Nurses Course
Dentistry
ISVPS Nurse/Veterinary Paraprofessional Certificate (NCert/VPPCert)
- Overview
- Modules
- Pricing
- Entry Requirements
- FAQs
11 Feb - 08 Jul 2025
Discover contemporary small animal dentistry knowledge, enhancing treatment capabilities in practice
The Nurses Certificate in Dentistry programme has been designed to provide veterinary nurses with the opportunity to access relevant and up-to-date knowledge of small animal dentistry and to use this knowledge to improve the treatment given in practice to small animal patients.
What you’ll learn...
- Assess small animal patient’s oral health and demonstrate skills in recording findings.
- Demonstrate a good working knowledge of the safe anaesthesia of patients requiring dental treatment.
- Undertake practical techniques relevant to a patient requiring dentistry, including completing a dental examination chart, acquiring diagnostic dental radiographs and completing appropriate prophylactic treatment of dental patients.
- Appreciate the need for lifelong dental care and communicate the principles and importance of home oral care to dog-owning clients and colleagues through nurse clinics to promote and monitor active and passive home care.
Why choose this programme?
- Enhance your clinical skills and knowledge and gain exposure to the latest advancements in the field, refining your understanding of cutting-edge technologies and evidence-based practices.
- Increase your confidence and job satisfaction with the ability to tackle complex cases and provide advanced care, in turn this brings a sense of accomplishment to your role.
- Gain an achievable and recognised ISVPS qualification and seamlessly integrate the learning process into your busy schedule, making it a realistic and rewarding investment into your veterinary nursing CPD.
See our pricing tab for Early Bird discounts and payment plan options
Key features of this programme
Dedicated Programme Coordinator who will support you every step of the way
The NCert and VPPCert is awarded by our global qualifications provider ISVPS
A discussion forum for conversation, debate and sharing cases with your peers and Module Tutors
Pre-module and post-module assessments encourage you to reflect on your learning and evaluate your progress
12-month subscription to the RCVS Knowledge Library
Online Study Skill Lessons
Programme Details
Module Summary
- Canine and feline dental anatomy and function
- Dental examination and diagnostic tests
- Canine dental conditions
- Exotic dentistry
- Anaesthesia
- Analgesia
- Feline dental conditions
- The canine and feline dental procedure
Please note the module order may be subject to change
The Course Includes
- This modular programme is made up of four two-day courses. The modules should ideally be taken in module sequence and for those wishing to complete the whole programme and sit the final online examinations, must complete all modules within three years. Delegates may take longer to attend all the modules but will not be exam eligible. This is an interactive programme where topics and practice cases are presented and explained by the instructor.
- Comprehensive course notes are provided for each module. Refreshments are available throughout the day and lunch is included on all modules. Timings may vary for practical sessions; course timings for attendance modules are:
Course timings:
09:00 Registration
09:30 Course Starts
17:00 Course Finishes
Speakers
Venue: Swindon
Date: 11 Feb - 08 Jul 2025
NCert/VPPCert in Dentistry
Get in touch
Accredited by
100% Satisfaction
We’re completely confident in the quality of our training and CPD. If you’re not 100% satisfied with your certificate course we’ll give you a 100% refund.
Find out more01 - Canine and feline dental anatomy and function
Canine and feline dental anatomy and function
By the end of this module delegates should be able to :
- Be familiar with the development of teeth (enamel, dentine, cement and root pulp)
- Be able to identify important anatomical structures (skull bones, musculature, innervations)
- Recognise different skull types
- Explain the structure and function of the periodontium and oral mucosa (palate tongue, soft palate, oropharynx, tonsils)
- Identify different tooth types and dental formulae
02 - Dental examination and diagnostic tests
Dental examination and diagnostic tests
By the end of this module delegates should be able to :
- Assess the oral cavity and dentition of a conscious patient
- Perform a full oral and dental examination under general anaesthetic
- Confidently complete a comprehensive dental examination chart
- Create complete patient records, recording findings and providing advice to clients and colleagues
- Acquire diagnostic dental radiographs
- Appreciate the need for other diagnostic tests such as blood samples, biopsy and CT
Includes a practical session.
