I’ve been a dental nurse for about fifteen years, and have worked in various parts of the country in orthodontic practices, general dental practices, within the community dental services, for both NHS and private practices. Within that time I’ve seen quite a few changes, not only with the way services are provided, changes in laws and regulations, but also with the use of new materials and more advanced treatments. The one thing that hasn’t changed in my time as a dental nurse is the importance of people receiving and understanding clear information about dentistry, specific treatments, regulations, and jobs within the dental profession.
In my spare time I try to provide a useful source of dentistry related information, which I think is vitally important for both patients and dental care professionals to have access to. This is a work in progress, so if you don’t find the information you’re looking for just e-mail me and I’ll do all I can to help, it may just be you need information about a subject I haven’t got round to blogging about just yet, but trust me….. I will!
Hello!
I am trying to apply for a trainee dental nurse position, I have no experience in this field, I am 23 years old and worked in retail since leaving college. I have applied for trainee dental nurse vacancies before without any success. I always wanted to pursue a career in healthcare sector but couldn’t make my mind up in which proffesion, recently I have been visiting the dental hospital for treatments. Now I believe that dental nursing is for me.
Can you advise on what I can include on my cover letter and CV.
I really appreciate your time. Thank you.
Hi Mary,
I would advise you to try and gain some work experience in a dental practice or hospital, and do anything you can to show potential employers that you are serious about becoming a dental nurse, for example, complete an approved first aid course, make sure you are up to date on CPR techniques, read about what is involved in being a dental nurse and learn as much as you can about the dental profession and dental treatments. There is lots for you to read about on my website!!
With some experience and knowledge behind you, you will be able to show your enthusiasm not only in your covering letter and CV, but also in an interview!!
Good luck.
Katy.
Hi Katy,
I have recently started working as a trainee dental nurse, I am now unsure if I should continue down this path as a career. I genuinely love the job and things it entails, well that is until I have a pt in the chair. The reason for this is I am finding it very difficult to feel relaxed enough to do the suction as I have a crippling fear of sick, and I get so scared and panic so much that I actually shake, which is obviously is unacceptable. Do you have any advice as to how I could tackle this?
Thank you very much for your for your advice and support, it is much appreciated!
Best wishes
Flo x
Hi Flo,
I think if you really do enjoy being a dental nurse you need to do whatever you can to overcome your fear of vomit!!
In all my years as a dental nurse I think I’ve only ever seen two patients be sick and that was young children having their first ever alginate impressions, and nothing whatsoever to do with aspirating!!
When you aspirate you need to be confident, it’s a massive part of the job. Try not to put the suction tube too far back in any patients mouth! Usually if the tooth being treated is on the side closest to you, positioning the aspirator tip buccally is sufficient. If the tooth being treated is on the side of the mouth furthest from you, place the aspirator tube either lingually for lowers and palatally for uppers. A good tip if you have a patient who gags easily is to place the aspirator either buccally (if possible) or resting on an existing tooth ensuring you dont touch their tongue….basically avoid their soft tissues if possible.
Practice makes perfect! You will eventually learn to become quite skilled at aspirating but while you are learning try not to worry about patients being sick, some may gag but it is highly unlikely they will actually vomit.
Perhaps you could look into some sort of treatment to help combat your fear…hypnosis or anything else which may help you, obviously this phobia could hold you back if not dealt with, so its definitely worth finding some treatment which could work for you!
I hope this helps answer your question,
Katy.