NEBDN Diploma (Dental Nursing) study plan

Map the Domain 1 syllabus into a personal checklist of every topic area you must cover

Define and correctly use 40 core dental anatomy and terminology terms (e.g. quadrants, surfaces, eruption, occlusion)

Label and explain the structure and function of each tooth type on a hand-drawn diagram

Set up a spaced-repetition deck and begin entering anatomy and terminology cards

Describe the stages of normal tooth development and eruption with approximate timelines

Explain the causes, presentation and nursing implications of common oral diseases (caries, periodontal disease, oral cancer)

Summarise the principles of oral health education and demonstrate a structured preventive-advice script

Compare the composition and indications of common dental materials (amalgam, composite, GIC, sealants)

Sequence the instruments and steps used in a routine examination and a simple restorative procedure

Explain the purpose and safe handling of common handpieces, suction and rotary instruments

Describe the properties and safe use of local anaesthetics and common medicaments

Identify the correct instrument tray set-up for three named procedures from memory

Explain the principles of infection prevention and control, including standard precautions and hand hygiene

Describe the correct decontamination cycle for reusable instruments from use to storage

Outline the safe handling and segregation of healthcare waste and sharps

Summarise the legal duties around health and safety and risk assessment in a dental setting

Explain the role and limits of the dental nurse within the wider dental team and the scope of their duties

Describe the legal and ethical duties of confidentiality and accurate record-keeping

Outline the principles of valid consent and how they apply to dental care, including vulnerable patients

Summarise the professional standards expected of a dental nurse and how they are enforced

Explain safeguarding duties for children and adults at risk and the correct escalation route

Describe the legal framework for medical emergencies and the nurse's role in basic life support

Outline the requirements for safe prescribing, storage and administration support of medicines

Explain the nurse's responsibilities in reporting incidents and near-misses

Sit a full timed mock exam and mark it against the official weighting of both domains

Identify your five weakest topic areas from mock results and write a targeted revision plan for each

Re-teach each weak area aloud or in writing until you can explain it without notes

Consolidate spaced-repetition cards for all missed questions

Complete a second timed mock and compare scores against week 7 to confirm improvement

Recall key facts, definitions and legal duties from memory under exam conditions

Practise structuring written answers to command verbs (describe, explain, outline)

Build a final one-page summary sheet covering both domains