03 - Canine dental conditions
Canine dental conditions
By the end of this module delegates should be able to :
- Recognise the clinical signs of canine periodontal disease
- Identify conditions affecting the pulp (fractured teeth, abrasion, non-vital teeth, caries)
- Explain the causes and treatment options for canine tooth resorption
- Be able to assess malocclusion
- Review developmental conditions
- Acquire knowledge of oral masses
- Discuss the importance of preventative dental healthcare plans for dogs and their implementation in practice
- Appreciate the need for lifelong dental care and communicate the principles and importance of home oral care to dog owning clients and colleagues through nurse clinics to promote and monitor active and passive home care
04 - Exotic dentistry
Exotic dentistry
By the end of this module delegates should be able to :
- Identify skull and dental anatomy of rabbits and rodents
- Explain tooth development in these species
- Understand specific health considerations in these species
- Discuss preventative and treatment options in these species with clients and colleagues
- Become familiar with the instruments and equipment required to perform dentistry
Includes a practical session.
05 - Anaesthesia
Anaesthesia
By the end of this module delegates should be able to :
- Discuss anaesthetic monitoring equipment (basic and advanced) and explain abnormal pulse oximetry values as well as abnormal capnography waveforms.
- Describe the use of different pre-anaesthetic medication, induction and maintenance agents,
- Explain the advantages and disadvantages of different pre-anaesthetic medication, induction, and maintenance agents each in the dental patient.
- Define commonly encountered anaesthetic complications in dental and oral surgical procedures and discuss ways to minimise such complications.
- Explain the importance of client consent forms, patient anaesthesia records and be able to complete both correctly.
- Identify different types of endotracheal tubes and their use explaining the advantages and disadvantages of each. Demonstrate the skill of intubating easy and more difficult patients.
- Identify the type of fluid replacement required for the peri procedure period in the Canine, feline and exotic (rabbit/guinea pig/ferret) patient.
- Recognise the special considerations, techniques, and advice for anaesthesia in other species including ferrets, rabbits and other small mammals undergoing dental procedures stating the different administration techniques and cannulation techniques used for these species.
- Select appropriate agents for the restraint, pre-medication, induction, and maintenance of anaesthesia for exotic species
06 - Analgesia
Analgesia
At the end of this module delegates should be able to:
- Appreciate the pathophysiology of pain and be able to identify pain in different species using pain scoring methods.
- Explain the different classes of analgesia, including opioids, NSAIDs, local anaesthetics and other agents and their pharmacology.
- Appreciate the use of a pre-emptive and multi-modal approach to analgesia.
- Be able to identify appropriate analgesic agents for the use of CRI, when and how these should be used/monitored and be able to perform a CRI calculation.
- Summarise the advantages and disadvantages of local anaesthetic nerve blocks in the dog and cat.
- Learn how to perform local anaesthetic nerve blocks in the dog and cat (wet lab)
07 - Feline dental conditions
Feline dental conditions
By the end of this module delegates should be able to :
- Recognise the clinical signs of feline periodontal disease
- Identify conditions affecting the pulp (fractured teeth, abrasion, non-vital teeth, caries)
- Explain the causes and treatment options for feline tooth resorption
- Revise the causes and treatment of chronic gingivostomatitis in the cat
- Be able to assess malocclusion
- Appreciate developmental conditions
- Acquire knowledge of oral masses
- Appreciate the need for lifelong dental care and communicate the principles and importance of home oral care to cat owning clients and colleagues through nurse clinics to promote and monitor active and passive home care
08 - The canine and feline dental procedure
The canine and feline dental procedure
By the end of this module delegates should be able to :
- Assess the patient for anaesthesia and manage the patient peri-operatively in relation to intubation, IVFT, repositioning, maintaining body heat and analgesia
- Select appropriate equipment and consumables to perform a dental procedure
- Handle dental instrumentation appropriately
- Maintain dental equipment
- Understand the ergonomics of tables, chairs and lighting for a dental procedure
- Formulate a business plan to bring high quality dental care to the clinic
Includes a practical session.
