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Courses for DCPs

We offer a range of course that can assist you in your career as a dental care professional (DCP), including face to face and online training.

Qualifications

Dental radiography for dental care professionals

The BDA online Radiography programme teaches dental nurses how to use X-rays safely, and how to take common radiographs. The programme leads to the BDA Education Certificate in Dental Radiography - a nationally recognised qualification that entitles you to take radiographs unsupervised.

The initial part of the program is a course consisting of 25 modules and 5 quizzes to be completed over a period of 8 weeks. You will then be expected to complete a Practical Portfolio, under supervision; consisting of 40 radiographs. You will be given approximately 5 months to complete the practical work.

Once the Portfolio has been completed to the required standard, you will then sit a 1 hour, online, multiple choice examination. 

The programme is approved by the British Society of Dental and Maxillofacial Radiology, and the Society and College of Radiographers.

 


Read the interview with the BDA Honours and Awards winning radiography student to find out what their experience learning with BDA Education was like.​



Register now for the Radiography programme 


​BDA Education Certificate in Dental Radiography examination

Once you have successfully completed the online course and the practical work, you will need to site the final exam. Exams are held online, on a set Saturday, at 10:00, using a secure system.


You must have access to a PC, with broadband internet connection, to be able to take the final exam (you will not be able to use a Chromebook, tablet or phone to take the final exam).


The exam will last for 1hr and consist of 80 single best answer answer questions. We will give you plenty of practise in answering exam questions during the programme and you will also have the chance to sit a mock exam online.


Key dates

Program start Portfolio deadline Exam date
15 January 2024 09 July 2024 14 September 2024
12 February 2024 06 August 2024 14 September 2024
11 March 2024 03 September 2024 14 September 2024
15 April 2024 01 October 2024 16 November 2024
13 May 2024 15 October 2024 16 November 2024
10 June 2024 29 October 2024 16 November 2024
12 August 2024 04 February 2025 15 March 2025
09 September 2024 25 February 2025 15 March 2025


Terms and conditions

Entry requirements​
Our BDA qualification courses are open to DCPs who: are registered with the General Dental Council have the support of a GDC-registered dentist have access to or can make arrangements to have access to the equipment and patients necessary to complete the coursework.

Course materials
Payment of the programme fee entitles students to:
  • 8 weeks access to online course materials
  • Tutor support by email and phone from the start of the online course until the day of the exam
  • The recommended textbook for the subject
The programme is provided as per the description available on the BDA website which is updated if any changes are made. 

​Course f​ees​
Credit/debit card payments are accepted. The program fee covers all parts of the program and the examination fee.

​IT requirements
When applying for the course, you will have to register as a user of our CPD Hub e-learning system. It is your responsibility to keep your login details secure and confidential.

For the final exam you must have access to a Windows PC or Mac with a webcam and broadband internet connection. You will not be able to use a Chromebook for the final exam, though you will be able to use one to view the course.

Email and contact details​
We will send important information to your chosen email address. It is your responsibility to check your emails regularly and to inform us of any changes to your email address. It is also your responsibility to manage any filters on your account to ensure that emails from BDA Education are sent to your inbox.

We need to make contact with you throughout your studies. It is therefore vital that you tell us about any changes to your email or postal address.

Programme completion and extensions
When you are accepted onto a programme, we will let you know the start and end dates. You must complete all components of the online programme within the allotted time. This is a mandatory requirement for BDA exam candidates. If you do not complete the programme within this time, you will not be eligible to take the examination.

You will not be entitled to an extension if you are unable to complete the programme, except in exceptional circumstances. These are defined as serious illness or bereavement. It is your responsibility to contact us immediately should an event occur that prevents you from continuing with the programme.

About these Terms and Conditions
We may issue other conditions from time to time which we will tell you about. These conditions will also form part of your agreement with us, and if you break any of them, we will be able to end the agreement. 

