Meet the Dental Team

A visit to the dentist can involve a lot of people, from the dental nurse to the hygienist. Each one has a specific and important job.

What does a dental receptionist do?
The dental receptionist is an important part of the team. They make appointments, answer phone calls and often deal with the paperwork for the practice. The receptionist is usually the first person you'll meet at the practice. It is their job to make patients feel welcome and relaxed before they see the dentist or other professionals.

What does a dentist do?
Dentists are probably your main point of contact with the surgery. They treat and prevent dental and oral health problems, such as decay, gum disease and injuries. They can also offer advice and tips on how to care for your mouth and teeth.

What does a dental hygienist do?
A dental hygienist's role is to prevent dental problems arising and to promote oral health. A dental hygienist will carry out procedures such as scaling and polishing teeth, applying topical fluoride treatments and fissure sealants (white plastic coatings painted onto the biting surface of back teeth).

What does a dental therapist do?
Dental therapists are the least common of the dental healthcare professionals. The types of treatment they carry out are similar to those of a hygienist, but any patients they treat must first be examined by a dentist, and any treatments must be detailed in writing beforehand.

Dental therapists play an important role in promoting dental health. They also work with patients with special requirements, such as those who are scared of dentists, who have physical or learning disabilities, who have medical problems or cannot easily access dental treatment.

What does a dental nurse do?
A dental nurse assists the rest of the dental team in all aspects of patient care. This includes getting instruments ready, sterilising instruments, mixing materials, taking notes and ensuring patients are comfortable.

What does a dental technician do?
Dental technicians work with dentists to make dentures, crowns, bridges and dental braces for patients. They may work in specialist areas, such as making dentures for or helping to reconstruct the faces of patients injured by accident or damaged by disease.

Article source nhs.co.uk