Qualifications

Post-Registration qualifications

Whether you’ve qualified as a Dental Nurse through NEBDN or not, you can progress your career with one or more of our seven Post-Registration qualifications on this page.

Each Provider is subject to regular quality assurance monitoring to ensure that NEBDN standards are maintained. We recommend you contact more than one Provider to compare course structure and fees.

If you are interested in taking one of our qualifications, please contact a Provider.

Download our Qualifications Prospectus here.

2025 Exam Dates

Online exam

How do I download the Maxexam app for my exam?

Please click App download instructions for guidance on how to download the Maxexam app.

Hardware Guidelines before exam

Hardware Guidelines v5 recommended requirements for downloading and running the MaxExam Exam App.

Computer Health Check before exam

If you’re preparing to take an exam on MaxExam using a computer or laptop, run through our Computer Health Check. This simple guide will help to ensure that nothing gets in the way of your exam.

Before the exam FAQs

Before the Exam 

Where should I be doing my exam?

In a quiet and clear working environment where you are comfortable to take your examination without being disturbed – this can be at home or in the workplace, however you must use the same device that you used in your preparation session.

Do I need to do anything else in preparation for my exam?

No, providing you have downloaded the exam app, completed the tutorial and read and understood all guidance given.

Do I need to download the exam app again before the exam?

It is important that you use the same device for the exam that was used during the preparation session. The app will still be on your computer/laptop for the exam. You will only need to download the app once onto your device.

How do I get back into the app for the exam?

The app is automatically downloaded onto your desktop. It will remain there from your practice session. You will need to double click on the app icon which will look similar to the image below.

Once you have double clicked on the app it will automatically open the login page. Your login details can be found on the emails sent by assessmentandawards@nebdn.org.

What time will the exam be?

Learner information packs have been sent to Providers with the timetable for your exam. If you are unaware of the start time please contact your Provider directly.

Do I need to make sure my laptop is plugged into a power source for the exam?

Yes, you will need to ensure your laptop is plugged into a power source so that it does not lose battery power during the exam.

Do I need to do the tutorial again?

You are not required to do the tutorial again. However, it will be available for you to revisit at any time up until 30 minutes before the exam start time.

My login details are not working, what should I do?

Please carefully read the email with your login details and try to re-type in the ID’s given. Please note that the exam ID, user ID and password are case sensitive. If the log in details do not work after several attempts, please contact the team on assessmentandawards@nebdn.org.

During the exam FAQs

During the exam

What happens if my laptop shuts down during the exam?

It’s very important that you ensure any updates are done ahead of your exam and that your laptop always remains charged, otherwise you may be deferred to the next exam series.

If your laptop shuts down due to low battery or software updates, please connect your charger and wait for the updates to finish. You must then log back in to the Maxexam app and continue your exam. Please note, if your laptop doesn’t turn back on within 5 minutes, please call our Assessment and Awards team on 01772 429917.

What happens if I lose internet connection when completing the workbook?
If you lose internet connection during your exam please do not panic!

Internet connection is required at the beginning and end of the examination. If your internet connection is lost during the exam please continue to answer the questions as normal as the data will still be recorded in the application. Usually after a few minutes your internet connection should reconnect without intervention. If you cannot submit your assessment at the end of your exam you will receive the following error message:

Click Retry once and if the connection is not successful click Exit. You will then need to reconnect your internet and log back into the exam app. Upon logging in to the app it will automatically submit your assessment.

Can I go back and complete the tutorial after I have started the exam?
Once you have started the exam you will be unable to go back and see the tutorial.

Can I have a pen and paper with me during the exam?
Yes, Learners are permitted to use a pen and paper during the examination to make notes.

How will I know how much time I have left?
In the bottom right hand corner of your screen, the time remaining in the exam will start to count down as soon as you click START.

How do I finish the exam and submit my answers?
Once you have finished the exam and are ready to submit your assessment you will need to click on the MENU button. This can be found at the bottom of the screen in the middle. Once you click this you will be given several options. To submit your exam, you will need to click the top button which is FINISH EXAM.

Will NEBDN be there to help me on the day if something goes wrong? 

Don’t panic! We will have a dedicated team available for you to contact on 01772 429917.

When will I receive my certificate?

If you have any questions about when you will receive your certificate, please speak to your Provider, or check our social media pages on Facebook and Twitter @NEBDN.

 

Aims

NEBDN aims to provide you with:

•A standardised and quality assured learning experience with one of our accredited Providers

•An independent and objective assessment of knowledge

•A portfolio of evidence of practical experience in the form of a detailed Record of Competence

•The opportunity to gain a nationally respected qualification in this complex and evolving field of Dentistry

What are the benefits?

List of benefits

•Our qualifications are nationally recognised by Employers.

•Our Providers are accredited against our standards, ensuring that Learners get a fully supported learning experience and the best preparation for practice.

•Our formal assessment and Record of Competence are based on modern educational practice, giving you evidence of your fitness to practice.

•Practical skills are assessed on real life activities within the workplace using objective tools to ensure a standardised approach.

•Our Post-Registration qualifications support personal development and enhance skills for career progression.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements

•Be registered with the General Dental Council or the Irish Dental Council

•Be enrolled with a Provider accredited by NEBDN

•Be sufficiently fluent in written and spoken English to communicate with patients, their relatives, the dental team and other healthcare professionals in the UK

•Be able to meet the work-based clinical requirements of the Record of Competence, by being employed as a Dental Nurse.

•Must have at least one GDC registered witness