The Dental Immediate Life Support (ILS) Level 3 (VTQ) course is designed for dentists and dental care professionals working in general dental practice who require a higher level of training in the recognition and management of medical emergencies. It is suitable for dentists, dental nurses, hygienists, therapists, practice managers, and other members of the dental team with an active role in emergency response.
The aim of this training is to provide learners with the advanced knowledge, skills and understanding needed to manage a deteriorating patient and respond effectively to cardiopulmonary arrest in the dental setting. The course focuses on early recognition, prompt intervention and effective teamwork, giving participants the confidence to act decisively during a medical emergency involving patients or members of the dental team.
This course covers Immediate Life Support (ILS) principles, including how to identify potential causes of cardiopulmonary arrest and promote prevention within dental practice. Learners will be taught to recognise and manage the deteriorating patient using the ABCDE approach, and to deliver high-quality CPR and safe defibrillation. The course also includes simple airway manoeuvres, theory and practical training in AED use, and the management of medical emergencies as set out by the General Dental Council (GDC) for dental practices.
Training places strong emphasis on both technical and non-technical skills. Alongside hands-on practical scenarios, learners will develop situational awareness, initial leadership skills and effective team working to support safe and coordinated emergency care in the practice environment.
The course is delivered in line with the latest UK Resuscitation Council and European Resuscitation Council (ERC) guidelines, providing a higher level of theory and practical training in Immediate Life Support, CPR, AED use and dental-related medical emergencies, in accordance with current national standards.
This CPD course meets the criteria for the General Dental Council’s development outcome C and includes a Certified CPD statement, issued in line with GDC guidance and recognised clinical standards. On successful completion, learners will receive a Dental Immediate Life Support (ILS) Level 3 (VTQ) certificate, valid for one year.
To ensure high-quality learning and meaningful hands-on practice, course numbers are limited. This allows learners to fully engage with practical scenarios, develop confidence in advanced life support skills, and ask questions relevant to their role within the dental team.
The Sherford Community Hub is located in the heart of Sherford, close to the centre of Plymouth and surrounding areas including Torbay, Exeter, Tavistock, Saltash, Liskeard and Torpoint.