Essential guide to dental nursing

  • M. Moss,
  • H. Franks &
  • G. Smith
PasTest £26.95 ISBN: 1904627552 | ISBN: 1-904-62755-2

This book closely follows the NVQ 3 Oral Health Care syllabus, although it would still be appropriate for student dental nurses following the NEBDN National Certificate Course.

The authors are dental nurses currently involved in training NVQ dental nurses, so have first hand experience of what works and how the syllabus is best presented to students. As I have very limited experience of the NVQ process, I found the ‘What is an NVQ?’ chapter very helpful, as I am sure many other people new to NVQ would.

Current information on GDC guidelines is included which I'm sure has been no mean feat in these continually changing times.

Chapters follow the NVQ syllabus headings including Biology and Anatomy, Clinical Assessment of Oral Health, Communication, Equality and Diversity, Endodontics, Orthodontics, Managing Patient Appointments and Payments.

Each chapter is very clearly presented with easy to recognise colour diagrams and photographs. Each section also has a comprehensive area outlining the dental nurse's role and responsibilities.

The Health and Safety chapter includes information on first aid and medical emergencies with very clear step by step procedures for each potential situation.

The chapter on Oral Health provides some very useful facts and statistics on oral disease and prevention measures, while the Radiography chapter has some excellent photographs.

Every area of dental nursing is covered with special importance placed on the relationship between the patient and all dental professionals. The relevance of medical conditions on dental treatment provided is dealt with in some detail.

Photographs are also included of types and stages of restoration procedures, together with instruments used, which has been unusual in dental nursing textbooks to date.

The orthodontic chapter deals with all types of appliance and malocclusion, clearly demonstrated with photographs of instruments, patients and models.

Overall this would be an extremely useful textbook for student dental nurses following a training pathway leading to registration. The key areas are well covered, with excellent photographs showing some of the less well known equipment. With the support of an experienced assessor and/or tutor any dental nurse would do well to purchase this book.

PasTest are offering a 10% discount to all Vital readers who purchase this book. Just quote the code 113565YUBZ when ordering. www.pastest.co.uk telephone 01565 752000.