Overview

The BSc Dental Nursing is delivered via the Undergraduate School, a unique partnership between UWS and New College Lanarkshire.

The BSc Dental Nursing prepares potential graduates to begin the study of dental nursing as a discipline. This is a full-time, 3-year UWS-approved programme of study, delivered at New College Lanarkshire (NCL), Coatbridge. 

Students on the BSc Dental Nursing will study at the state-of-the-art dental facility at NCL Coatbridge campus and, as UWS students, will have access to UWS facilities.

UWS has experience of delivering a range of professional health programmes. NCL has over 30 years of experience in offering dental nursing programmes nationally and internationally. The course is designed to be practical in nature and up-to-date equipment, teaching methods and simulation facilities are used. At the heart of the degree is a commitment to excellence in education and patient care. You will be joining an award-winning learning community where you will be taught by experienced staff dedicated to providing personalised learning, guidance, and mentorship to help you thrive academically and professionally.

Course highlights

  • The overall aims of the programme are to encourage students to study dental nursing as a professional discipline. Subject to final approval from the General Dental Council (GDC), students completing year 1 of the programme will have their achievements mapped to the existing Level 7 qualification with GDC registration through Recognition of Prior Learning. 
  • The programme enables dental nurses to meet the requirements of a modern dental care system, working in a multi-professional team and demonstrating leadership and management abilities.
  • As part of the programme, students also participate in work-based learning each year to support the student developing practical skills in a professional environment.

Careers

Dental nursing graduates can pursue roles as dental nurses in various settings including:

  • the NHS and private dental practice
  • hospitals
  • community clinics
  • speciality dental settings
  • educational settings

As a graduate of this course, you may also choose to pursue to further their education by enrolling in postgraduate programmes, such as a Master of Science (MSc) in Nursing, Master of Public Health.

By staying informed about industry trends, and networking with potential employers, dental nursing graduates can enhance their employment prospects and explore fulfilling career paths in the field of dental healthcare.

Entry requirements

An offer to study is also dependent on the outcome of the selection process and background checks, including:

  • Interview
  • Membership of the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme
  • Criminal Convictions Disclosure

Students will be admitted to the BSc Dental Nursing in line with University Regulatory requirements.  For Year 1 entry, students will require three Highers at grade C or above; or SCQF Level 6 in Dental Nursing or an equivalent SCQF level 6 National Certificate (NC) qualification; or two Highers, plus SCQF level 7 First Steps to University (UWS) or First Steps to Nursing (UWS).  

Relevant qualifications from SWAP programmes, such as SWAP Access to Nursing or SWAP access to Paramedic Science, will also be considered. 

Applicants who hold Higher National Certificate (HNC) Dental Nursing with General Dental Council (GDC) registration are eligible for articulation into Year 2. However, evidence must be provided that the HNC or HND qualification was achieved within the last five years.  

Applicants with Higher National Diploma (HND) Dental Nursing and GDC registration can articulate into L9 of the programme. However, evidence must be provided that the HNC or HND qualification was achieved within the last five years.

Apply Directly to NCL

If you are applying only to the BSc Dental Nursing programme, please apply directly to NCL.

 

Direct Application

Apply via UCAS

If you are applying to more than one programme, please apply via UCAS.

 

Apply VIA UCAS

Undergraduate Tuition Fees

Tuition fees for this course 2025/26

Scottish

£1,820 cost per year of study (usually paid by the Scottish Government via SAAS*)

All other UK & Republic of Ireland

£9,535 per year of study (4 years of study for the price of 3 years)

Channel Islands & Isle of Man

£9,535 per year of study (4 years of study for the price of 3 years)

International (all other EU plus Non-EU)

£15,500 per year of study

More on tuition fees and funding

Tuition fees for this course 2026/27

Scottish

£1,820 cost per year of study (usually paid by the Scottish Government via SAAS*)

All other UK & Republic of Ireland

£9,790 per year of study (4 years of study for the price of 3 years)

Channel Islands & Isle of Man

£9,790 per year of study (4 years of study for the price of 3 years)

International (all other EU plus Non-EU)

£16,275 per year of study

More on tuition fees and funding

Estimated cost per year of study.

  • Textbooks (also available in the library at NCL) (Optional, Years 1-3): £50-200
  • Uniform (this is supplied by NCL, however replacements student responsibility) (Mandatory, Years 1-3): £25
  • Stationary – notepads/pens/highlighters (Optional, Years 1-3): £15-30
  • Laptop-(lap safe available at NCL/UWS) (Optional, Years 1-3): £250-500
  • Travel Costs for placement (Mandatory, Years 1-3): £0-500
  • General Council Registration (Mandatory, Years 2-3): £96

Get in touch

Do you have a question about applying to this course? Get in touch, we're here to help!

E: ask@uws.ac.uk

T: 0800 027 1000 (UK)

T: +44 (0) 141 849 4101 (out-with the UK) 

We will always try to make sure that we publish accurate course information but we do not accept responsibility for any mistakes or omissions. We will also try to make sure that we deliver our courses in line with our published information. However, we may not always be able to do so and you can find further information about this in our enrolment terms and conditions.