My typical day as an orthodontic nurse is full of variety. From bonding treatments to space closure, every case is different because each patient requires a unique prescription.

Today’s list included a de-bond for a Class III surgical patient, which is always interesting.

What's your background in dental nursing?

My whole working life has been spent in dentistry. My career began when I left school at sixteen and went to work in a hospital. They offered me a two-year trainee contract and I began my training as a community dental nurse.

How did you begin as a dental nurse?

If I’m honest, it was by accident! I was 19 at the time and I was training in theatre school as a dancer. I saw an advert for a dental nurse position while in between jobs and I thought I could do it through the winter when there was no dancing work.

What was your route into dental nursing?

I knew when I was 16 that I wanted to leave school, so I spoke to my parents about what my options were, and they recommended dentistry. I was undergoing orthodontic work at the time, and I asked my orthodontist about it. 

Petra Molnar is the latest addition to The Dental Nurse Network team and will be teaching courses on Implantology and Whitening Assisting.

What was your route into dental nursing?

I grew up in Hungary, where I was trained in Biology.