Your Voice - Dental Nursing in Scotland/N. Ireland

My name is Leigh Morrison and I am the Northern Region Co-Ordinator for the British Association of Dental Nurses.
I am in the process of writing an article for the Dental Tribune covering dental nursing in Scotland/ Norther Ireland. I would appreciate it if you could give me your own personal thoughts/experiences about dental nursing in Scotland, on issues such as;

Pre-Registration Training (NEBDN Nat Cert & SVQ/NVQ)
Gaining Post Qualification Certificates,
Continual Professional Development - attending courses / availability of courses
Costs of courses / exam fees
Attendance at conferences

Leigh