The working practices and job satisfaction of dental nurses in Trinidad and Tobago: Findings of a national survey

Abstract

To describe the working practices and level of job satisfaction of dental nurses in Trinidad and Tobago. Postal survey. Fifty enrolled and practising dental nurses in Trinidad and Tobago were surveyed, 38 replied (76%). Current working practice, career breaks, continuing education, job satisfaction. All dental nurses were employed by the Ministry of Health or Regional Health Authorities. Most performed a wide range of clinical and administrative duties along with delivering dental health education. Forty five per cent of respondents had taken a career break since qualifying with maternity and child rearing being the most common reason (94%). Sixty six per cent had attended a continuing education course in the previous year, with this most frequently being a dental refresher course. Satisfaction with pre-qualification training was high but current job satisfaction was low. Concerns with working conditions and career paths were identified. Dental nurses in Trinidad and Tobago expressed confidence in their ability to perform their current duties and showed interest in continuing education. Job satisfaction was low.