Course outline
A course to extend the skills and scope of practice of dental nurses to provide effective oral health care advice and application of fluoride varnish.

The taught component of the Oral Health and Application of Fluoride Varnish course is provided on one day a week for a total of 5 weeks, which may be spread out over a term to give an opportunity for practical work and is taught by a variety of oral health care specialists. Students will apply fluoride varnish and give oral health care under supervision in their own practice. Assessment is by means of a clinical log of practice and direct observation of practice by the course team.

Course Content
An overview of anatomy and physiology of the mouth, use of fluoride in oral health, oral health advice and education, fluoride varnish application and patient care management, special considerations when working with children, professional issues of legal and professional aspects of dental nursing. The course will cover aspects of health promotion; evidence based practice; communication; infection control; legal issues and the recognition of tissue conditions. It also provides a sound practical foundation base during which students learn about handling dental instruments, apply fluoride varnish to phantom head models and learn to relate these skills to child and adult patients to enable them to practise safely. In addition, the student must arrange with a supervising dentist, hygienist or therapist for them to apply fluoride varnish in controlled conditions. The school will provide guidance on this to the student and supervisor.

Entry requirements
A prospective student must be a registered dental nurse in current employment. Employers must give permission for the dental nurse to attend the course.

Assessment
The course will be assessed by direct observation of practice and oral questioning, together with a witnessed and signed off clinical skills log.

Careers
The course will enable dental nurses to extend their scope of practice and will also provide an introduction to study in higher education.

How to apply
To add your details to the database for the next available course, either contact the school via the online enquiry system or telephone the school office.

Finance
It is anticipated that the course will be free for registered dental nurses whose dentist holds an NHS contract with Salford PCT. A charge of £250 will be made for other students.

Awarding body
Faculty of Health & Social Care at the University of Central Lancashire