This accredited certificate in plaque indices is ideal for registered dental nurses, offering a valuable skill set to assist patients in maintaining their oral health. The course focuses on teaching dental nurses to confidently and competently use plaque control records during patient appointments, motivating patients to improve their oral hygiene. It includes basic oral health training and plaque scoring using disclosing tablets or solutions.
By completing this course, dental nurses will enhance their ability to perform plaque control scoring, provide relevant patient advice, track a patient’s progress, and document appointment notes effectively.
 This course has been updated with new learning materials.
Course Structure
Course Summary
- Â Format: online, self-paced, with in-clinic plaque scoring appointments under supervision
- Â Average completion time: 2 months
- Â Number of Learning Units: 6
- Â CPD Hours: 8 hours
- Â Guided Learning Hours: Average of 18 hours (depending on the learner’s speed)
Course Assessments
- Â Unit Quiz: One multiple choice quiz per unit
- Â Assessments: Record of Competence – see information below
SupportÂ
- Â Optional drop-in support session classes available.
- Â One-to-one tutor support is easily accessible by email, telephone, or Zoom.
Record of Competence Portfolio
As part of the course, you are required to complete ten records/log sheets not ten patients. A minimum of one patient should be seen on two separate occasions – this will count as two records/log sheets. All appointments must be completed under supervision until you are declared competent. There are no specified patient groups (i.e., children or adults).
The Role of the Supervisor:
Your supervisor must be:
- GDC-Registered:Â Must hold current registration with the General Dental Council.
- Qualified/Trained in Plaque Indices:Â Evidence is required for dental nurses who are supervising.
- Willing to Guide:Â They should be committed to guiding you through your practical training.
- Able to comment and sign:Â They must be able to provide feedback and sign off on your portfolio.
Modules
Module 1 Learning Objectives
- Confidently explain to a patient what dental plaque is.
- Confidently explain to a patient how plaque forms in the oral cavity.
- Confidently explain to a patient the role of dental plaque in oral disease.
- Have a good understanding of what indices are.
- Be able to explain why we use dental plaque indices.
- Be aware of different plaque indices methods.
- Be able to explain as a step-by-step guide the process of taking a dental plaque score (Plaque Control Score).
- Have a good understanding of how we can use plaque indices in practice as dental nurses.
- Be aware of any pre- / post- dental plaque indices advice to give the patient.
- Be able to confidently write up appointment notes.
Module 2 Learning Objectives
- Understand the importance of evidence based dentistry
- Understand the key principles within the Delivering Better Oral Health toolkit on the following topics:
- Prevention of Caries
- Toothbrushing
- Fluoride
- Understand the key principles within the Delivering Better Oral Health toolkit on the following topics:
- Prevention of Periodontal Diseases
- Prevention of oral cancer
- Alcohol and smoking cessation
- Understand the key principles within the Delivering Better Oral Health toolkit on the following topics:
- Diet
- Non-Carious Tooth Surface Loss
Payment Options
Payment Plans
We now offer the option to pay over three months. Please be aware, this increases the fee to £135.00 inc. VAT.
Payment due dates:
- 01 December 2025 £45.00 (Non-refundable deposit)
- 01 January 2026 £45.00
- 01 February 2026 £45.00
We will NOT send reminders of payment due dates. Failure to make payment by the due dates will result in automatic removal from the course.
Please note, your certificate of competence will not be awarded until full payment is made.
Discounts
Discounts must be requested before payment is made. We do not automatically apply discounts.
Please note that discounts are applied to the VAT-exclusive fee. Discounts cannot be applied to payment plans.
Multiple applicant discounts
- Two applicants: 5% discount
- Three applicants: 10% discount
- Four or more applicants: 15% discount
Please apply by telephone or use the application form here. DNN will send you an invoice.
