Developing your (dental nurse) career

I'm sure we're all aware that our lives are changing, society is going through massive change and so is dentistry. Our working lives are changing as much as our home live. On the positive side, we are living longer healthier lives, technology has given us fresh, exciting developments and the opportunities for variety in our career are broader than ever. As people live longer and keep their teeth into a ripe old age, periodontal disease will become even more important. It seems likely that dentists will develop their specialist skills whilst more routine dental treatments will become the province of dental therapists, dental hygienists and dental nurses. Direct access will become a driver. However it isn't the only factor, patient demographics, health, disease and technology will also play a role. Dentistry and the dental profession is entering a period of radical change, probably not seen since the inception of the NHS. The career opportunities for dental care professionals are, in my opinion, very bright, with a number of ways to develop.