The Information Governance toolkit is designed to draw together the GDC standards for dental professionals, the Records Management NHS Code of Practice and best practice principles for information governance. Glenys Bridges looks at the significance of this for dental nurses
This article will examine and summarise the evidence to support the advice that dental nurses should give their patients on toothbrushing. Key areas include: role of oral hygiene with regard to gum health and caries control, frequency and timing of brushing, use of fluoride toothpaste and rinsing be
Dental anxiety is a common problem and is associated with reduced quality of life and poorer oral health. In this article, Sharon Bennett describes the introduction of relaxation techniques at her practice as a tool for managing dental anxiety
Digital imaging is replacing film systems in dental practices. Martin Pybus introduces the world of digital imaging, explains the benefits and drawbacks of different systems, and outlines how changing from film to digital imaging affects practices and the work of the dental nurse
Pauline Smith, a dental implant nurse working in West Yorkshire, shares her views on working in implantology
The use of smokeless tobacco by members of the UK South East Asian community is a major risk factor for oral cancer and periodontitis. In this article, Graham Cope and Leena Sankla describe the different forms of smokeless tobacco, how if affects the oral cavity and what dental nurses should do to p
Abdelghany A, Nolan A, Freeman R (2011) Treating patients with dry mouth: general dental practitioners’ knowledge, attitudes and clinical management. Br Dent J211(10): E21
Barbara Simpson, a specialist dental nurse in Birmingham, shares her views on working with special care patients
Dental fear and phobia represent a major barrier to dental care. Dental nurses need to know how to address this common phobia. One successful strategy for treating dental anxiety, according to Carole Boyle and David Craig, is the use of conscious sedation techniques
Hospital admissions due to drinking alcohol have doubled in the last ten years. Alcohol-related violence accounts for 30% of cases, with the jaw being the main target. Chronic alcohol increases the risk of oral cancer and periodontitis, while other recreational substances should also be considered
In 2009, the Department of Health published the second edition of Delivering Better Oral Health: An evidence-based toolkit for prevention. Sam Ball revisits the guidance, exploring the key themes for dental nurses
This article aims to revise the anatomical features seen radiographically with the use of a fun quiz. A series of images are provided with a description for the reader to test their knowledge against. The importance of interpretation and terminology are reinforced and some hints are provided