​​Postponing
If you need to postpone your programme, you must inform us at least 2 weeks before the start of the programme. You will be able to take another programme within 6 months of your original start date. If you are unable to take a programme within 6 months, you will not be able to postpone and must cancel your programme.

You can only postpone once. If you decide not to study on a programme which you have postponed, you will not be entitled to any refund of fees. You will not be allowed to postpone once the programme starts, except in exceptional circumstances. These are defined as serious illness or bereavement.

Practical Work
By applying to our programme, you are agreeing that you can complete the necessary practical work within the time limits set by the BDA. Details of the practical work are displayed on our web pages OHE qualification and Radiography qualification.

All practical work must be submitted to BDA Education by the appropriate deadline. Extensions to the practical work deadlines will not be granted for any reason. It is your responsibility to inform us immediately of any event that will prevent you from meeting the deadline.

Examination regulations
Should you be unsuccessful at your first examination you will be given one opportunity to resit. You will be informed of when that will be.

If you are still unsuccessful at passing the examination at the second opportunity but wish to continue with the qualification, you must apply for another programme and complete the coursework again.

Cancellations
​All cancellations must be received in writing either by email to cpdhub@bda.org. This must then be followed by a telephone call to confirm receipt.

​​Cancellations received 29 days or more prior to the programme start date will be entitled to a 100% credit voucher or refund. Cancellations received between 15 days and 28 days (inclusive) prior to the start date will receive a 100% credit voucher to attend a future BDA Education course or a 75% refund. For cancellations received between 1 day and 14 days (inclusive) prior to the programme start date, no credit voucher or refund will be given. Failure to participate in the programme will constitute late cancellation and no credit voucher or refund will be given. Substitutions are welcome at any time before the programme's start date. Substitutions are not possible after the course start date.

​Performance​
We will not be liable for any failure to perform any or all of our obligations where that failure is due to the actions of someone else or to any cause beyond our reasonable control. For example, this includes items going missing in the post or problems with your internet service.

Governing law​
This Agreement shall be subject to and construed in accordance with the laws of England.​ 

Oral Health Education for dental care professionals

The Oral Health Education course was developed in partnership with OHE Southwest, this flexible, online course will help dental nurses or dcps to learn the communication skills needed to educate your patients about their oral health. 


Designed for busy DCPs in a clear, concise and interactive format. You will be required to complete 27 modules, 7 quizzes and a practise test over a period of 8 weeks. Students will then be expected to complete a Practical Portfolio. You will be given approximately 4 months to complete the practical work.


Once the Portfolio has been completed to the required standard, students will then sit an online examination.

 

The course leads to the nationally-recognised BDA Education Certificate in Oral Health Education, which qualifies you to work as an Oral Health Educator within your practice.



Watch our interview with Ana Tout, a previous BDA Oral Health Education student, about how gaining the OHE qualification has benefited her and the team she works with.

 

 

Register now for OHE course

​ 


BDA Certificate in Oral Health Education examination

Once you have completed the online course and the practical portfolio you will be eligible to sit the final online exam. The exam includes multiple choice questions and long answer questions based on hypothetical cases.

We will provide plenty of support, including practice tests and feedback, to help you prepare for the examination.


The final exams are held on Saturdays at 10am, dates below, and are taken at home. Please note the exams cannot be taken on a Mac computer or any type of tablet.
 

Key dates

CoursePortfolio deadlineOnline Examination
23 January 202324 July 202316 September 2023
20 February 202321 August 202316 September 2023
3 April 20239 October 202318 November 2023
1 May 20236 November 202318 November 2023
14 August 202312 February 202416 March 2024
11 September 202326 February 202416 March 2024


Terms and conditions

Entry requirements
Our BDA qualification courses are open to DCPs who: are registered with the General Dental Council have the support of a GDC-registered dentist have access to or can make arrangements to have access to the equipment and patients necessary to complete the coursework.

