As we all return to work and embrace what are all calling the 'new normal’ I think it is a good time to reflect on how things are going to change for the future.

I am writing this from home as I still haven’t returned to routine work. I try to imagine wearing all that PPE and the effect it may have on my nervous patients, my child patients and those living with neurodiversity.

I try to imagine what it would be like without my dental nurse (my team mate) there to help reassure and connect with the patients whilst I am concentrating on the treatments, looking like I am working in Area 51 in all that gear!

I have always been lucky enough to work with a dental nurse and will continue to moving forward and I am so thankful for this. Now more than ever it is vital we all get to work with a dental nurse and I hope my peers will be in the same position moving forward.

PPE and cross infection won’t stop with us though. The patients are going to have to get used to the new ways in which they will have to attend the practice.

Not everyone is trained in cross infection and we need to be mindful to keep it simple – dental nurses are perfect for guiding patients through the practice, with their cross infection expertise and wonderful interpersonal skills too.

We have to remember that, as we return to work, our patients (just like us) will have been completely out of a routine (I call it Christmas mode!) – and will want to talk to us about their experiences.

We need to be prepared to be that sympathetic ear we always have been.

We need to be mindful of the fact that people will have been up and down mentally, and this could have had an effect on their routines – they may even be a little self-conscious when returning. We need to remember that there is a patient attached to the mouth and to be sensitive to this and listen.

I feel to start with the main focus is going to be on education and prevention, but I am really hoping we can get back into aesthetic dentistry soon. Something that really surprised me during lockdown is the amount of people contacting me on social media to enquire about such treatments when we are open again. I was not expecting that in the middle of a pandemic!

Wellbeing

Afroz et al 2013 provided a study that looked into dental aesthetics and the effect it had on psycho-social wellbeing and dental confidence. They concluded that ‘self-perceived image of dental aesthetics can remarkably affect an individual’s social and psychological wellbeing, which is reflected in their behaviour and can affect their self confidence.’

This study reflects the need for it to return – when it can safely, of course.

Finally, I think we all need to remember to look after ourselves, too. We are not used to wearing so much at work, it is going to be hot and we can’t just nip out and grab a drink anymore, so we need to keep hydrated. I am mindful of this right now as I am writing this and reflecting on how much water I haven’t drank today. Start now to make it easier on yourself and I will too!

Adjusting is going to be strange and, on some days, stressful. Try to avoid holding tension in your body and remember to move, stretch and breathe.

When we are stressed we are in the sympathetic system and this is our ‘fight or flight mode’.

A few deep, mindful breaths will help to engage your parasympathetic system, which is the ‘rest and digest’ part of you – and engaging this will help you to get through times of stress.

Good luck with returning to work, be safe and remember... you got this!

• Nina has worked in the dental industry for 20 years and progressed from working as a dental nurse to a dental therapist in June 2013 at Sheffield University.

Not long into her career Nina became passionate about taking a whole-body approach with her patients and after 3 years of studying whilst working, Nina graduated as a Nutritional Therapist in February of this year.

You can find her on Instagram @the_holistic_floss_boss

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