BSc in Dental Nursing

2 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University College Cork UCC

Program Overview

The Bsc in Dental Nursing at University College Cork prepares you to become a confident and capable member of a modern dental team, combining practical training with strong academic foundations. It is ideal for anyone who enjoys working with people, values precision and care, and wants a respected healthcare career with excellent long-term prospects.

Curriculum Structure

Year One

In your first year, you’ll develop a strong understanding of both patient care and the science behind dentistry. Modules such as Dental Anatomy and Physiology (Oral and Systemic) help you understand how the mouth, teeth, and body work together, while Microbiology and Cross Infection Control for Dental Nurses trains you to keep patients and clinical environments safe. You will also study Ethical Issues in the Provision of Dental Care, giving you a clear understanding of professionalism, patient rights, and responsibility in clinical practice.

Year Two

The second year focuses on building confidence and professional readiness. Through Oral Health and Development for Dental Nurses and Dental Practice Administration, you will learn how to support day-to-day dental services and patient care efficiently. The Clinical Logbook allows you to gain real chair-side experience, while Medical Emergencies for Dental Nurses ensures you are prepared to act calmly and correctly in critical situations. You will also complete a Dental Research-Based Project, helping you develop problem-solving skills and a deeper understanding of evidence-based dental care.

Focus areas (in a string):

Clinical dental nursing, infection prevention and control, oral anatomy and pathology, patient safety, practice administration, ethics, emergency care, research and reflective practice.

Learning outcomes (in a string):

Graduates will be able to assist in dental procedures, maintain safe and sterile environments, communicate professionally with patients, manage dental practice workflows, and contribute confidently to high-quality oral healthcare.

Professional alignment (accreditation):

This programme leads to a Level 7 qualification under Ireland’s National Framework of Qualifications and supports entry to the Dental Council of Ireland’s Voluntary Register for Dental Nurses, giving graduates strong professional recognition.

Reputation (employability rankings):

University College Cork is one of Ireland’s most respected universities for health and life sciences, and graduates of this programme are highly regarded by dental practices in Ireland and abroad for their clinical readiness and professional training.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At University College Cork, the BSc (Honours) in Dental Nursing is designed so that you learn by working in real healthcare environments, not just in classrooms. From early in the programme, you will be placed in hospitals and community settings where you care for patients under the supervision of qualified nurses, helping you build confidence, clinical skills, and professional judgement. Your training is supported by modern learning spaces, digital resources, and the option to gain international experience, making your education both practical and globally relevant.

This hands-on approach is delivered through a rich mix of placements and facilities:

Supervised clinical placements in major hospitals and community healthcare sites across Cork, allowing you to work directly with patients in medical, surgical, and community settings
A 36-week paid final-year internship, where you work full-time as part of a healthcare team and smoothly transition into professional nursing practice
Erasmus+ clinical exchange opportunities, giving you the chance to complete part of your training in another European healthcare system
Structured reflective practice and skills assessment, helping you track your development and meet professional nursing standards
Access to UCC’s libraries and digital learning platforms, supporting evidence-based practice, research, and academic study.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the BSc (Honours) in Dental Nursing at University College Cork step into careers where their skills are in high demand and their work truly changes lives. Many go on to become Registered General Nurses, Clinical Nurse Specialists, Community Health Nurses, or Healthcare Team Leaders, working across hospitals, community services, and specialised healthcare settings in Ireland and internationally:

Career support through UCC’s Careers Service, offering CV and interview coaching, employer networking, and job search support to help students move smoothly into professional nursing roles
Excellent graduate outcomes, with the majority of UCC graduates moving into employment or further study within months of completing their degree, reflecting strong demand for qualified nurses
Close links with major hospitals and healthcare providers, giving students real clinical experience and direct pathways into the Irish health system
Professional registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI), which allows graduates to practise as Registered General Nurses in Ireland and supports recognition in many other countries
Graduate outcomes that include progression into specialist nursing, leadership roles, community health, education, and healthcare management

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the General Nursing degree, graduates can progress into postgraduate study such as a Master’s in Advanced Nursing Practice, Public Health, Mental Health Nursing, or Healthcare Leadership, or move into research degrees including an MSc or PhD. These pathways allow nurses to specialise further, move into teaching or management, or contribute to healthcare research and policy.