Course materials
Payment of the course fee entitles students to:
  • 8 weeks access to online course materials
  • Tutor support by email and phone from the start of the online course until the day of the exam
  • The recommended textbook for the subject
The course is provided as per the description available on the BDA website which is updated if any changes are made. 

Course f​ees​
Payment of the course fee secures your place on a course. The course fee covers all parts of the course but does not include the examination fee.

Examination fees
The examination fee is payable at such a time as the student is ready and eligible to sit the BDA examination. The amount payable is determined by the BDA and may be higher than that currently in force. Failure to pay the examination fee will lead to you being unable to take the exam, however, you would not be entitled to a refund of your course fee (see Cancellations below).

​IT requirements
When applying for the course, you will have to register as a user of our CPD Hub e-learning system. It is your responsibility to keep your login details secure and confidential.

For the final exam you must have access to a PC with broadband internet connection. You will not be able to use a Mac for the final exam, though you will be able to use one to view the course.

Email and contact details​
We will send important information to your chosen email address. It is your responsibility to check your emails regularly and to inform us of any changes to your email address. It is also your responsibility to manage any filters on your account to ensure that emails from BDA Education are sent to your inbox.

We need to make contact with you throughout your studies. It is therefore vital that you tell us about any changes to your email or postal address.

Course completion and extensions
When you are accepted onto a course, we will let you know the start and end dates. You must complete all components of the online course within the allotted time. This is a mandatory requirement for BDA exam candidates. If you do not complete the course within this time, you will not be eligible to take the examination.

You will not be entitled to an extension if you are unable to complete the course, except in exceptional circumstances. These are defined as serious illness or bereavement. It is your responsibility to contact us immediately should an event occur that prevents you from continuing with the course.

About these Terms and Conditions
We may issue other conditions from time to time which we will tell you about. These conditions will also form part of your agreement with us, and if you break any of them, we will be able to end the agreement. 

Postponing
If you need to postpone your course, you must inform us at least 2 weeks before the start of your course. You will be able to take another course within 6 months of your original start date. If you are unable to take a course within 6 months, you will not be able to postpone and must cancel your course.

You can only postpone once. If you decide not to study on a course which you have postponed, you will not be entitled to any refund of fees. You will not be allowed to postpone once the course starts, except in exceptional circumstances. These are defined as serious illness or bereavement.

Practical Work
By applying to our course, you are agreeing that you can complete the necessary practical work within the time limits set by the BDA. Details of the course work are displayed on our web pages OHE qualification and Radiography qualification.

All practical work must be submitted to BDA Education by the appropriate deadline. Extensions to the practical work deadlines will not be granted for any reason. It is your responsibility to inform us immediately of any event that will prevent you from meeting the deadline.

Examination regulations
Should you be unsuccessful at your first examination you will be given one opportunity to resit. You will be informed of when that will be.

If you are still unsuccessful at passing the examination at the second opportunity but wish to continue with the qualification, you must apply for another course and complete the coursework again.

Cancellations
​All cancellations must be received in writing either by email to cpdhub@bda.org, or by post to BDA Education, BDA, 64 Wimpole Street, London W1G 8YS. This must then be followed by a telephone call to confirm receipt.

​​Cancellations received 29 days or more prior to the course start date will be entitled to a 100% credit voucher or refund. Cancellations received between 15 days and 28 days (inclusive) prior to the course start date will receive a 100% credit voucher to attend a future BDA Education course or a 75% refund. For cancellations received between 1 day and 14 days (inclusive) prior to the course start date, no credit voucher or refund will be given. Failure to participate in the course will constitute late cancellation and no credit voucher or refund will be given. Substitutions are welcome at any time before the course start date. Substitutions are not possible after the course start date.

​Performance​
We will not be liable for any failure to perform any or all of our obligations where that failure is due to the actions of someone else or to any cause beyond our reasonable control. For example, this includes items going missing in the post or problems with your internet service.

