First impressions – reviewing current research on education and training

In last month's issue, we looked at how the world of dentistry is changing and asked if dental nurses had the appropriate support to keep up with these changes. Our aim is to undertake credible research to ensure the National Examining Board for Dental Nurses (NEBDN) qualifications and training meet the needs of the evolving role of the dental nurse. Our first task was to establish what evidence already exists about dental nurses’ views and opinions regarding training and education. As predicted, there is very little evidence to guide us.

Formal dental nurse training started in the 1930s at the Eastman Dental Hospital and the University of Bristol. In 1936, Philip Grundy, a general dental practitioner from Lancashire, first envisaged a qualifying examination for dental nurses, and in 1943 the NEBDN held its first examination. Significant changes have taken place in the last few decades, with government funded National Vocation Qualifications and apprenticeships, as well as the introduction of statutory registration for dental nurses with the General Dental Council (GDC) in 2008. The provision of post-registration qualifications and CPD training has also increased as dental nurses widen their scope of practice.