Preetee Hylton, President of the British Association of Dental Nurses (BADN), highlights the impact that dental nurses have in the profession today:
“Dental nurses are the unsung superheroes of the oral health world! Over the years, we have shown that the oral health industry thrives when teams collaborate and share skills effectively. By stepping beyond traditional boundaries (still within our professional scope of practice), embracing new responsibilities, and continuously upskilling, dental nurses have paved the way for a more flexible, efficient, and patient-focused approach to oral healthcare. Our success comes from a mix of professionalism, adaptability, and that relentless ‘can-do’ attitude; plus, some of us love a challenge!
“What helps to make us so successful is our effective use of soft skills in the practice. These are sometimes underestimated because they are invisible on paper; there’s no certificate for empathy, communication, or active listening. However, these qualities transform a clinical visit into a genuinely positive patient experience. Dentistry is as much about people as it is about procedures, education, and motivation. Elevating this mindset requires awareness, training, and championing for the value of emotional intelligence in every oral healthcare team.”
Preetee will be exploring the topic further at BDIA Dental Showcase, presenting “Soft skills: What the oral health team can learn from dental nurses” in the Oral Health Theatre, on behalf of the BADN. She says:
“I’ll be diving into the human side of dentistry; how soft skills such as communication, empathy, and teamwork transform both patient experiences and team dynamics. Expect practical tips, real-life examples, and strategies that oral health teams can use straight away to reduce stress, boost confidence, and make work more enjoyable. It’s all about creating a culture where everyone, including every patient and every team member, thrives.”
Anyone looking for more advice or inspiration on how to take their career forward can connect with Preetee and her BADN colleagues on the exhibition floor. Preetee describes what attendees can expect to gain from the organisation:
“For dental nurses, the BADN stand is your go-to place for guidance, support, and career inspiration. Whether you’re after CPD tips, safeguarding advice, or ideas to grow in your (current or future) role, we’ve got you covered. Pop by for a chat, grab some practical tools, and leave with a little spark to take back to your team and maybe a smile or two! We are always excited to connect with dental nurses.”
Preetee concludes with a few thoughts about BDIA Dental Showcase and why she feels it’s an important event for modern dental professionals:
“BDIA Dental Showcase is like a playground for oral health professionals! It is full of innovation, inspiration, and brilliant people. From discovering the latest tech to swapping ideas with peers, it’s an event that energises you and sparks creativity. If you want to learn, connect, and leave buzzing with new ideas, mark your calendar for 2026. It’s an experience you don’t want to miss!”
See Preetee in the Oral Health Theatre on Friday 13th at 12:15! She will also be participating in a panel discussion on the BDIA Main Stage on Saturday 14th at 14:15, which will be a highly interactive session exploring a specific clinical case with the entire dental team.
BDIA Dental Showcase
13th-14th March 2026
ExCel London
Register now at www.dentalshowcase.com
