Dental Nursing Foundation Degree in Science - FdSc

1st in the UK for overall student satisfaction for Dental Nursing in the National Student Survey 2026.

A healthy smile can have a lasting impact on a person's confidence, wellbeing and quality of life. If you're interested in healthcare and want a career where you can support patients while developing practical clinical skills, Dental Nursing offers a rewarding route into the dental profession. You'll learn how to provide safe, effective care for patients before, during and after treatment, while developing the knowledge and professional skills needed to support dentists and wider dental teams. By combining academic study with hands-on clinical experience, you'll build confidence in real-world healthcare settings.

At Northampton, theory is closely linked to practice. Throughout the course, you'll complete clinical placements across a variety of dental environments, including general dental practices, hospitals, orthodontic services and community settings. These experiences help you develop the practical competencies required for professional registration while giving you insight into different areas of dental care.

You'll also have opportunities to support community oral health initiatives, including delivering oral health education in schools. This allows you to develop valuable communication skills while promoting preventative healthcare and awareness of good oral hygiene.

Using specialist teaching facilities, simulation environments and work-based learning, you'll gain the skills, professionalism and confidence needed to care for patients and work effectively as part of a dental team.

Approved by the General Dental Council (GDC) and aligned with the Safe Practitioner Framework, this Foundation Degree provides the knowledge, practical experience and professional competencies needed to apply for GDC registration as a Dental Nurse. It also provides a strong foundation for future career development and further study within the profession.

By studying at the University of Northampton, you can be sure that:

At the University of Northampton, you’ll benefit from a supportive, career-focused experience designed to help you succeed.

Personalised learning

Study in small groups led by expert academics, with dedicated one-to-one support. Our close-knit community ensures you receive individual guidance while being challenged to achieve your best.

Built for your future

Whatever your goals, we’ll help you get there. You’ll develop valuable skills, discover your strengths, and gain real-world experience - so you’re ready to stand out when applying for jobs or further study.

Guaranteed accommodation

We guarantee a room in our Halls of Residence for all new full-time first-year students who apply and accept their offer by June 2027✱✱.

Exceptional student benefits

You’ll receive a brand-new laptop at no additional cost✱✱✱, and all essential textbooks are available through our library - helping you save money throughout your studies.

A modern campus experience

Study at our student-led purpose-built Waterside Campus, designed to provide an inspiring and dynamic environment for learning and student life. Visit us at an Open Day to see it for yourself.

✱ Calculations are based on Office for Students (OfS) data from the average positivity score across all NSS questions for this subject area across all modes and levels at UK Universities.\
✱✱ eligibility criteria apply. See northampton.ac.uk/student-life/accommodation/for more information\
✱✱✱ eligibility criteria and terms and conditions apply. See northampton.ac.uk/benefits for more information.