Why dental nurses are essential to dental practices

The dental industry has seen lots of growth over the last few years, particularly as cosmetic dentistry has become much more accessible and affordable. Influencers, both celebrities and on social media have also had a major impact in shaping the industry by making it much more acceptable to invest in dental procedures. 

As a result, we’re seeing much more reliance on the skills and expertise of dental nurses to support the work of dentists. Keep reading as we discover why good dental nurses are irreplaceable in dental practices. 

1. Chair-side support 

Good dental nurses know when to take initiative to provide the best support to their dentists. They think ahead to what instruments or paperwork a dentist may need for a patients appointment and prepare everything, so the dentist can get straight to work. This not only maximises the time a patient has with the dentist, but it makes for a more efficient work environment – nobody likes waiting for their appointment!

2. Patient support

Patients will often come to their appointment feeling nervous or worried about their treatment or possible treatment. But dental nurses are excellent at providing reassurance and encouragement – often with just their calming presence. They are also very good communicators and have the ability to engage with all types of people, from young children to the older patients. 

3. Multi-tasking 

Dental nurses take on a lot of responsibilities within their role and during an appointment may be expected to not only prepare the correct instruments, but also ensure of waste disposal, correct infection control and completing patient notes all whilst assisting the dentist in anything they may require. Dental nurses also make sure they are highly efficient in all these tasks to avoid issues that may impact the dentist or the patient. Inadequate cross-infection control for example, could lead to impaired fitness to practise, so it’s vital all responsibilities are carried out with exceptional care. 

4. Keep calm and carry on 

“The perfect dental nurse is a graceful swan”, according to one experienced dental nurse. Gliding gracefully on the surface to support the patients and dentist, whilst paddling furiously under water to ensure everything is running as smoothly as possible. A patient doesn’t want to be part of a messy changeover or to hear about a bad day. And even if something is going wrong, the dentist will appreciate a dental nurse who can take the initiative to try and resolve the situation independently. 

5. Tact 

It can be difficult for a patient to go through a painful procedure. But a good dental nurse will be sensitive to the needs of their patients and act accordingly. So when a patient is drooling or bleeding, a dental nurse won’t hesitate to suction water or saliva from their mouth. It can be upsetting for a patient, but a tactful dental nurse will behave maturely and not even acknowledge it as an issue. 

Above all, a good dental nurse will invest their time in a qualification that will help them get the skills and experience they need to carry out their role to the best of their ability. At Walsall College, we have strong employer links with the NHS so you can start your journey as a dental nurse right away.

Apply now to secure your place for September.  See our Dental Nurses courses.