Venue: Swindon
Date: 11 Feb - 08 Jul 2025
NCert/VPPCert in Dentistry
Get in touch
Accredited by
100% Satisfaction
We’re completely confident in the quality of our training and CPD. If you’re not 100% satisfied with your certificate course we’ll give you a 100% refund.
Find out moreAvailable Plans
Early
Regular
If course start date is < 15 days then no cancellation is allowed.
Pricing Billing
Dentistry Early price
Payment Option | First Payment | Second Payment(s) | Total Payment |
---|---|---|---|
Payment In Full - Early Bird Price (60 days) (with ISVPS Exam) | £3,089.00 | - | £3,089.00 |
Deposit and Remaining Balance - Early Bird Price (60 days) (with ISVPS Exam) | £399.00 | £2,690.00 | £3,089.00 |
Monthly Payments - Early Bird Price (60 days) (with ISVPS Exam) | £399.00 | £375.00 x 8 (monthly) | £3,399.00 |
The fees include ALL registration and exam fees to achieve a NCert/VPPCert from ISVPS.
Payment Terms & Conditions
1. Payment for the course can be paid by credit card or bank transfer.
2. Please contact us for pricing relating to corporate veterinary groups and multiple booking discounts.
3. Full details regarding the course cancellation procedure can be found here: Terms and Conditions.
Registration Information
1. Applications are accepted on a first-come, first served basis.
2. Where all available places are full, applicants will be offered first refusal for the next available date.
3. Where all available places are full, applicants will be offered first refusal for the next available date.
4. Confirmation and enrolment details will then be sent to confirm your booking.
Venue: Swindon
Date: 11 Feb - 08 Jul 2025
NCert/VPPCert in Dentistry
Get in touch
Accredited by
100% Satisfaction
We’re completely confident in the quality of our training and CPD. If you’re not 100% satisfied with your certificate course we’ll give you a 100% refund.
Find out moreExtend your knowledge, skills and work towards an achievable qualification
Our NCert/VTCert/VPPCert Programmes offer you structured learning and enable you to access training whilst working around your busy practice life. You can choose to gain new knowledge and skills to take back to practice or you can work towards an achievable qualification. You will be required to indicate at the time of booking which certificate you think you are eligible for.
NCert/ VTCert: Requirements for Certificate registration
The following may be eligible to enrol on to the programme:
- Qualified RVNs/VNs who have attended formal training and have a qualification in veterinary nursing which can be supported with a certificate or their RCVS or Veterinary Council of Ireland number. RVCS/VOI number or qualification certificate to be uploaded at registration
- Veterinary technicians who have attended formal training and have a Veterinary Technicians qualification which can be supported with a certificate. Certificate to be uploaded at registration
- All applicants must be working in a veterinary practice or be able to have access to a veterinary practice in order to be able to complete the written assessment (for example, you may need to ensure that this applies if you are a qualified veterinary nurse or technician working in the veterinary industry)
- Delegates can start the programme as soon as they have graduated/qualified and will be eligible for examination and assessment on completion of the programme
- In order to register for the certificate assessments, all delegates must have completed all modules of the programme
- Examination candidates must complete and pass the below:
- Written assessment
- 25 MCQ exam
- An Online applied knowledge examination (this is an applied theory interactive examination, which is taken online and is not a demonstration of skill competency)
- Successful candidates will receive a printed certificate, be included on ISVPS register of NCert/VTCert holders and be permitted to use the post-nominals associated with the certificate.
