The aim of this accredited course is to enable oral health educators to incorporate the use of the plaque control record confidently and competently into their appointments in order to help motivate patients in improving their oral hygiene. Plaque scoring using disclosing tablets or solution is part of oral health education which dental nurses may carry out without a referral, as long as they are trained, competent and indemnified. Course Brochure
Summary of learning objectives
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.
Benefits
Online tutorials.
Live online classrooms.
Downloadable booklet.
Affordable extended-duties course.
Tutor support.
Flexible learning.
Nationwide availability.
Five hours of Verifiable CPD.
Certificate of Competence awarded upon successful completion.
Structure
A three-week online course which includes watching video tutorials and completing multi-choice questions.
Practical learning/ROC portfolio to be completed under the supervision of a dentist or suitably trained dental care professional.
Course booklet
Tutor support throughout the course including email support, access to live teleclasses and webinars.
Record of Competence (ROC):
You are expected to record ten patients (previously fifteen). We do not specify patient groups.
You have a maximum of three months to complete your ROC.
Your written record of competence should be completed under the supervision of a hygienist, therapist, dentist or trained registered dental nurse.
They are expected to guide you through your practical training including demonstrating the procedure to you, signing off your portfolio and writing comments on your progress.
Scope of practice:
Dental nurses who are trained and competent in oral health education and promotion can participate in preventative programmes without the patient having to see a dentist first. General Dental Council
Plaque scoring using disclosing tablets or solution is part of oral health education which dental nurses may carry out within their scope, as long as they are trained, competent and indemnified. No referral is required.
Objectives
GDC Development Outcomes: A, C , D.
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.
Tutors
Stephanie Carter RDT, RDH
Registered Dental Hygienist and Therapist: 119601
Qualifications: Diploma Dental Hygiene and Therapy, National Certificate Dental Nursing, Level 3 Award in Education and Training, Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement, NEBDN Certificate Dental Radiography, ILM Level 3 Award in Leadership and Management, Smoking Cessation Counselling Levels 1 and 2, Young Counsellors Certificate
Hilary Urry RDN
Registered Dental Nurse: 139277
Qualifications: Foundation Degree in Advanced Dental Nursing (University of Kent), Certificate Dental Radiography (City University London), Level 3 Certificate in Education and Training, Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement, Level 2 Mental Health Lead.
Competency Training: Fluoride Varnish Application
Dates
Monday 5 June 2023 - Available
Monday 4 September 2023 - Available
Payment
Payment Plans
We now offer the option to pay over three months. Please be aware, this increases the fee to £75.00 inc. VAT.
Payment due dates:
5 June 2023 £25.00 (Non-refundable deposit)
5 July 2023 £25.00
5 August 2023 £25.00
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.
Paying by payment plan? Please use enrolment form HERE.
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: £58.33. 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.
ENROL
Entry requirements:
You must be a qualified or trainee oral health educator. We also accept students who have completed the Introduction to Oral Health Education course or DNN Fluoride Varnish Application Course. Please attach a copy of your certificate or proof you are completing the course with the below application. You can also email a copy of your documents to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
You must be registered with the General Dental Council (GDC). Before booking, make sure the dentist you work with is happy to support you throughout your training. All GDC registrants should have appropriate indemnity insurance.
A three-week online course which includes watching video tutorials and completing multi-choice questions. 
Hilary Urry RDN
