THE ROLE OF A DENTAL NURSE
Dental Nurses provide assistance to Dentists or other dental professionals during dental procedures and at other times in dealing with patients.
Oral health is a top priority in today’s society and healthy teeth and gums are considered to be a basic right. Many diseases begin in the mouth, later leading to infections in other parts of the body. The pain brought about by poorly maintained or damaged teeth can make life unbearable in several treatable scenarios. Dentists and other dental professionals are the first line of defence and a Dental Nurse is a vital part of any dental practice. Dental Nurses must be on hand during tricky dental procedures to assist the dentist with manual tasks and those relating to the comfort of the patient. Outside of dental procedure, Dental Nurses prepare the surgery and are usually the first and last person to see the patient, collating information and setting them at their ease.
Dental nurses are dental care professionals and work as part of the dental team. A dental nurse supports the dentist in all aspects of patient care; this includes getting the appropriate instruments ready, mixing materials and ensuring patient comfort. They will also take notes from dentist’s dictation for records and once the patient has left, the dental nurse tidies the surgery and sterilises all of the instruments. In general practice, sometimes the dental nurse may help with reception work – making appointments, taking payments, dealing with paperwork and meeting and reassuring patients. Dental nurses can be employed in general practice, hospitals or the community dental services and can also train as a dental nurse in the armed forces.
A Dental Nurse has a variety of tasks to complete both during and outside of dental procedure times. A Dental Nurse’s responsibilities include:
- Sterilising dental equipment and making sure the correct equipment is available and in good repair.
- Sterilising the practice surgery and keeping it in order.
- Meeting patients and collating their dental records, case history, x-rays etc
- Mixing dental fillings and moulds
- Helping to keep the patient as relaxed and happy as possible
- Assisting during dental procedures – passing tools, keeping the patient’s mouth clear of blood and/or saliva
- Assisting in the recording of patient data
- Filing dental practice records
- Collecting fees and setting appointments
- Answering the telephone and receiving patients.
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