VPPCert: registration requirements
The following may be eligible to enrol on to the programme:
- Veterinary Nurses who have not attended formal training and therefore do not have a supporting certificate but have been working in practice in a Veterinary Nurse/Technician role for at least 2 years prior to the programme start date
- All delegates must be working in veterinary practice/clinical setting for the duration of the programme and certificate completion (in order to be able to complete the written assessment)
- All 3 of the eligibility documents below to be uploaded:
- A recent CV*(this should demonstrate that you have been working within a veterinary practice for at least 2 years prior to the programme start date)
- a signed letter from your employer stating that you are working in a veterinary practice in a nursing/technician role*
- a self-statement letter explaining your nursing experience and the relevance of taking the programme to your career*
Applicants who are not formally trained Veterinary Nurses/Technicians, such as laboratory research assistants, may apply but must provide all three of the supporting documents listed above.*
- In order to register for the certificate assessments, all delegates must have completed all modules of the training programme
- Examination candidates must complete and pass the following:
- Written assessment
- 25 MCQ exam
- An Online applied knowledge examination (this is an applied theory interactive examination, which is taken online and is not a demonstration of skill competency)
- Successful candidates will receive a printed certificate, be included on ISVPS register of VPP certificate holders and be permitted to use the post-nominals associated with the certificate
*Please note that all eligibility is reviewed and cannot be guaranteed.
Please note that all written assessments and examinations are to be completed in English
Venue: Swindon
Date: 11 Feb - 08 Jul 2025
NCert/VPPCert in Dentistry
Get in touch
Accredited by
100% Satisfaction
We’re completely confident in the quality of our training and CPD. If you’re not 100% satisfied with your certificate course we’ll give you a 100% refund.
Find out moreFrequently Asked Questions
Nurses Certificates Online Learning
How long do we have to complete the certification?
Whilst most delegate complete the certification within a 12–18-month time period (depending on course start and assessment dates). Delegates have 3 –years to attend 75% of the taught modules to be exam eligible and a further 4-years to pass the ISVPS assessments.
How does networking and professional connections contribute to a veterinary nurse’s/technician career?
Building a professional network can lead to job opportunities and staying informed about industry trends with your peers. Enrol in our courses to elevate your career while gaining networking opportunities.
How do I register for the NCert/VTCert/ VPPCert qualification via the International School of Veterinary Postgraduate Studies (ISVPS)?
Registration for the examination (and associated written assessment) is automatic and delegates are required to confirm via a response e-mail. Those wanting only to take the modular programme as Continuing Professional Development (CPD) hours can do so. However, they should notify both Improve Veterinary Education and ISVPS upon starting their programme. Please note delegates will not be able to use the post nominals associated with the particular subject qualification and be awarded the qualification badge.
Upon confirming with ISVPS delegates will be sent a confirmation email containing a password to access the ISVPS ‘Candidates’ Area’, which is separate to Improve Veterinary Education’s Learning Management System (LMS). In addition to providing access to assessment guidance, the ISVPS
‘Candidates’ Area’ also permits candidates to submit their written assessment to ISVPS anonymously.
We suggest that all delegates english@isvps.org to their contacts to ensure they receive correspondence from ISVPS.
How many CPD hours will the NCert/VPPCert programmes provide?
The majority of NCert/VTCert/VPPCert programme are worth a minimum of 100 CPD hours (approximately 48 hours of delivered sessions and 52 hours self-study time). Please note that CPD hours are depending on the number of modules per programme.
How many CPD hours will this programme provide?
The programme is worth a minimum of 12 CPD hours (approximately 48 hours of delivered sessions and 52 hours self-study time).
Do I have to access the programme via a specific browser?
Even though you may access our world-leading Learning Management System via any browser, it is recommended that you choose a browser that supports integrated HTML editor. Google Chrome or Edge on a Windows operating system, and Chrome, Edge or Safari on a Mac system.
While using Internet Explorer (Edge) should not cause any issue, it has been reported that some security settings and adherence to W3C standards prevent the browser from operating in some instances. If you experience a problem, please try one of the other browsers before contacting Improve for additional support.
How can I track my progress in the programme?
Progress of the completion of your module and programme are tracked in different ways.
For online programmes – Each module consists of 9 interactive lessons including a reflective/case study, MCQ writing and calculation practice during week 4, depending on the specific module. The interactive lessons will track and remember your progress whilst you complete it. When you return to a specific lesson or case study, you will return to the page that you last visited.
Once a lesson is completed, a tick will appear next to the lesson icon on the module course page. You will also see a progress indicator at the top right-hand corner of the course page and a more detailed Progress Bar in the collapsible side menu on the left.
