​The last weekend in January will see more than 1,000 candidates across the UK sit the final stage of their National Diploma qualification in dental nursing.

This is the Practical Assessment (OSCE). which is organised and written by the National Examining Board for Dental Nurses (NEBDN).

The practical exam, which is one of the biggest OSCE exams held in Europe, has 114 exams running across the two days in London Excel, (the biggest centre) Bristol, Birmingham, Belfast and Coatbridge in Scotland.

A large-scale event like this requires 260 examiners, 116 invigilators and 57 medical role players. Last year’s June exams saw over 70% of candidates pass.

The candidates participating will have to go around 10 different stations and complete a timed practical exam resulting in a pass or fail mark. Successful candidates will go on to receive their NEBDN National Diploma in dental nursing and register with the General Dental Council (GDC).

Kate Kerslake, CEO at NEBDN said: 'The OSCE is a major operation for NEBDN which takes months of preparation. We are proud of all our candidates who make it this far and we hope to see them succeed as qualified dental nurses strengthening the dental profession. We hope to inspire and shape the futures of candidates through our range of qualifications.'

The exams which take place twice a year in January and June make up the practical section following on from a written exam. Candidates must pass the OSCE to qualify as a registered dental nurse.

For more information about NEBDN, visit www.nebdn.org

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