Governing law​
This Agreement shall be subject to and construed in accordance with the laws of England.​ 


OHE Ann Felton Schol​arship

We are now taking applications for the 2023 Ann Felton Scholarship. For more information and an application form, enrol onto the course.

Enrol onto Ann Felton Scholarship



About Ann Felton

"Love your patients and they will do anything that you ask." 
Ann Felton (1942 - 2007)

Ann Felton's career in dentistry began in her teens (in the late 1950s) as a qualified dental nurse in South Bristol.

When her children reached their teens, Ann was able to retrain as a dental hygienist at the grand old age of 41 (the oldest in her class by a good decade!), and became a hygienist, before being asked to teach Oral Health Education at Bristol Dental Hospital (following the successful completion of a teaching qualification).

Such was Ann's dedication to her students and Oral Health Education, that when the Dental Hospital stopped teaching the course, Ann set up her own school, which she ran in the evenings (without profit). Her genuine love of both students and patients, coupled with the satisfaction of seeing nurses (often from working class backgrounds) achieve new heights, made her many long-lasting friendships within the industry.

Ann often referred to her nurses as the "Darlings of dentistry," believing that their roles were pivotal, yet so often undervalued in many practices, and was adamant that nurses should be given the respect they deserved, and access to new and exciting career opportunities.

In 2000, Ann formed OHE-Southwest; which was to become one of the top OHE courses in the country. She was also elected Secretary of the BDHA South West/South Wales Regional Group. In Ann's later years, despite a long battle with cancer, she carried on teaching, wrote a course textbook, and developed the online course with the BDA.

Ann's life was dedicated to making people smile and their smiles brighter, and this scholarship is your chance to follow in her footsteps – from dental nurse – to wherever you wish to go within dentistry.

Ann Felton Scholarship - entry requirements

Criteria for entry
Entrants must be GDC-registered dental care professionals and must have the signed support of a GDC-registered dentist.

Applications must be received by the specified deadline. Applications received after this date will not be considered.

Essays exceeding 250 words will not be considered.

Terms and conditions
  1. The Scholarship acts as rebate against course and examination fees for one Oral Health Education course taken in the same year as the application. Entrants may not defer the award under any circumstances.
  2. No cash alternative is available. The Scholarship is not transferrable and cannot be substituted by any other BDA course, product or event.
  3. The winning entrant will be notified within one month of the application deadline.
  4. The recipient of the OHE Scholarship must inform BDA Education of any changes to their status which may affect their ability to complete the course, before the course begins.
  5. Awarding the OHE scholarship remains at the absolute discretion of BDA Education. BDA Education may decide not to award any scholarships in a given year.
  6. If the recipient of the scholarship is not successful at their first examination, they will need to pay to resit the exam.
  7. BDA Education reserves the right to amend the terms and conditions detailed in this document and any terms and conditions detailed in the award letter.​

Continue professional development (CPD) 

CPD Hub

The CPD Hub provides online training courses and free CPD courses for all dental nurses and other dental professionals. Designed to help you to gain training and meet your CPD requirements. Topics covered include Child Protection, Decontamination and Data Protection Officer training. Register with the Hub to find out more.



Register for CPD Hub


 

Training Essentials

Training Essentials is a portfolio of​ face to face courses to help meet the training needs of the whole dental team. These cost effective courses cover a range of topics, including all recommended CPD areas, regulatory updates, business management and personal development. 

iLearn webcasts 

Lecture webcasts...wherever, whenever! Earn CPD at a time and place that suits you.

Experience the session as it happened; hear the lecture, see the presenter and their slides, and relive the audience question and answer sessions too. Our catalogue includes GDC recommended CPD,Scientific lectures and Practice and personal development. 

Publication

BDJ Team - Earn 10 hours verifiable CPD over a year from our online only magazine, aimed at all members of the dental team. BDJ Team ​features people stories, advice, research, news, views and dental products.