NEBDN Dental Nurse Exam Details and Fees
NEBDN REGULATED DIPLOMA IN DENTAL NURSING EXAMINATION
Dental Nurses must pass two exams to complete the NEBDN Dental Nurse Course and gain the qualification:
First exam: Knowledge Test Exam (theory) – a 2-hour multiple-choice exam containing 100 questions. Knowledge Exams are held in April and November.
Portfolio of Evidence (PoE) must be completed and submitted on PebblePad at least 4 weeks before the exam.
Students must complete the Mock Exams, which help assess readiness. Mock Exams are free for Dental Tutors students enrolled on the NEBDN Dental Nursing course.
External students can subscribe and purchase our tailored Exam Preparation material.
Second exam: Professional Discussion Exam (practical) – divided into two assessments:
First assessment – candidates verbally describe steps for completing a procedure or providing patient advice (40 minutes).
Second assessment – candidates select correct instruments, sequence the procedure steps, and interpret dental charts (1 hour).
Professional Discussion Exams are available in January and June.
To register, students pay £525 to the course provider’s account. (NEBDN does not accept direct student payments.)
Once both exams are passed, students can register with the General Dental Council (GDC). Please use this link to register.
Note: Students have up to three attempts per exam. Failing all attempts requires restarting the NEBDN Dental Nursing course and paying full fees again.
Student Transfers for NEBDN Dental Nursing Students
Many students from other NEBDN-accredited Dental Nursing courses are transferring to Dental Tutors.
We are pleased to confirm you can now continue your NEBDN Dental Nurse Course with Dental Tutors and benefit from our full student support.
Examination Details and Fees for NEBDN Dental Nursing
Registration deadlines:
November Knowledge Test & January Professional Discussion → Deadline: March
April Knowledge Test & June Professional Discussion → Deadline: August
Course extension & deferral fees:
Change Knowledge Test date → £35 (£300 if within 4 weeks of exam)
Change Professional Discussion date → £150 (£300 if within 4 weeks of exam)
Re-sit fees:
Knowledge Test Exam → £150
Professional Discussion Exam → £300
Course extension fees:
£100 per month if extending until both exams are passed or student leaves the course.
Addititional guidance for the NEBDN Regulated Diploma Examination
Portfolio of Evidence (PoE) for NEBDN Dental Nurse Course
The PoE ensures students gain essential workplace experience for the NEBDN qualification. Dental Tutors provides full support and guidance during this process.
The PoE is structured around Practical Experience Record Sheets (PERS) covering all areas of general dentistry. These track and assess:
Student performance in clinical procedures.
Support provided to a variety of patients (adult, child, elderly, special care needs).
Benchmark adherence set out in the NEBDN PoE Checklists and Marking Guide.
Completion of the PoE demonstrates the required minimum of workplace training experiences, helping students succeed in their dental nursing careers.
EXAM CRITERIA
To sit the NEBDN Dental Nurse Exams, students must:
1. Complete and submit the PoE on PebblePad.
- Takes at least 6 months.
Guidance and resources are available on the Dental Tutors Students Hub.
2. Complete regular Mock Exams.
- Results must demonstrate readiness for the Knowledge Test.
If either requirement is not met 4 weeks before the exam, the exam will be deferred by 6 months, and the student will incur NEBDN deferral fees.
CHEATING DURING EXAMS
The NEBDN enforces strict examination standards. Cheating or manipulation leads to withdrawal, re-sit fees, and additional penalties (up to £1000).
Fees in cases of misconduct:
Investigation fee: £150
Exam resit: £150 (Knowledge Test) or £300 (Professional Discussion)
Invigilation fee: £500 (travel, accommodation, classroom rental, etc.)
Exams are monitored using the MaxExam app, with webcam and microphone invigilation to ensure compliance.
Important guidelines:
Take the exam in a quiet, private environment.
Remain in camera view throughout.
No phones, tablets, smartwatches, or external materials allowed.
Pen and paper may be used for small notes.
Online Dental Nurse Courses
Looking to begin your journey as a qualified dental nurse?
Explore our Online Dental Nurse Courses and gain your NEBDN qualification with expert guidance and flexible online study.
