Improving patient care through development of dental nurse specialist roles

The pioneering of the dental nurse specialist role by Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Trust aims to tackle rising demand for NHS services by allocating further duties to dental nurses with enhanced qualifications and training. We describe the evolution of the role and its future amidst a dynamic healthcare landscape. Dental nurse specialists provide patient care and advocacy among the multidisciplinary team. They aid in clinical assessments, educate and ensure patient needs are addressed. Additionally, they play a major role in clinical governance by championing innovation, training staff and participating in policy discussions. Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Trust has developed dental nurse specialist roles alongside the London Southbank University's part-time BSc (Hons) Enhanced Dental Nursing Practice. This first-of-its-kind programme trains dental nurses for a wider breadth of responsibilities, offering diverse career pathways for dental nursing specialists. Several subspecialties are recognised, all of which involve their distinct contributions to patient care. The dental nurse specialist role has developed significantly from its origins, yet progress is needed in protecting the title and establishing a firmer legal framework. The Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Trust initiative aims to drive role advancement, with the recognised academic programme equipping a new generation of dental nurse specialists to meet the increasing demand for NHS dental care.