The role of extended duties dental nurses in applying fluoride varnish for the prevention and control of dental caries.
The role of extended duties dental nurses (EDDNs) in undertaking preventive dental care has provided an opportunity for their direct involvement in patient care, both at an individual patient level and as part of a population wide health improvement initiative. The article describes the developing role of the dental nurse in the clinical application of fluoride varnish, with associated evidence of effectiveness for the prevention and control of dental caries. The use of fluoride varnish as being central to caries preventive programmes for individual patients judged at risk of future dental caries is considered. A Scottish dental public health initiative which utilizes these extended skills and the benefits of fluoride varnish application is described.


CONCLUSIONS
This paper illustrates how EDDNs can help to foster a greater team approach to overall patient care and preventive practice by applying fluoride varnish as part of an effective caries preventive programme.
NHS Health Scotland, Thistle House, 91 Haymarket Terrace, Edinburgh.
Colwyn M
CM
Jones
Alan
A
Walker
D002327:Cariostatic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D032022:Delegation, Professional; D003726:Dental Assistants / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D019140:Dental Care for Children; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005460:Fluorides, Topical / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans; D011313:Preventive Dentistry; D024382:Professional Role; D006113:United Kingdom; D000078329:Workforce
D002327:Cariostatic Agents; D005460:Fluorides, Topical