I recently read an article that was published in The Telegraph in June 2017. The article noted new statistics revealing that 80% of children aged between one and two years old hadn’t visited the dentist in the last year, as their parents thought that they were too young. This has resulted in young toddlers needing to have their teeth extracted – something which is entirely preventable.

Prevention is better than cure.

This saying is so true in relation to dentistry. Giving a patient good oral health advice helps them to maintain a healthy mouth which is free from tooth decay and gum disease.

As most of us will by now be aware, the General Dental Council (GDC) is set to change the requirements for Continued Professional Development (CPD). These changes will come into effect from 1st January 2018 for dentists and from 1st August 2018 for DCPs.

The countdown is now on for National Smile Month 2017. 

For those who are unsure what National Smile Month is, it’s the largest and longest-running UK campaign to promote good oral health. The campaign last for a whole month, so there is still lots of time for you and your practice to get involved. This year, the campaign is running from 15th May to 15th June, so put these dates in your diary. 

There are numerous post-qualification options available to dental nurses, one of which is the Oral Health Education qualification. This is a great qualification to undertake, and it can increase the value to patients of attending your practice.