Brains...experience...lots of qualifications?!
No, not necessarily….
An excellent dental nurse puts patients' interests first, the moment a patient steps foot into the dental practice they employ a trust and belief in the dental team, show them that trust and belief is justified. Whatever the situation, no matter how stressful the day, all patients deserve to be treated with respect and dignity.
An excellent dental nurse knows their limits and understands they are not superhuman. If you are not comfortable and confident in fulfilling a task, say so! In the interest of our own safety as well as patients; do not work outside of your comfort zone.
An excellent dental nurse understands the importance of continual learning - and appreciates they do not know everything; dentistry is a continual learning curve for all involved. A desire for self-development is a key asset for an excellent dental nurse. Self-development and learning not only benefits the individual, it often improves the care patients receive and can be shared throughout the team.
An excellent dental nurse keeps an open mind - sometimes the most valuable lessons learnt come from those we least expect, the dentist who seems like he’s stuck in the middle ages, the nurse with the least experience and many other surprising sources.
An excellent dental nurse should be happy in their work (most of the time?!)Although this can prove difficult at times, especially when you know lunchtime is a goner and it’s only 9 in the morning! It is easy to forget just how important our jobs are in the rush and panic of everyday life, however, it’s just as easy to feel satisfied and fulfilled in the knowledge that you’re doing your job to the best of your ability.
By Katy Amber RDN
Katy has been a Dental Nurse since 2006 and has a varied background in
general and specialist practice. She is currently undertaking the Dental
Radiography certificate and possesses the Oral Health Education Certificate,
Fluoride Varnish and Impression Taking.
" I love my current role at Wellsway Dental Practice in Bath and have recently developed
an interest in Dental Acupuncture."
