Part 2: What Your Provider Must Have in Place – CAVA, IQA & Quality Standards

With the July 2025 NEBDN Diploma updates, it’s more important than ever to choose a provider that meets all the regulatory standards for quality assurance and assessment. Here’s what to look for:

CAVA-Qualified Assessors

Your assessor must:
– Be GDC-registered (e.g. dental nurse, hygienist, dentist)
– Have occupational competence in dental nursing
– Hold a Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement (CAVA)

Questions to Ask:

– Are your assessors CAVA-qualified?

– Will I have a named assessor?

– How often will I receive feedback on my portfolio?

Internal Quality Assurance (IQA)

A good provider must have a Level 4-qualified IQA on staff. They monitor assessment standards, support assessors, and ensure NEBDN requirements are consistently applied.

Questions to Ask:

– Do you have a qualified IQA?

– How often are portfolios reviewed?

– Is there a clear appeals and complaints process?

Summary Checklist

Final Thoughts for Part 2

Don’t just choose a provider based on price or convenience. Make sure they meet all professional and educational standards. The right support, assessments, and tools can make all the difference in your success and future progression.

What You Should Look for in a Course Provider (Staff Credentials)

When choosing a course provider for the NEBDN Level 3 Diploma in Dental Nursing, especially under the 2025 changes, it’s vital to ensure that the teaching and assessment staff meet regulatory and professional standards.

Key Staff Requirements:

– Occupational Competence: Staff must be qualified, GDC-registered dental professionals with practical experience in clinical settings.

– Assessor Qualifications: Providers must employ at least one fully qualified assessor, holding credentials such as:

• Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement (CAVA),
• A1 Assessor Award, or
• D32/33 legacy qualifications.

– Internal Quality Assurer (IQA): At least one staff member should be fully qualified with a Level 4 IQA award to ensure fair and consistent assessment practices.

– Teaching Qualifications: Tutors should hold, or be actively working toward, a teaching qualification such as:

• PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education), or
• Level 3 Award in Education and Training (AET).

Frays Dental Education (FDE), based in Uxbridge, meets and exceeds these expectations. Tutors at FDE hold PGCEs and are actively working toward assessor and IQA qualifications.

FDE is located within Frays Dental Centre, offering learners a professional and supportive clinical environment.

📍 Learn more about FDE: https://fraysdentaleducation.co.uk/

🏥 Visit Frays Dental Centre: https://fraysdental.co.uk/