During a surgical procedure, what duty does a dental nurse perform?

During a surgical procedure, the role of a dental nurse is crucial in maintaining a sterile environment and ensuring that the dentist has all the necessary tools readily available. The preparation of surgical instruments involves cleaning, sterilizing, and arranging them in an order that allows for efficient use during the procedure. This preparation ensures that the dentist can focus on performing the surgery without delays caused by searching for instruments or dealing with contamination.

In addition to preparing the instruments, the dental nurse is also responsible for assisting the dentist during the procedure, which may include suctioning, providing materials, or managing patient comfort. This support is vital for the successful execution of the surgery and for maintaining a safe environment for the patient.

The other roles, such as performing surgery independently, prescribing medications, and managing patient billing, fall outside the responsibilities of a dental nurse. Only qualified dentists can perform surgeries and prescribe medications, while billing management is typically handled by administrative staff, not dental nurses. Thus, the focus of a dental nurse during surgical procedures is predominantly on instrument preparation and direct assistance to the dentist.