Fife College is helping to develop the next generation of dental professionals with the launch of its new Advanced Certificate: Oral Healthcare at the College's state-of-the-art Dunfermline City Campus.
The College has invested in specialist equipment and learning resources to create a realistic dental training environment, ensuring students gain the practical skills and experience required to progress into a career within the dental sector.
The new facilities have been further enhanced through the generous support of NHS Fife, which has donated a range of equipment and resources including a dental chair, dental accessories, clinical instruments, toothbrushes and toothpaste to support teaching and learning.
Together, the College's investment and NHS Fife's contribution have helped create an industry-standard learning environment where students can develop the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to enter the profession.
The support is part of the formal five-year partnership between Fife College and NHS Fife. Signed in 2024, the agreement aims to expand education, training and employment opportunities across Fife, while strengthening collaboration in areas including healthcare, sustainability and shared facilities.
Lindsey Chisholm, Assistant Principal – Centre for Care, Creatives and Communities said:
“The launch of our new Advanced Certificate: Oral Healthcare demonstrates our commitment to providing learners with high-quality opportunities that lead directly into rewarding careers.
“By investing in specialist equipment and working in partnership with NHS Fife, we have created an outstanding learning environment within our new Dunfermline City Campus. Students will benefit from practical, industry-focused learning that reflects the real-world environments they will encounter throughout their careers.”
Dr Emma O'Keefe, Consultant in Dental Public Health in Fife, added:
“We are delighted to support Fife College in the development of this new Oral Healthcare programme.
“Our partnership with Fife College reflects our shared commitment to investing in local talent and creating opportunities for people across Fife to pursue careers in healthcare services. Providing students with access to a realistic clinical learning environment will help them build the confidence, skills and professionalism needed to succeed in a rewarding career in oral healthcare.
“We look forward to seeing students’ progress through the programme and into careers that will make a real difference to the oral health and wellbeing of our communities.”
The Advanced Certificate: Oral Healthcare provides learners with a nationally certificated and quality-assured framework designed to prepare them for a career within dentistry. The programme introduces students to the standards and requirements of the General Dental Council (GDC) and helps them develop the skills expected of modern dental professionals.
Successful completion of the programme leads to the award of the NC in Oral Health Care: Preparing for Practice at SCQF Level 6, achieved through the completion of two National Progression Awards (NPAs).
Graduates can progress into a range of roles within the dental sector, including dental nursing and other oral healthcare support positions. Career opportunities exist within dental practices, hospitals, public dental services and the armed forces.
Dental professionals play a vital role in patient care, supporting treatment delivery, maintaining infection control standards, preparing equipment and materials, and helping patients feel comfortable throughout their appointments.
The new programme forms part of Fife College's commitment to supporting Scotland's healthcare workforce and providing accessible pathways into skilled and rewarding careers.
Applications for the Advanced Certificate: Oral Healthcare are open for starting August 2026.
Apply here.