How BrushUp actually works.
Explore the learning tools, then use our reading list and qualification guide to plan revision alongside your course.
Bite-sized lessons that fit your day
Five-minute sessions on the train. Twenty-minute deep dives at the kitchen table. Lessons sync across devices so you can pick up exactly where you left off — even mid-flashcard, mid-MCQ.
- Existing City & Guilds 4238-12 map; current route guidance in the exam guide
- Mascot intros, key points, summary, quick MCQs
- A library image at the end of every lesson — visual recap to anchor what you learned
Active recall, done properly
Hard, Medium, Easy ratings drive a real spaced-repetition queue. The cards you're shaky on come back sooner. The ones you've mastered fade out. It's the science of remembering — wrapped in a clean tap interface.
- Tap-to-flip flashcards with 3-tier rating
- Keyboard shortcuts on desktop (Space/1/2/3)
- Mistake Review queue surfaces every wrong answer until you nail it
Timed questions and separate exam rehearsal
Time-pressured. No immediate feedback during the exam. Topic breakdown with coloured progress bars after every attempt. Retry just the questions you got wrong.
- Configurable exam length, time limit, pass mark
- Hearts disabled in exam mode — no soft fail
- Per-topic breakdown afterward to find weak areas
- One-click "Retry wrong (N)" to drill misses
A real visual library
128 clinical diagrams across 12 categories. 49 editorial infographics. 12 plushie characters. Coloring pages for kids and patients. Filterable, searchable, ready to print or paste into your study notes.
- Anatomy, pathology, prosthetics, emergencies, infection control, paediatrics, more
- Labelled and unlabelled versions for active recall
- Free + Pro tiers — most prevention basics are free
Games that secretly teach
Crossword, word search, conundrum — built around dental nursing vocabulary. Plus tooth Pacman, dental Connect-4, Plaque Invaders. Yes, you read that right.
- Eight purpose-built games
- Vocabulary, terminology, spelling — all in disguise
- Mock-quiz mode with leaderboards
Streaks, hearts, XP — the loop that keeps you coming back
Daily streaks build the habit. Hearts give quizzes stakes (Pro = unlimited). Achievements unlock as you progress. It looks like a game. It's revision. The trick is, it works.
- Daily quests + topic-specific streaks
- Streak milestones at 3, 5, 10, 20… correct in a row
- Achievements + leaderboard for the competitive ones
Plus the small stuff that adds up
Frequently asked
Is it really free?▾
Start free with published learning samples, games and progress tools. The reading list and qualification guide are included. Pro unlocks the published learning library, premium resources, mock practice and AI study help. No card to start.
Is it aligned to NEBDN?▾
Our existing curriculum map follows the earlier City & Guilds 4238-12 route. The exam guide distinguishes current NEBDN and City & Guilds routes and earlier OSCE preparation. BrushUp is an independent companion, not an endorsed or complete qualification course.
Can I use it on my phone?▾
Designed for it. Every page works on a phone screen — flashcards, MCQs, the library, the games. Some pages get richer on desktop (keyboard shortcuts on quizzes, two-column hero sections) but mobile is the default.
What happens if I'm offline?▾
Use a reliable connection for loading learning material, saving progress and asking AI questions. Offline support depends on what your browser has cached.
That's the tour.
One tap and you're in. Free to start, no card, no trial expiry.