We celebrate the pride of dental nurses on the day of the first dental nursing examination in 1943. It is always a day of pride and celebration and a day to remember all of those fantastic dental nurses out there who work tirelessly to care for patients, support clinicians and ensure the safe and efficient running of dental procedures and processes. Not all dental nurses are working chairside, but they do continue to contribute to the work of the profession.
This year has been another challenging year and yet dental nurses have remained agile, flexible and adaptable. Over the last 18 months dental nurse have in some cases been: placed on furlough, re-deployed to other services, moved to emergency dental settings and some have lost employment. Dental Nurse students have battled trying to study and gain clinical experience and many have known nothing but dentistry in the pandemic.
We are part of a team and whilst the majority are appreciated and valued many feel they are not recognised for the excellent work they do and many feel that they are overlooked and not financially rewarded for their contribution. There continues to be talks of career pathways, but for many it means leaving patient facing roles or moving to a different dental profession. In fact dental nurses would like to progress within their registrable title and given more autonomy.
So for all those dental nurses out there it is important for you to know your voice is loud and clear, but most of all we celebrate the excellence in the field of dental nursing with you all today on National Dental Nurses Day.
Today we announced the Professional Recognition Awards to get the celebrations off to a fantastic start – congratulations everyone and thank you to the award sponsors – Oralieve, BDIA Show Case and NSK. Individual certificates will be with you shortly.
