This article will explore the evolution of the dental team in relation to our society's oral health requirements viewed through political, financial and social lenses
Jacqui Elsden, dental education facilitator, describes how being a dental nurse in the 21st century presents a range of opportunities to implement new skills and knowledge. Jacqui describes her journey from being a chair-side dental nurse to becoming involved in training, assessment and quality assurance.
With the introduction of direct access to treatment from dental care professionals (DCPs) in 2013, dental nurses are being trained to support the wider dental team in a number of additional skills. The name for this expanded team role is Extended Duties Dental Nurse (EDDN). These new duties take the EDDN into new territories, one of which includes the issue of consent. This article explains the background to direct access and the extra responsibilities for EDDNs in terms of consent and indemnity. It explores the new knowledge required to gain valid consent and presents a scenario for consideration. The article concludes that it is important for EDDNs to develop their professional approach, taking early advice from the referring dentist and/or professional indemnity adviser if faced with an unfamiliar scenario.
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