Dental nurses in Trinidad and Tobago

ABSTRACT

The dental nurse training program in Trinidad and Tobago has made a substantial improvement in the dental operator to population ratio in the islands over the last 10 years. Nevertheless, the 66 dental nurses employed by the Government Dental Service are too few and are unevenly distributed both geographically and in relation to the child population. Further training of dental nurses, to expand the workforce, must be considered, taking into account the priorities for spending in the health care sector. The dental nurses play an important role in improving oral health education to children and pregnant women. An ungoing program of continuing education would help to ensure that their knowledge and skills are kept up to date. Some of the dental nurses encounter problems in their work which, if solved, could improve their efficiency and job satisfaction. These problems include maintenance and supply of equipment and materials. There is also scope for the dental nurse, dentist, and dental assistant to improve their teamwork. There is no doubt that the dental nurses training program has had a big impact on oral health services in Trinidad and Tobago, and expansion of this program is to be recommended. (AU)