A Day in the Life of a Dental Nurse

Hey there!

I’m Maya, a dental nurse at the practice, and I’d love to share what a typical day looks like for me. My day usually starts around 8:00 am when I arrive at the practice and head straight for the treatment rooms. The first thing I do is check the schedule for the day so I can plan out my tasks. I make sure the rooms are clean and set up for the procedures ahead.

Cleaning is a key part of my day – I always start by ensuring that everything is sterilised and ready to go. This includes making sure all instruments are cleaned, properly stored, and sterilised according to the practice’s infection control policies. I also wipe down surfaces, restock supplies like gloves, masks, and dental materials, and make sure everything’s in order.

Once the room is set up, I assist the dentist with various treatments. Whether it’s helping to pass instruments, taking X-rays, or prepping materials for a filling, I’m constantly on my feet and ready to help. Between patient appointments, I’ll make sure everything is re-sterilised and the next treatment room is prepared.

I spend a fair amount of time chatting to patients too – calming their nerves, explaining what’s going to happen next, and making sure they’re comfortable. After all, it’s not just about the technical side of the job, it’s also about creating a positive patient experience.

At the end of the day, I make sure the treatment rooms are thoroughly cleaned, instruments sterilised, and all records updated before I clock out.