Courses for Nurses

The dental nurses’ course is both educational and fun. Taught by the country’s most experienced dental sedation teachers, the course builds towards the NEDBN examination in conscious sedation. Although primarily designed for nurses who have a number of years experience, the course is appropriate for new dental nurses enabling pain and anxiety control to be put in perspective in the overall management of the patient. This is a rewarding course taught by friendly, approachable and considerate teachers.

The course is split into two parts, detailed below.

Part One

The Part One course is held in London three times a year, at the same time as the SAAD National Course for dentists. Although primarily designed for nurses who have experience in sedation techniques the course is also suitable for new members of the dental team. This course is designed to provide dental nurses with the knowledge, skills and attitudes to enable them to assist an operator-sedationist during the provision of dental treatment under conscious sedation.

The course is taught by some of the country’s most experienced sedation teachers. The course includes the main areas of sedation: intravenous, inhalational and oral. Most topics are covered by lectures, demonstrations and small group practical sessions. There are practical skill stations in venepuncture, monitoring and Basic Life Support. Detailed course notes are provided and students are encouraged to ask lots of questions!

The course covers the syllabus of the National Examining Board for Dental Nurses Certificate in Dental Sedation Nursing (CDSN). A certificate of attendance is awarded at the end of the course. This is a rewarding course, which is both educational and fun.

The curriculum includes:

KNOWLEDGE:

  • anatomy and physiology
    pharmacology
    patient assessment
    sedation equipment
    sedation techniques (oral/RA/IV)
    monitoring
    management of complications
    medico-legal aspects
ATTITUDES:
  • care and support
    flexible approach
    calm, decisive and purposeful manner
    keeping up to date

SKILLS:

  • preparation for sedation
    patient preparation and care
    assisting with induction of sedation
    monitoring during treatment
    recovery
    emergency care

Part Two

The Part Two course is a follow on from the Part One course and will provide intensive revision for the CDSN examination. In order to gain maximum benefit participants should have recently attended the Part One or a similar course. The two courses have been designed to complement each other.

Numbers are limited for this course to provide the opportunity for intensive small group teaching. The first day consists of revision lectures with the opportunity for questions; the second day involves practice in all aspects of the exam. All lecturers on the course are CDSN examiners.

Following attendance at both courses candidates should be well prepared to sit the Certificate in Dental Sedation Nursing (CDSN).

The Part Two course is held at Guy’s hospital in London.

As the course is designed for small group teaching, early application is advised. In the event of insufficient applicants the organisers reserve the right to cancel the Part 2 course up to one month before the course dates.