The role of a dental nurse is to work alongside and assist dentists, therapists, and hygienists in the care of patients, we are their right-hand man/women!
It is a varied job and can include everything from supporting with routine examinations to advanced specialist treatments, decontamination procedures and record logs.
A very important aspect of the role is making the patient feel relaxed and comfortable during appointments.
You may see us preparing surgeries and materials for treatments, removing saliva or water from the patient’s mouth during treatment, passing instruments and materials, and record keeping for the dentist.
In the background we are maintaining the highest standards of cross infection from sterilising and organising instruments to stock control and doing regular audits.
Some dental nurses carry out extra qualifications after completing their dental nursing course in order to take responsibility for more advanced tasks such as; taking x-rays, assisting with sedation, carrying out oral hygiene education, taking impressions or photographs or applying topical fluoride.
Throughout our career we are continuing to learn, with courses and literature and guidelines provided.
What Sophie says
‘Being in the dental industry for over 10 years proves how much I enjoy my job! My favourite part about the role is meeting such a variety of people on daily basis, listening to them, and helping them. It is so rewarding, and seeing people overcome fears, and gain back their confidence just makes it better’
What Emma says
‘I feel with my caring nature, that working with nervous patients is the part I enjoy most, we always have the best interests of patients at heart, so putting the patients at ease and taking part in clinical procedure in calm, smooth way is what I strive to achieve’
What Wendy says
‘I have worked in all fields of dentistry, and have a huge passion for helping place dental implants, periodontal surgery, and oral surgery. Working with such knowledgeable clinicians and being involved in such precision and complex procedures really interests me. The whole team really do care, which makes working in my role so easy’
