Alisha B.
Dental NurseWhat is the nature of your role and its responsibilities?
As a dental nurse, my main role is to assist the dentist or other clinicians during an appointment. Assisting a clinician can range from writing notes during the appointment, passing equipment or materials and aspirating where necessary. I also have to ensure the surgery is clean and safe to work in as infection control is vital in my job in order to protect myself and others. My day to day duties include:
- setting up and cleaning the surgery
- check the diary to prepare for the appointments booked in on the day.
- Assist the clinician throughout all appointments
- Ensure sterilisation of equipment
- Ensure stock is full and order more if needed
What led you to follow this career path?
Although I was unsure on which career path I wanted to take, I knew I would not be suited to just an office role as I was quite physical and seemed to learn better during practical experiences. When I began nursing I realised it is a very practical role where you learn something new everyday and not one day is the same so there is always something new to experience.
What qualification(s) or training did you complete?
Diploma in Dental nursing.
How are your qualification(s) or training useful in your everyday job?
After qualifying there are so many opportunities and career paths that are opened up in order to raise your skill set. This could be simply doing an additional shirt course to be able to assist in different types of treatment or you could go on to university to study to be a dentist , therapist or hygienist.
What does an average working day look like for you?
An average day as a dental nurse differs every day as there are no two patients the same. Sometimes you can be simply assisting the dentist during a dental check-up or you could be assisting during a treatment appointment such as a filling. However each day is busy and interesting.
What aspect of your role do you most enjoy?
I most enjoy engaging with each patient and seeing how happy they are with their results after they have had treatment.
What aspect of your job do you find most challenging?
I sometimes find my job a little challenging as it is very busy however any problem has a solution and so although it is busy i always think of how my hard work is helping others.
What would be your top piece of advice for anyone wanting to become a dental nurse?
If I was to give students one piece of advice, it would be to give dental nursing a try. I live by the quote “you don’t know if you don’t try”. I wasn’t sure on the role at the beginning as I thought it would not be for me, however, I was surprised to find out I actually loved my job!
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