The final fit – results of research into educational needs of dental nurses

Dental nurses make up the largest professional group in the dental health care team (General Dental Council (GDC), 2014), and have a unique and continuously developing role. Dental nurses work alongside a number of other dental health professionals who provide a varying level of care or specific service contributing to the well being of their patients. To deliver this professionally, we have to ensure that we have access to relevant, specific and recognised training and education, which is affordable and easily accessible.

Last month we invited readers of Dental Nursing to take part in the NEBDN online survey. We have had a tremendous response, with 600 readers completing the questionnaire so far. Due to the huge amount of information collected, we have divided this article into two parts. Part 1 deals with the results and discussion around you, your existing qualifications and your employment; we will contrast and compare these results with past research and identify any changes or trends. Part 2, to be published next month, will look at your future training needs and barriers to education and training.