Implant treatment and maintenance

As implant treatment becomes part of mainstream dental treatment, it is important for us as dental nurses to understand the vital role we can play. From the patient's very first contact with the practice right through to the maintenance stage of implant treatment, the dental nurse's role is crucial to the success of the patient's treatment, care and positive experience. Implant dentistry requires a combination of surgical and restorative skills and knowledge, along with the ability to communicate effectively and compassionately with a (more than likely) nervous patient. Our role as an implant dental nurse is multifaceted. We deal with all aspects of the patient's treatment – from ordering stock to cross infection control, patient management, record keeping, surgical and restorative assistance and even the odd spot of equipment maintenance.