC Development Outcomes: B)
- Explore the difference between leadership and management
- Look at how to learn and develop as a leader and manager
- Explore conditions for good leadership and management
- Discuss how to manage relations with staff, patients and other stakeholders
Effective Communication (GDC Development Outcomes: A)
- Understand what effective communication entails
- Explore why effective communication is important in your practice
- Look at different types of communication
- Learn how to improve your communication skills
Resource Management (GDC Development Outcomes: B)
- Understand what resources are required in a dental practice
- Understand the importance of managing resources effectively
- Explore the efficient and safe use of resources
- Discuss the importance of security of the resources in your practice
Staff Development (GDC Development Outcomes: C)
- Look at the importance of staff training
- Explore the importance of strategic business planning
- Discuss essential elements of appraisals, Skills Gap Analyses and Personal Training Plans
- Explore how to assess the effectiveness of training and Return On Investment (ROI)
Finance (GDC Development Outcomes: B)
- Understand the purpose of the main financial documents in a dental practice
- Identify the practice's sources of finance and funding
- Understand the importance of cash flow management and cash flow forecasting
- Explore the role of Key Performance Indicators in monitoring the achievement of practice objectives
- Understand the processes of setting, monitoring and controlling a budget in practice
Human Resources (GDC Development Outcomes: B)
- Learn how to master the recruiting, interviewing and employment of a new team member
- Understand the importance of appraisal systems and how to monitor, appraise and direct staff performance
- Explore methods of managing poor staff performance and grievances
- Discuss legal compliance and relevant policies and procedures
- Explore employee benefit design and rewards
Marketing (GDC Development Outcomes: B)
- To understand marketing and the principles behind it.
- To learn how to analyse your patient base and create a bespoke marketing mix
- To explore the psychology of buying to maximise sales in your practice
- To discuss why building a strong brand allows for growth through your services and patient relationships
- To look at promoting campaigns and maximising publicity
- To cover ethical marketing and GDC guidelines
Course Assessments
- Unit Quiz: One multiple choice quiz per unit
- Final Assessment: No final assessment
Support
- Drop-In Sessions: Optional drop-in support session classes available.
- One-to-One Support: One-to-one tutor support is easily accessible by email, telephone, or Zoom.
Meet Your Tutor: Nicki Rowland
Nicki Rowland, BSc, Dip Man
- Previous Dental Practice Owner: Co-founded Perfect 32 Dental Practice in East Yorkshire in 2005.
- Award-Winning Leadership: 2010: Won the National Training Awards for Yorkshire and Humber; National finalist in the NTA Small Employer category. 2011: Won the Training Business of the Year Award at the local Chambers of Commerce Awards. 2012: Awarded Practice Manager of the Year by the UK's Association of Dental Administrators and Managers (ADAM).
- Current Role: Nicki now runs her own business, Practices Made Perfect by Nicki Rowland, a dental consultancy and training organisation.
Nicki is dedicated to sharing her extensive knowledge and enthusiasm to help other dental practices thrive amidst the current economic and political challenges. She is committed to providing top-notch consulting and training to ensure that practices achieve exemplary standards in both clinical and customer service areas.

Key Qualifications:
- Bachelor of Science
- Level 5 Diploma in Dental Practice Management
Course Assessors
The role of the assessor is to mark your assessments and give you feedback.
Next available enrolment dates:
Monday 07 September 2026 - Available | Monday 05 October 2026 - Available
Payment Options
- Full payment: £149.00 inc. VAT
- Payment Plan (total £165.00 inc. VAT): 07 September 2026 £55.00 (Non-refundable deposit), 07 October 2026 £55.00, 07 November 2026 £55.00
- 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
- Note: Discounts are applied to the VAT-exclusive fee. Discounts cannot be applied to payment plans. Your certificate of completion will not be awarded until full payment is made.
- Upgrade: You can upgrade to the Level 3 certificate within 2 years by paying the price difference plus a £15.00 upgrade administration fee.
Fully accredited
We hold multiple accreditations and have passed every quality audit.
Verifiable CPD
Our certificates meet the GDC’s requirements for verifiable Enhanced CPD.
Dedicated support
Each learner is assigned a support administrator who monitors their progress throughout the course.
Responsive marking
Work is marked promptly and enquiries are answered without delay.
Experienced educators
Taught by highly qualified educators who remain active in the profession.
Beyond the syllabus
We keep you informed of new research and developments through our free webinars.
Book This Course
Apply in two minutes, or ask us anything first — enrolment is confirmed within one working day. Next start date: Monday 07 September 2026.
Certificate in Dental Practice Management
£149
or spread the cost — £55 p/m payment plan: choose it on the Payment Plan tab.
- Certificate awarded on completion
- Flexible online study
- Tutor assigned within 1 working day
- Only request an invoice if your employer pays
Prefer to talk it through?
0207 193 0584 ·
1. Apply online
Two-minute form — payment options available.
2. We confirm within 1 working day
Enrolment email with full course info and your tutor.
3. Start studying
Flexible online learning from your start date.
FAQs
Yes. This certificate is studied fully online, so you can work through it at your own pace and put what you learn straight into practice.
