Dental Nurse Job Description
Dental Nurse Job Profile and Description
Dentists are in charge of providing preventive and restorative treatments for dental problems, that is, related to the mouth and teeth and a dental nurse assists dentists in various procedures and treatment in hospitals, schools, clinics, nursing homes etc.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Dental nurses work with dentists and orthodontists to provide dental care to patients
- They examine a patient’s teeth and gums, make models of patients’ teeth and do other basic procedures
- They remove plaque and tartar deposits, clean or whiten the teeth and take x-rays
- They teach patients how to improve at-home dental care to prevent future cavities and to ensure general oral health
- They also assist dentists during serious procedures such as filling cavities or performing root canals or other surgeries
- They should also follow proper safety procedures.
- Dental nurses adhere to strict sanitary and hygiene guidelines
- In case of surgeries or serious procedures, proper radiological and anesthesia guidelines must be followed to ensure that both the hygienist and patient are safe
- They must have knowledge of various dental tools and should keep themselves updated on the latest technology in the field
- They also take care of certain administrative duties like taking appointments, greeting patients, helping with instruments, updating data etc
- They should be able to comfort patients during surgeries and other procedures
Skills and Specifications
- Dental nurses need to have a pleasant personality as many patients are children
- They should have a good sense of hygiene and should be able to communicate well
- They must have basic knowledge of computer to be able to do administrative tasks
- They must be organised and be able to multi-task
Education and Qualifications
Dental nurses must have a degree from an accredited dental school. They must also have a license and need to take entrance/ written exams if required.