Could we use dental nurses as a conduit between professionals in practice, asks Polly Bhambra.
In today’s healthcare world, dental professionals are doing more than ever before, working closely with other healthcare workers to take better care of patients. As leaders in dental practices, we understand that working well together, or inter-professional collaboration (IPC), is key to good healthcare.
Dental nurses are crucial to this effort. But how can dental nurses boost IPC and, as a result, improve patient care and create a more effective dental practice?
The vital role of dental nurses
Dental nurses are usually the first people patients meet at the dental practice. Their traditional duties include getting the surgeries ready, helping during dental procedures and giving aftercare instructions. But they can also serve as important links between different health professionals.
By giving dental nurses bigger roles in IPC, they can help connect different parts of patient care.
1. Improving communication skills
Good communication is essential for IPC. Training dental nurses in communication can help ensure they share information clearly and accurately with dentists, hygienists, specialists, and patients.
For example, a dental nurse might need to tell a patient’s GP about dental treatments that could impact their overall health. Offering workshops and ongoing training in effective communication, conflict resolution, and professional behaviour is very beneficial.
These skills help dental nurses avoid misunderstandings, reduce mistakes, and keep patient care smooth across different departments.
2. Helping with case management
Dental nurses are also key in managing patient cases. They keep track of treatments and results and make sure different healthcare providers are coordinated. This includes scheduling appointments so that all necessary visits are planned properly, and keeping all clinicians updated on the patient’s health and treatment plans.
In practices that use digital tools, dental nurses can use electronic health records (EHRs) to keep information organised and accessible to all involved in a patient’s care, and also take the lead with digital scanning. This makes the collaboration between healthcare professionals more efficient and effective.
3. Joining in team meetings
It’s important for teams to meet regularly to talk about patient cases and plan care. Dental nurses have a lot of practical knowledge and should be included in these discussions.
Encouraging dental nurses to take part in team meetings not only boosts their morale but also ensures that their insights help shape better care strategies. Their input can lead to smarter decisions, especially in complex cases involving multiple health issues.
‘As dental industry leaders, we must create a supportive environment where teamwork is valued and every team member, including dental nurses, can excel’
4. Promoting patient education
Dental nurses often interact with patients more than dentists do, making them well-placed to teach patients about their health. Training dental nurses to provide clear, straightforward information about dental care and its broader health implications can not ony improve patients’ understanding but their cooperation too.
Dental nurses can also play a significant role in public health efforts, like educating at-risk groups about how good oral hygiene can prevent diseases like endocarditis. Participating in such initiatives not only broadens their roles but also enhances the dental practice’s reputation in the community.
Conclusion
As we aim for a more unified approach in healthcare, empowering dental nurses is crucial. By enhancing their roles in communication, case management, team participation and patient education, dental nurses can greatly improve how dental practices work together. This not only makes the workplace better but also significantly enhances the quality of patient care.
As dental industry leaders, we must create a supportive environment where teamwork is valued and every team member, including dental nurses, can excel. It’s our duty to unlock the full potential of our dental nurses, making our practices shining examples of comprehensive, collaborative care.
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