Useful Dental Links for Dental Jobseekers in Ireland

Whether you're a newly qualified dental professional or relocating to Ireland to advance your career, having access to the right resources can make all the difference. This page brings together essential links to help you navigate registration, find job opportunities, connect with professional bodies, and stay informed about the dental industry in Ireland. Use these trusted sources to support your journey toward a successful dental career.

Regulatory & Professional Bodies

• Dental Council of Ireland (IDC)– Official registration and regulation body for dental professionals.
• Irish Dental Association (IDA) – Advocacy, CPD, and support for dentists and dental teams.
• Irish Dental Jobs (IDJ) – Ireland’s dedicated dental recruitment agency.
• Dental Health Foundation (DHF) – Oral health promotion and education resources

Dental Courses in Ireland

University-Level Dental Degrees

Trinity College Dublin

• Bachelor of Dental Science (B.Dent.Sc) – 5-year full-time programme with extensive clinical training.
• Diplomas in Dental Hygiene, Dental Nursing, and Orthodontic Therapy

Queen’s University Belfast

• Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) – 5-year programme with outreach placements and modern clinical facilities.

Cork University College  - UCC 

Undergraduate Dentistry

• Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) – A 5-year full-time programme combining clinical and theoretical training.

Dental Hygiene

• Diploma in Dental Hygiene (DipDHyg) – A 2-year full-time programme focused on preventive care and clinical hygiene practice.

Dental Nursing

• Diploma in Dental Nursing – Offers both a 2-year full-time and a 16-month part-time pathway.

Postgraduate Dental Programmes at UCC

• Doctorate in Clinical Dentistry (Orthodontics & Oral Surgery) – 3-year specialist training approved by the Irish Committee for Specialist Training in Dentistry.
• Masters in Dental Public Health (MDPH) – A 12-month programme for professionals aiming to lead public oral health initiatives.

There are many PLC (Post Leaving Certificate) colleges across Ireland offering Dental Nursing Level 5 and Level 6 courses, which are ideal for those looking to enter the dental profession or progress to further study. These courses often include clinical placements and are recognized by the Dental Council of Ireland.

Here are just a few examples:

• Marino College of Further Education (Dublin) – Dental Nursing Traineeship (QQI Level 6)
• Cathal Brugha FET College (Dublin) – Dental Nursing Traineeship
• Drogheda Institute of Further Education (DIFE) – Dental Nursing PLC Course
• Cork College of Commerce – QQI Level 5 Dental Nursing
• Moate Business College (Westmeath) – Dental Nursing QQI Level 5
• Galway Community College – Dental Nursing QQI Level 5