Can extended duties dental nurses (EDDNs) as oral health educators (OHEs) be beneficial for the practice and morale?

Abstract

Jo Dawson explores what it is like to use the Oral Health Education qualification in a general dental practice setting and the empowering opportunities it can offer patients and staff. Aim To have a better understanding of the advantages of using EDDN OHEs in general dental practice. Objectives To have an increased awareness of the role of an oral health educator. To understand what benefits offering an OHE service could bring to a dental practice. To look at examples using EDDN OHEs and the impact they have had on Dental Nurse's self-esteem and their standing within the practice team.