Introduction to CAD and Scanning Technology in Dental Nursing
Overview
This programme will be delivered digitally and is designed to build your underpinning knowledge and confidence in digital scanning and help you understand how intraoral scanning fits into the wider dental team and patient journey.
You will explore how digital scanning compares with traditional dental impressions, how digital information is used in CAD/CAM dentistry, and how digital workflows can support efficient and sustainable approaches to dental care.
You will also become familiar with the equipment used in intraoral scanning, including the key components of a scanner, basic maintenance requirements and the importance of following manufacturer and practice procedures.
If you are a full-time resident in Scotland, a parent or carer to a child under the age of 18 and currently earning less than £33,000, you could access this course free of charge. Email StrategyOffice@nclan.ac.uk to find out more.
Entry
Essential criteria
- You must be a qualified Dental Nurse, register with the General Dental Council and hold current Indemnity Insurance.
- There must be full support from a dental practitioner(s) who will sign a declaration stating that they will be responsible for practical skills development relating to CAD.
Funding support
Funding is available for eligible applicants to study the PDA Dental Radiography free of charge.
To qualify for this funding, you must:
- Be a full-time resident of Scotland, including those with refugee or asylum seeker status
- Have an individual annual income of less than £33,000
- Be a parent or carer of a child under the age of 18
By applying for a funded place on this programme, you are confirming that you meet these criteria. As part of your course application, you will be asked confirm your eligibility for funding. If you have any questions about funding or eligibility, please email StrategyOffice@nclan.ac.ukÂ
Applicants may also be eligible for a fee waiver. For further information, including eligibility criteria, please visit the Funding and Finance FAQs.
Learn
The programme will give dental nurses an understanding of how digital scanning is becoming part of modern dental practice and how they can contribute effectively to a digital dental workflow.
It provides a foundation for further training in intraoral scanning, CAD/CAM, digital orthodontics, restorative dentistry, implant workflows and other areas of digital dentistry.
The programme is introductory and does not, by itself, confirm competence to independently undertake intraoral scanning on patients. Any clinical scanning must be undertaken in accordance with the learner's training, competence, scope of practice, employer requirements, manufacturer guidance and relevant professional requirements
Continuing your professional development
After completing the introductory module, a dental nurse can continue to develop their knowledge and confidence in:
- Intraoral scanning
- Digital impressions
- CAD/CAM workflows
- Digital orthodontics
- Digital restorative dentistry
- Digital implant workflows
For an experienced registered dental nurse, additional digital skills can support progression towards roles with greater responsibilities. Digital scanning can also form part of a wider programme of continuing professional development and progression towards higher level qualifications in dental nursing, oral health care, dental technology, digital dentistry or practice management.
