A survey to explore the motivation, scope of practice, job satisfaction and timings of procedures undertaken by dental nurses with additional duties at one NHS trust

Aim This study aims, first, to explore the motivation, job satisfaction, training status, use of additional skills, perception of departmental support, and career plans of qualified dental nurses. And second, to determine the time taken to perform dental procedures by dental nurses with additional duties and the factors that affect these timings.Materials and methods A cross-sectional survey of qualified dental nurses at a London hospital trust with an associated Community Dental Service was conducted as part of an exploratory service evaluation in South East London. Data were collected through structured questionnaires. Descriptive and thematic content analyses were used.Results The desire to work with people, job security and the desire to work in healthcare were the key motivating factors. Job satisfaction was mixed, with dissatisfaction associated with remuneration, physical working conditions and recognition. Variances in skill utilisation were noted, influenced by departmental requirements. Reported average timings exceed those of other dental professionals, influenced by patient characteristics and external factors, such as communication, equipment availability and time management.Conclusion Dental nurses are committed to enhancing their skills and professional growth. Most trained dental nurses do not use their additional skills, indicating a need for the effective harnessing of this to avoid deskilling. This pilot suggests that dental nurses with additional duties may dedicate more time to preventive procedures than other dental professionals.