NPA Oral Health Care SCQF level 6

National Progression Awards (NPAs) assess a defined set of skills and knowledge in specialist vocational areas, linked to National Occupational Standards. The NPA in Oral Health Care at SCQF level 6 introduces learners to the legislation, standards, and ethics required for a career in the dental nursing profession, as well as developing the practical skills required to effectively and safely care for dental patients — key for preparing to work as a dental nurse.

This qualification covers areas such as dental patient care, the clinical assessment of patients' dental health, and the safe handling of the instruments, materials, and equipment used in dental practice.

The qualification is available through colleges and training providers.

Qualification structure

Group award code: GP3D 46 (36 SCQF credit points).

The NPA in Oral Health Care at SCQF level 6 consists of 6 mandatory units (36 SCQF credit points).

Code Unit title SQA credit SCQF credit points SCQF level
J1DW 46 Safe Working Practices in an Oral Health Care Environment 1 6 6
J1DV 46 Dental Procedures: Instruments, Materials and Equipment 1 6 6
HE3D 46 Dental Care Professionals: Fitness to Practice 1 6 6
J0FE 46 Dental Care Professionals: Reflective Practice 1 6 6
J1DR 46 Oral Health Assessment: an Introduction 1 6 6
J1DT 46 Dental Patient Care: an Introduction 1 6 6

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How to assess

Assessment of this award will be a combination of practical and knowledge assessments under closed- and open-book assessment conditions. Centres should refer to the assessment and evidence requirements for each unit.

The delivery modes of the award is at the individual centre's discretion.

Deliver this qualification

Why study this qualification

The NPA is suitable for:

  • learners who may have just left school/been out of school for some time
  • mature candidates who may have been out of education for a long period of time
  • those who are looking to access NC or HN programmes
  • individuals who are seeking national recognition of their achievements

Access

Entry is at the discretion of the centre. Learners ideally should have completed the units which form the NPA in Oral Health Care: an Introduction at SCQF level 5 or have an equivalent qualification in an appropriate subject and/or work experience gained in a related sector. Learners who achieve both the NPA at SCQF level 5 and the NPA at SCQF level 6 will be awarded the full National Certificate in Oral Health Care: Preparing for Practice at SCQF level 6.

Employment and progression

The level 6 award could provide progression to:

  • the SVQ in Dental Nursing at SCQF level 7
  • the PDA in Dental Nursing at SCQF level 7
  • the HNC/D in Dental Nursing
  • employment in the oral health care sector, perhaps as a trainee dental nurse

Note: A successful Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) application is a legal requirement for individuals who wish to work as a dental nurse.

Qualification structure

Group award code: GP3D 46 (36 SCQF credit points).

The NPA in Oral Health Care at SCQF level 6 consists of 6 mandatory units (36 SCQF credit points).

Code Unit title SQA credit SCQF credit points SCQF level
J1DW 46 Safe Working Practices in an Oral Health Care Environment 1 6 6
J1DV 46 Dental Procedures: Instruments, Materials and Equipment 1 6 6
HE3D 46 Dental Care Professionals: Fitness to Practice 1 6 6
J0FE 46 Dental Care Professionals: Reflective Practice 1 6 6
J1DR 46 Oral Health Assessment: an Introduction 1 6 6
J1DT 46 Dental Patient Care: an Introduction 1 6 6

Unit search