Accredited Certificate in Measuring and Recording of Plaque Indices

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 Overview

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 to improve their oral hygiene. Plaque scoring using disclosing tablets or solutions 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

We have now updated this course to include basic oral health education training to enable dental nurses who do not hold the OHE qualification to complete the course. Please note that this course awards an accredited certificate in plaque indices and not oral health education. 

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. 
• Understand the importance of evidence based dentistry.
• Understand the key principles within the Delivering Better Oral Health toolkit.

 Benefits

• Online tutorials.
• Live online zoom drop-in sessions.
• Downloadable booklet.
• Affordable extended-duties course.
• Tutor support.
• Flexible learning.
• Nationwide availability.
• Seven hours of Verifiable CPD.
• Accredited Certificate of Competence awarded upon successful completion.

 Structure

• A three month 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 and phone support or drop-in zoom sessions. 

Record of Competence (ROC): 

• You are expected 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.  We do not specify patient groups. You have a maximum of three months to complete your RoC.

  Example Record Sheet

The role of your supervisor:

• 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.

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: 

1. Prevention of Caries 
2. Toothbrushing
3. Fluoride 

• Understand the key principles within the Delivering Better Oral Health toolkit on the following topics: 

1. Prevention of Periodontal Diseases 
2. Prevention of oral cancer 
3. Alcohol and smoking cessation  

• Understand the key principles within the Delivering Better Oral Health toolkit on the following topics: 

1. Diet 
2. Non-Carious Tooth Surface Loss 

 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 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 £75.00 inc. VAT.

Payment due dates: 

• 22 April 2024 £25.00 (Non-refundable deposit)
• 22 May 2024 £25.00
• 22 June 2024 £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. 

 Pay by Payment Plan   

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.

 ENROL

Entry requirements: 

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.