Dental nurses are key members of the dental team. As well as assisting the dentist, their expertise spans anything from infection control and handling dental materials, to supporting patients during appointments. You can improve your level of patient care and elevate your role within thedental practice by always looking to bring new skills to the table.
Further skills in oral health education and oral health promotion.
Assisting in the treatment of patients who are under conscious sedation.
Further skills in assisting in the treatment of patients with special needs.
Further skills in assisting in the treatment of orthodontic patients.
Intra- and extra-oral photography.
Pouring, casting and trimming study models.
Shade-taking.
Additional skills carried out on prescription from, or under the direction of, another registrant:
Taking radiographs.
Placing rubber dams.
Measuring and recording plaque indices.
Removing sutures after a wound has been checked by a dentist.
Constructing occlusal registration rims and special trays.
Repairing the acrylic component of removable appliances.
Applying topical anaesthetic to the prescription of a dentist.
Constructing mouthguards and bleaching trays to the prescription of a dentist.
Constructing vacuum-formed retainers to the prescription of a dentist.
Taking impressions to the prescription of a dentist or a CDT (where appropriate).
Dental nurses can apply fluoride varnish either on prescription from a dentist or directly as part of a structured dental health programme.