Make the workplace work for you
Featured Products Promotional FeaturesPosted by: Dental Design 9th December 2022
If you are a newly-graduated dental nurse, or are simply seeking to make a change and find a new opportunity, there are plenty of options available to you at the moment.
Every dental clinic will share a similar ethos – deliver exceptional care to every patient. However, it is also important to find a workplace that aligns with your values and provides you with what you need to succeed in your role.
Education
Firstly, skill development is a pivotal, and mandatory, part of dentistry. As all dental professionals are required to undertake enhanced continuing professional development (ECPD), finding a workplace that provides quality learning opportunities is paramount. A dental nurse’s scope of practice is comprehensive, encompassing additional skills in areas such as conscious sedation, intra- and extra-oral photography, cephalography, radiography and impression taking.[i] Some dental nurses may wish to move into management roles, too. Every dental nurse will have unique aspirations and it is important to choose a workplace that demonstrates their commitment to your improvement.
Support
Dentistry is a stressful vocation and a strong team is needed to help maintain high levels of patient care, especially in times of challenge. We cannot choose who we work with, or the types of patients we encounter, and so we may end up clashing with colleagues from time to time. This is a normal occurrence in most workplaces and issues can be resolved when there is a strong support system in place.
A study highlighted several factors that relate to job satisfaction in dental nurses, namely clear responsibilities between team members, suggested improvements being taken seriously and a good working environment.[ii] A workplace that operates on communication, respect and appreciation is one that will flourish. In your interview, be sure to ask questions and try to gain a clear image of the type of environment you will be working in.
Dental nurses are integral to dentistry and are often the ones who interact heavily with patients – before, during and after their visit to the clinic. As such, you may encounter difficult patients or those who are anxious and need that extra bit of care. When this occurs, a sturdy professional support system will ensure you have someone to turn to should you need advice or guidance.
Work/life balance
Research has supported the theory that a work/life balance can affect employee performance,[iii] and further studies have noted that issues with work/life balance and burnout are common in healthcare workers.[iv]
A good work/life balance is something that all workers strive to achieve, but it is not always easy – where you choose to work could make all the difference in striking your perfect balance.
Many workplaces will offer additional perks and flexible working options to help their dental nurses enjoy their personal time – this might come in the form of certain schemes, memberships or discounts. It is vital to assess what benefits are offered as part of your career package, so you can create an equilibrium between your personal and professional commitments.
Why choose us?
Here at Colosseum Dental UK, we ensure that all members of the team are more than just a number, but rather individuals who all have different needs and requirements – it is part of the reason why we have been certified a Great Place to Work.
Aside from our fantastic support systems, we also offer great opportunities for our dental nurses to progress in their careers, however that may look for each individual. We have also invested millions into our clinics, so our dental nurses have a state-of-the-art environment to work in.
Not only that, we provide some exciting added benefits too, including: a competitive salary package, your birthday day off, holiday purchase scheme and discounted gym membership, among plenty more. At Colosseum Dental UK, we know that our team need a strong support system in order to provide the best possible patient care, and we know this reflects in the benefits we offer.
To discover more about a career with us, get in touch today.
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For more information about Colosseum Dental, please visit https://www.colosseumdental.co.uk/careers/job-opportunities/dental-nurses
Or for an informal call, call our Head of Recruitment, Lee Catlin on 07936 358758
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[i] General Dental Council (2013). SCOPE OF PRACTICE GENERAL DENTAL COUNCIL. [online] Available at: https://www.gdc-uk.org/docs/default-source/scope-of-practice/scope-of-practice.pdf [Accessed 7 Sep. 2022].
[ii] Goetz, K., Hasse, P., Campbell, S.M., Berger, S., Dörfer, C.E., Hahn, K. and Szecsenyi, J. (2016). Evaluation of job satisfaction and working atmosphere of dental nurses in Germany. Community dentistry and oral epidemiology, [online] 44(1), pp.24–31. Available at: http://web.a.ebscohost.com/ehost/detail/detail?vid=12&sid=6b2bd13b-44db-4a7b-b69f-3214aba83141%40sdc-v-sessmgr01&bdata=JkF1dGhUeXBlPXNoaWImc2l0ZT1laG9zdC1saXZl#db=cmedm&AN=26190277 [Accessed 7 Sep. 2022].
[iii] Wiradendi Wolor, C. (2020). The Importance of Work-Life Balance on Employee Performance Millennial Generation in Indonesia. [online] papers.ssrn.com. Available at: https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=3717417 [Accessed 7 Sep. 2022].
[iv] Schwartz, S.P., Adair, K.C., Bae, J., Rehder, K.J., Shanafelt, T.D., Profit, J. and Sexton, J.B. (2019). Work-life balance behaviours cluster in work settings and relate to burnout and safety culture: a cross-sectional survey analysis. BMJ Quality & Safety, [online] 28(2), pp.142–150. Available at: https://qualitysafety.bmj.com/content/28/2/142.abstract [Accessed 7 Sep. 2022].
