Additional Skills for Dental Nurses in placing rubber dam and removing sutures

Speaker(s): Latha Davda, Dentist & Clinical Director, University of Portsmouth Dental Academy

Description:

This hands-on course for dental nurses will develop theoretical knowledge and clinical skills in placing rubber dam and removing sutures. Following this course participants should be able to remove sutures after the wound has been checked by a dentist. In order to independently place rubber dams in patients, the participants will have to complete a portfolio and undertake at least five supervised cases in practice and submit the portfolio to the Dental Academy.  Information about accessing clinical experience will be provided during the course. It is important to note that before undertaking additional skills on patients, the nurses will need to inform their indemnity provider.

Aims:

Overall aim:

To educate and train dental nurses in additional clinical duties.

Specific aims:

1. To develop learners’ competence in removing sutures.

2. To provide learners with an opportunity to practice placing rubber dam in a simulated environment.

Objectives:

1. To discuss field isolation and moisture control for restorative procedures in dentistry.

2. To provide a practical session in placing rubber dam through hands-on exercises.

3. To consider wound healing in the oral cavity.

4. To discuss suture material and types.

5. To provide a practical session in placing and removing sutures.

Learning Outcomes:

By undertaking this course, the candidates will be above to

1. Outline effective techniques for moisture control in dentistry.

2. Demonstrate ability to effectively place rubber dam in a simulated environment.

3. Describe dental suturing materials and techniques.

5. Demonstrate ability to remove sutures in a simulated environment.

6. Describe pre, intra and post-operative complications associated with suture removal.

Development Outcomes: C