The world marked International Nurses Day on 12 May. Evelyn Ferguson-Williams, a registered dental nurse and Dental Case Manager at Dental Protection, highlights the key role dental nurses play in the success of a dental practice
There is a common misperception by both patients and clinicians alike, that a dental nurse’s role is to simply pass the instruments, aspirate fluids and clean the surgery. The knowledge, experience and skills that a dental nurse requires to both qualify as a dental nurse, retain their registration and to go on achieve post qualification certificates is extensive!
In the past, a dental nurse’s role very much revolved around supporting the clinician. However, now we can be much more involved in the provision of patient care, treatment planning and even dental practice compliance.
With additional training, competency and qualifications, a dental nurse can bring so much more to a practice, such as taking radiographs, impressions, intraoral scans, the application of topical fluoride and so much more. The time and energy that a clinician can save by utilising their dental nurse’s skills and experience is invaluable.
Although the General Dental Council’s (GDC) Scope of Practice clearly lists the extensive additional duties that a dental nurse can offer, many clinicians remain unaware of said list or lack confidence in the role of a dental nurse.
Unfortunately, the lack of recognition and trust takes its toll on the wellbeing of dental nurses. In a recent Dental Protection survey1, 73% of dental nurses said their clinical colleague’s negative behaviour has had a significant or moderate impact on their mental wellbeing. A further 49% of the dental nurses who took part in the survey said they are considering their future in the dental profession, while 40% feel pessimistic about the future.
This feedback clearly demonstrates the constraints and unnecessary pressure that some dental nurses are working under and how more should be done on the regulatory landscape to properly recognise the role of dental nurses. I feel that increased specialisation opportunities and expanded scope of practice could also help to increase recognition and respect for our role.
Whilst I do appreciate that it is likely to take some time for the role of a dental nurse to be nurtured into its full potential on practice level, I would like to highlight the many benefits we bring, even if a nurse is working in a basic supportive capacity.
I am sure many clinicians reading this article have experienced working a day in a practice that is short staffed and the chaos that can prevail. Not only is there the potential added stress and expenses involved in hiring locum nurses, but patient care can be significantly affected.
The support with surgery preparation, record keeping, decontamination, infection control, treatment planning and even management of medical emergencies is entirely absent, often resulting in cancellation of clinics or the unsafe provision of care which in turn will leave a clinician extremely vulnerable to complaints. The GDC standards clearly state that “You should work with another appropriately trained member of the dental team at all times when treating patients in a dental setting.” It is often at this point, when a dentist is left entirely unsupported, that they may recognise their nurse’s invaluable involvement.
That being said, I think the most dentists are now very appreciative of our ever-evolving role as dental nurses. Especially as we are trying to contribute more than ever before, such as meticulous record keeping, complying with the strict decontamination guidance, treatment coordination, oral hygiene instruction and even constructing study models, retainers and mouthguards. The list of potential benefits really does go on.
Alongside our clinical colleagues, the main purpose of a dental nurse is to support a practice in ensuring the safe and effective provision of patient care. In order to do so, dental nurses must be recognised, valued and nurtured to reach their full potential. Building professional relationships built on mutual trust and understanding will also help to achieve the best patient outcomes and create a more collaborative and enjoyable environment.
Alongside a dental nurse being appropriately qualified, trained and competent to carry out these additional duties, they must be adequately indemnified. Whilst dental nurses are in most cases an employee of the practice, meaning the practice is vicariously liable for their acts and omissions in the course of their professional activities, it is coming to light that many dental nurses believe that the indemnity ‘umbrella’ that is offered as part of their role, will entitle them to unconditional assistance.
It is often the case that whilst they will be indemnified for any complaints and/or claims for compensation that may arise, they are left entirely without support with any GDC ‘Fitness to Practise’ investigations. Understandably, this is likely to be very distressing news, at what is likely to already be a very worrying time. Therefore, it is Dental Protection’s advice for all dental nurses who fall under their employer’s indemnity package, to request a copy of any relevant paperwork, demonstrating the level of assistance they are entitled to. Should they have any concerns, they should contact the relevant indemnity provider for more clarification.
It is my conclusion that whilst dentists will naturally remain the face of dental care, the vital role of dental nurses should no longer be overlooked. They are the backbone of dental practices and show unwavering dedication and compassion to patient care. A dental nurse’s role can now thankfully extend way beyond the dental chair, making them an indispensable asset to the field of dentistry.
Reference
- Dental Protection’s wellbeing survey completed by 153 dental nurses between March and April 2023
About the Author:
Evelyn Ferguson-Williams is a registered dental nurse and Dental Case Manager at Dental Protection.
