US661 · Level 6 · 2 years

Dental Nursing

Technological University of the Shannon - Athlone · Rest Of Leinster

2026 Round 1 points

347

Up 77 points since 2023 (270).

How do your points compare?

Don't know your points? Use the CAO points calculator.

About this course

A two-year Higher Certificate in Science (Level 6) that qualifies you to work as a dental nurse. It has the approval of the Dental Council of Ireland.

How long
2 years
What you study
You learn dental anatomy and oral disease, infection prevention and control, clinical dentistry, and anatomy and physiology. Skills teaching takes place in the dental training facilities at TUS. You also learn chairside assistance, record keeping and patient care.
Placement and abroad
There are three blocks of clinical dental placement, supervised in dental practice settings.
Where it can lead
Dental nurses work in private practices, dental hospitals and the HSE, and may later move into senior nursing, practice management, or further study such as dental hygiene or radiography.
Who it suits
Suits students who are good with people, work well in a team and are comfortable in a clinical setting.

Summary written by FindMyCollegeCourse.ie from the college's own course information. Check the college website for full details.

About Health

Health-related courses like Nursing, Medicine, and Physiotherapy

The study of Health Science courses involves exploring the principles and practices that contribute to the maintenance, improvement, and understanding of human health. Students learn about the human body, public health, and the prevention and treatment of diseases. E.g. Nursing, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Medicine.

Points history

2023270202427020252892026347

Round 1 points by year

YearRound 1Final (end of season)Middle student
2026347Published after the final round
2025 289289393
2024 270270359
2023 270242377

Round 1 is the points needed for a first-round offer. Final is the lowest points offered a place after all rounds. Middle student is the points of the student in the middle of everyone who got a place. * means not everyone on those points got a place (random selection). Source: CAO points lists.

Subject requirements

  • Chemistry: Higher H7 or Ordinary O6 or Foundation F3
  • Physics: Higher H7 or Ordinary O6
  • Biology: Higher H7 or Ordinary O6

These are the course's own subject requirements. You also need to meet the college's general minimum entry requirements.

See the course on the Technological University of the Shannon - Athlone website ↗

Is Dental Nursing right for you?

Points tell you if you can get in. They don't tell you if you'll enjoy it. The CAO Interest Test matches your interests to more than 1,400 CAO courses, including courses in Health, and shows which ones fit your points.

Take the CAO Interest Test Try the free test first

The same course at other colleges

Similar courses in Health

Level 6 courses with the closest 2026 Round 1 points.

Points and course details change every year. Always check cao.ie and the college website before you fill in your CAO form.