What’s in your OHE toolkit?

How key is a dental nurse in the oral health education of patients?

Dental nurses are a key component of oral hygiene education; they can help choose appropriate oral hygiene aids and explain effective techniques when using them. They can also raise awareness of links between oral and systemic health and inform on wider dental topics, such as the importance of fluoride.

How important is it to have a dental nurse assisting you?

I have only just started working with a dental nurse again since qualifying five years ago and I can honestly say it is absolutely wonderful! This is such a positive to come from the coronavirus crisis as two of the dentists I work for have now provided me with assistance. From a clinical viewpoint, the patient receives more streamlined and efficient care and the clinician can spend more time treating the patient. Help with aspiration is invaluable! Previously I was bending myself into a pretzel! From a motivational and emotional standpoint, I am far happier working with a dental nurse – there is always someone there to discuss cases and treatment approaches.