Dental nurses have the ability to push their careers as far as they want to go. Those who develop good knowledge and understanding of their career are the ones that have the power to go beyond dental nursing duties alone. As dental nurses, we have many opportunities to develop our skills and knowledge. We can take on additional responsibility, gain promotions in the workplace, and study for further qualifications. Keeping an open mind and thinking outside of the box is the key to pushing yourself forward in your career.

In a world where social media is an intergenerational phenomenon, it seems that to find someone who does not upload their lives online is a rarity. There is a whole generation referred to as ‘digital natives’ who have come of age in a time when internet use is prevalent in everyday life. For many, life before social media is unimaginable!

Introduction

Are changes in infection control procedures in dentistry governed by fact or fiction? In this article I will be looking at key changes in infection control over the last decade and what led to them.

As you will all be aware, by the 31st July it will be time for DCPs to have declared their Continuing Professional Development (CPD) hours to the GDC. The undertaking of CPD is a legal requirement for all members of the dental team, and we will all have been busy building up both our verifiable and non-verifiable hours for the end of this CPD year. 

The GDC standards for the dental profession were introduced on the 30th September 2013. A set of standards and guidelines was issued to every GDC registrant. 

The standards are there to offer guidance for members of the dental profession on conduct, performance and ethics.