These were the three top words at the end of the Dental Nurse Summit – it truly was even better than we could have hoped for. A new format, a new idea, the first Dental Nursing Summit. This event coincided with the 10th Anniversary of the Society and National Dental Nurses Day. The event was open to dental nurses, dental nurse students and those who support dental nurses and the audience.
The morning session was more traditional in style, but with the most amazing speakers, speakers who sang the praises of dental nurses from the rooftops. Speakers from fields we rarely hear from, and some with a futuristic view of the possibility. Every speaker provided insight into the importance and value that they place on dental nurses and the profession. Each one keeping the audience captivated and keen to hear more.
From having a banding progression and reward scheme that encourages self-development and growth, to surgical excellence, the world of dental therapy and hygiene and the importance of that working relationship, to positive health courses and thinking outside the box and the story that touched us all – ‘once a dental nurse, always a dental nurse’ and ending with the vital role of dental nurse in the world of implantology and maintainance, simply wow!
The wonderful trade was amazing too – Agilio, NSK, NEBDN, Stoddards, Siobhan Kelleher Education, Wrights, Aura, Human Factors in Dentistry and Edy. We really couldn’t have done this without them all.
With a splendid lunch came the afternoon, three lightning talks, the ghosts of dental nursing past – Elaine Tilling, the ghost of dental nursing present and the ghost of dental nursing future – Dr Janine Brooks. The expert panel had a chance to cross-examine their stories, thoughts, and experiences before taking the floor themselves. Interestingly, the questions were around development, success, ambition and values and taking a point from each of the lightning talks forward, the panel discussion had a basis of: Dental Nursing in the military and the bigger picture, including dentistry for serving canines! The progress we have made and how far we have come, but also just how far we still have to go, acknowledging that not every dental nurse wants to progress beyond the primary qualification. Finally, are we fooling ourselves if we continue to seek the answers to our future within dentistry? No pressure, they said. An excellent conversation followed, and the buzz in the room was amazing by this point.
We were so pleased to announce the National Dental Nursing Award winners and have the new Chair of the GDC with us to present the awards. The prestigious awards followed this.
