The role of the dental nurse in 2020: a possible picture?

The last editorial from the previous editor Peter Black in this journal stated that ‘Dental nursing is in the throes of significant yet positive change’ (Black, 2014). His commentary includes dialogue on the opportunities that may occur in the next few years for dental nurses to widen their skills and knowledge in the delivery of care to patients.

This article is concerned with two main issues: an understanding of the likely oral health requirements of the population in the future, and secondly, as a consequence, the evolution and subsequent structure of the dental workforce that will be needed to contribute to managing and improving the oral health of the nation. In particular, the role of the extended duties dental nurse (EDDN) will be explored.