Upon completing all 9 lessons and the 2 case/reflected studies, you will be awarded a Digital Badge, recognising your achievement. As you progress through the programme, badges will be awarded at 1/4, 1/2 and 3/4 completion stages.
Once you have completed a module you will also be marked as attending the taught session and will be able to download your CPD certificate.
For attendance programmes – We will ask you to sign in at arrival. Once you have signed delegates will then be able to download their CPD certificate.
Who can enrol on the NCert/VPPCert Certificate Online Learning Programmes?
Our programmes are postgraduate qualifications and require a sound knowledge of veterinary anatomy, physiology and nursing prior to entry.
- NCert – you must have received and passed a Veterinary Nurse qualification. Proof of qualification will be required for eligibility.
- VPPCert – you must have been working in a veterinary environment for two years and provide evidence that you have been involved within the discipline, which is being taught on the particular programme, for which you are seeking access. This will require proof of employment with reference, current CV and self-certification.
What does the NCert/VPPCert qualification consist of?
- To obtain either the NCert/VTCert or VPPCert delegates will require to:
- Attend 75% of the taught modules
- Submit a 2500 word written assessment (requires academic writing and Harvard referencing)
- Complete and pass a one-hour remotely invigilated online examination consisting of 25 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) and 90 minute online applied knowledge examination (OAKE)
How do I register for the NCert/VPPCert qualification via Online Learning Programmes?
Registration for the examination (and associated written assessment) is optional, and delegates undertaking an Improve Veterinary Education modular training programme can choose to attend the course without undertaking any assessment. Delegates choosing NOT to undertake any assessment receive acknowledgement of their ‘Continuing Professional Development’ (CPD) hours from Improve Veterinary Education but ARE NOT eligible to receive the NCert/VPPCert in their chosen discipline.
Registration is via a unique registration link provided at the start of the course via the online learning platform Moodle. Upon registration, you can anticipate email confirmation. (Please add english@isvps.org to your contacts to ensure you receive correspondence from ISVPS).
The confirmation email contains a password to access the ISVPS ‘Candidates’ Area’, which is separate to Improve Veterinary Education’s Learning Management System (LMS). In addition to providing access to assessment guidance, the ISVPS ‘Candidates’ Area’ also permits candidates to submit their written assessment to ISVPS anonymously.
How much self-study is required?
In addition to the 2500-word written assessment, we suggest that delegates spend an additional 52 hours of self-study. You will also require access to journals and articles via an internet library service. All modular nursing programme have access to the RCVS knowledge library. Delegates will be required to register via the online learning platform. Other internet library services are available (e.g. PubMed; Google scholar) which may incur an additional registration fee.
Will there be any additional costs involved?
The examination fee is included in the full course price however those delegates that require to resist any part of the assessments will be subject to additional assessment fees which are paid directly to ISVPS. Delegates will also be provided with a suggested reading list where there may be additional cost of books and articles depending on the individual preferences.
If attending an attendance programme, travel and accommodation fees will also be applicable. We suggest ensuring that your travel and accommodation reservations are always refundable for unforeseen situations. We try our best not to cancel or move dates, however there may be times when speakers are unable to attend at short notice. If we need to change dates, we will notify delegates at the earliest opportunity and do our best to replace and or reschedule.
What qualifications are needed for taking the programme if coming from another non-European country?
Proof of qualifications as awarded in the country of origin will be required prior to enrolment on the programme. These are required by ISVPS for exam registration. Please do contact us to discuss your eligibility for further information.
What additional learning resources are available?
- Notes to support every lesson
- Reading list
- Module Tutor (diploma holder and or above in their field)
- Improve Education Programme Tutor
- Discussion Forum
- Pre and post-module questions
- Reflective sessions incorporating multiple-choice writing and study skills
- Summary videos at the end of each week
Venue: Swindon
Date: 11 Feb - 08 Jul 2025
NCert/VPPCert in Dentistry
Get in touch
Accredited by
100% Satisfaction
We’re completely confident in the quality of our training and CPD. If you’re not 100% satisfied with your certificate course we’ll give you a 100% refund.
Find out more