Which role does a dental nurse play in a dental treatment team?

The role of a dental nurse within a dental treatment team primarily involves assisting directly with treatments and procedures. Dental nurses are trained to provide support to dentists during various treatment activities, which can include preparing the patient, handling instruments, and ensuring the treatment environment is sterile and organized. Their responsibilities are crucial in facilitating smooth procedures and enhancing patient comfort.

Engaging with patients, providing reassurance, and preparing materials and equipment are also integral parts of their role, enabling the dentist to focus on the treatment being performed. Dental nurses have essential skills that contribute to the efficiency of the dental practice and the care of patients, but their role does not extend to making clinical judgments independently or supervising dentists, as those are responsibilities specifically designated for the dentists and other licensed dental professionals.