Course Overview
This comprehensive NEBDN-accredited fluoride varnish course provides Level 4* training for dental nurses to become competent and confident in applying fluoride varnish under the prescription of a dentist or as part of a structured oral health programme.
This comprehensive course covers the benefits of fluoride, clinical evidence supporting fluoride varnish use, dental health and disease, contraindications, fluoride toxicity, and the practical application of fluoride varnish. Additionally, it includes essential topics such as principles of oral health education and promotion, clinical patient management, patient care standards, communication, scope of practice, and consent.
DNN is the leading provider of fluoride application training for dental nurses.
* NEBDN state the course is equivalent to Level 4.
Benefits
Flexible Completion Time: Learners have up to six months to complete the course, but fast-track completion is available within four months.
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: NEBDN Level 4 National Qualification in Fluoride Varnish Application awarded upon successful completion.
Structure
Course Summary
Format: online, self-paced, with in-clinic fluoride varnish application appointments under supervision
Average completion time: 5 months
Number of Learning Units: 9
CPD Hours: 15 hours
Guided Learning Hours: Average of 40 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 (RoC)
To achieve a certificate in Fluoride Varnish Application, you are required to complete a work-based RoC under the supervision of a dentist, hygienist, therapist or fluoride varnish qualified dental nurse. You must take a minimum of 3 months to complete this RoC. There are two sections to the RoC:
Practical Competence Assessment Sheets (PCAS)
PCAS are observed appointments in which you will apply fluoride varnish and provide some basic oral health advice tailored to your patients’ needs.
You are required to complete a total of 15 PCAS to the following requirements:
Patient group 3–10 years
- 3 PCAS on Fluoride Application
- 1 PCAS on Oral Health Advice
Patient group 11–15 years
- 3 PCAS on Fluoride Application
- 1 PCAS on Oral Health Advice
Patient group 16 years and over
- 3 PCAS on Fluoride Application
- 1 PCAS on Oral Health Advice
You must also complete a further 3 PCAS on Fluoride Application for any of the patient groups.
Supplementary Outcomes
There are 11 Supplementary Outcomes in the RoC. These consist of different questions relating to the use of fluoride in dentistry, along with a demonstration of the student’s ability to reflect and develop their knowledge and skills.
The basic information required to complete these Supplementary Outcomes can be found in the course material, but it is expected that students will undertake further reading and research in order to gain a full understanding of the topics and to meet the marking criteria as set by the NEBDN.
Guidance as to when to complete each Supplementary Outcome is provided at the end of each of the relevant units.
Examination
There is no final examination required for this course, although at the end of each unit there is a multiple-choice quiz which must be passed as part of the course requirements.
Modules/Units
Module 1: Introduction to Oral Health Education and the Delivering Better Oral Health Toolkit
- Unit 1: Essentials of oral health education
- Unit 2: Prevention of periodontal disease and oral cancer; smoking and alcohol cessation
- Unit 3: Diet and non-carious tooth surface loss
Module 2: Caries, Dentine Hypersensitivity and Fluoride
- Unit 1: Dental Diseases and Fluoride
- Unit 2: Oral Health Promotion and Fluoride
Module 3: Fluoride Preparations and the Safe Use of Fluoride in Dentistry
- Unit 1: Fluoride preparations and Patient Safety
- Unit 2: Fluoride Varnish Application Procedure
Module 4: Patient Management Skills
- Unit 1: Patient Communication and the Fluoride Debate
- Unit 2: Patient Groups
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
Certificate in Fluoride Varnish Application
Qualified Tutor and Assessor
Emma Leather
Registered Dental Nurse
Certificate in Fluoride Varnish Application
Qualified Tutor, Assessor and Internal Moderator
Dates
Next available enrolment dates:
Monday 01 December 2025 - Available
Monday 12 January 2026 - Available
Payment Options
You have the option to pay upfront before the course starts which is:
- Our course fees: £400.00 inc VAT
- NEBDN registration and Record of Competence fee: £95 (Paid to NEBDN)
- Total: £495.00
Or you have the option to pay the course over three months but this increases the fee to:
- Monthly payment: £174.00
- Total: £522.00
Failure to make monthly payments will result in automatic removal from the course.
Topping up
Students who have previously enrolled on our competency course here and want to top up to the NEBDN accredited course have the option to make a top-up payment – the NEBDN fee minus the fee already paid. Please note you will be required to re-do the Record of Competence.
Do you need to top up?
It is a personal choice and not a requirement by the GDC. Competency training is a perfectly accepted form of training. The GDC does not specify that you need to complete accredited courses as a registered dental nurse.
Discounts
Discounts must be requested before payment is made. We do not automatically apply discounts.
Please note that discounts are not applied to NEBDN fees.
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
Multiple course discounts
- Two courses: 5% discount
- Three courses: 10% discount
- Four or more courses: 15% discount
