How to boost your emotional quotient

We've all heard of IQ (intelligence quotient) and understand that, roughly speaking, the higher score you achieve (although different tests will yield different scores for the same person), the ‘brainier’ you are. Actually, IQ is (according to Mensa, the high IQ society) an attempt to measure a person's mental agility. The GDC does not state an IQ requirement for dental nurses or, indeed, anyone in the dental profession. This suggests that a particular IQ value is not necessary to be a good dental professional (and may also recognise the difficulty of accurately testing for IQ – Mensa does not endorse online tests). It also means improving your IQ won't result in extra brownie points from your practice manager. Emotional quotient (EQ) is different – a higher score could improve your performance as a dental nurse.