Dental nurses provide a supportive role to that of the dentist with regards to patient care, and preparation of instruments, mixing of materials and aiding the dentist, to provide the best possible service to the dental patient in the chair, having treatment. The dental nurse will always sit at the side of the dentist, and take notes from the dentist as to what is seen in a particular patients mouth, for example, if the patient has a filling, then this will be stated to the dental nurse, the number of the tooth will be given to the dental nurse, and the nurse will then write this information on the patients notes. After clinic, it is the dental nurses job to sterilise all the equipment used that day, and to ensure the surgery is tidy and prepared for the following day.
Dental nurses are expected to be polite and friendly to all patients in clinic, and expected to be patient focused at all times. There are general requirements and qualifications which are needed if considering the role of being a dental nurse. Once you have employment and start your training within the dental industry, then encouragement will be given to the employee to study further, to gain a recognised qualification such as one given by the General Dental Council (GDC), which will aid them in their role.
Dentists do offer far more now than ever was done before, and it is usual that an NHS dental clinic, also runs a private clinic. Procedures such as fillings and check ups are all offered, as they have been for years, but since celebrities have taken over our screens and news papers, tooth bleaching (Zähne bleichen) and porcelain veneers have become popular. Having the perfect smile, was not an issue 30 years back, just to have a good set of teeth which were pain free was seen as an achievement. Celebrities back then didn’t have to look perfect, teeth were teeth, but now tooth whitening and bleaching is seen as essential, especially if trying to heighten your career on screen.