Advancing practice in dental nursing. Part 5: leadership

Advancing practice as a dental nurse is not simply about going on a specialist course. If you have read the previous articles in this series— which explored the key principles that underpin advancing practice, the use of objectives to focus the way forward, the ‘dos and don'ts’ of giving and receiving feedback, and the importance of reading up-to-date journals and attending conferences—you will understand that advancing practice is a combination of many different elements. It's a bit like eating a balanced diet. You need carbohydrate, protein, vitamins, roughage but the meal also needs to look attractive and taste good.

Advancement of practice both as an individual dental nurse and as the dental nursing profession requires all of the topics covered in this series to be addressed. The role of leader and manager is a bit like a chief who plans the menu, makes it attractive and ensures that all the necessary ingredients and staff are in the kitchen to enable the meal to be cooked. Leadership and management are essential for the advancement of dental nursing within your own clinical practice level and also at the national professional level.