Encouraging dental nurses to grab the camera – The British Dental Conference and Dentistry Show 2018
Featured Products Promotional FeaturesPosted by: Dental Design 14th March 2018
There are many different skills that dental nurses today can add to their armamentarium. Extended skills often mean more job variety, increased job satisfaction and better use of the available skill mix within a dental team. A consequence of all these things combined can lead to improved patient care, which is ultimately what every dental professional aspires to.
Diane Rochford will be speaking in the Dental Nurses Forum at the British Dental Conference and Dentistry Show 2018, on the morning of Friday 18th May. Her session, entitled “Dental photography for dental nurses” will consider why dental nurses should develop their skills in this area for the benefit of themselves, their team and their patients.
Diane began her career in dentistry as a dental nurse, before qualifying as a dental hygienist at Guys Hospital, London, in March 1996. She joined Dr Linda Greenwall’s team in September 1996 where she continues to work as an extended duties dental hygienist. Over the past eight years, Diane has increased her teaching and writing portfolio to include tooth whitening, dental photography and dental impression taking for dental care professionals. About her session in the Dental Nurses Forum, she says:
“Dental photography is a skill that dental nurses can learn to assist the dentist in their work with new and existing patients of the practice, regardless of the type of dental treatment they are undergoing. Photographs are a good way to track the progress of treatment and are very useful for legal issues, while also providing a good way to motivate and educate patients about their own dental health.
“At present, I don’t think there are many dental nurses doing photography in their practices. I believe time factors play a part in this, as does a possible lack of skill and knowledge on the part of the dental nurse if they have not had the opportunity to train in the field before. The availability of a suitable camera could also prevent dental nurses from participating in this task.
“By developing photography skills, the dental nurse can become more directly involved in treatment procedures, as well as more involved with patients. They also have the opportunity to take on more responsibilities, advance their knowledge and skills, and feel more valued as a team member by the clinicians and the patients. Perhaps most importantly, patient care is also improved. This sharing of duties often shows the patient that the dental nurse is truly part of the team, highlighting that they have more than one professional looking after them. Plus, with the dental nurse taking photographs, the dentist is able to focus on their own clinical work. Delegation to team members in this way vastly improves patient care and patient experience.
“I hope delegates will gain some insight into the importance of taking dental photographs and learn how beneficial dental photography is in the practice today. I would like everyone to leave the presentation feeling enthused about learning and developing a new skill that can make them feel more valued as a member of the dental team. Gaining extended duties skills builds confidence and is likely to make the dental nurse more employable.”
Aside from the Dental Nurses Forum, the British Dental Conference and Dentistry Show 2018 will offer various opportunities for learning and networking for dental nurses to utilise. The full two-day programme will cover everything from endodontics to orthodontics, digital solutions and compliance, with hours of verifiable CPD available for all members of the team.
The trade exhibition will provide another platform for learning, with more than 400 dental manufacturers and suppliers demonstrating their latest products, materials, technologies and services. With on-stand education, show-only offers and the chance to network with experts in their respective fields, it’s clear to see why this will be an event not to miss!
Diane adds:
“The programme is diverse and allows dental nurses to widen their knowledge and gain motivation. It’s also a great opportunity to see what’s new in the world of dentistry and it provides a chance to catch up with friends and colleagues.”
Joining Diane on the podium throughout the event will be Carole Houston, Deborah Lyle, Katy Kerr and Leonora Ward, among many others. Make sure you don’t miss out!
The British Dental Conference and Dentistry Show 2018 will be held on Friday 18th and Saturday 19th May at the NEC in Birmingham, co-located with DTS.
For further details visit www.thedentistryshow.co.uk, call 020 7348 5270
or email dentistry@closerstillmedia.com
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