A dental nurse plays a very important role assisting and

supporting a dentist; dental nurses are present for a

wide range of procedures,

What do dental nurses do?

Dental nurses are responsible for assisting a dentist;

they have a wide range of tasks and roles, including
taking notes while a dentist examines the patient’s
mouth and noting changes and comments in the
patient’s records, preparing instruments, solutions and
materials and passing the dentist the relevant
equipment.

Dental nurses also play an important role in ensuring

that the patient is relaxed and comfortable and they are
particularly valuable when treating nervous patients
and patients who suffer from dental phobia. Nurses can
help to comfort anxious patients and children, explain
what the procedure involves and answer questions
about the treatment process.

In some settings, such as small general dental practices,

nurses may also take on administerial roles, such as
filing patient records, making appointments and taking
payments.

Where do dental nurses work?

There are various options for dental nurses; most dental

nurses work in general dental practices, but they can
also work in the community and in hospitals; there is
also the option of joining the armed forces.