Dental Nursing National Diploma training: The Zimbabwe Academy of Dental Nursing (ZADENU)

Duties and Responsibilities

While Dental Surgery Assistants (DSAs) are not and should not be confused with being dentists nor assistant dentists, they are very valued and important healthcare professionals that work alongside dental specialists, dentists, dental therapists and oral hygienists in the treatment of patients, allowing for safe and effective oral healthcare delivery. In order to render safe oral healthcare, there is a global trend and need to professionalize Dental Surgery Assistants (DSAs), Dental Nurses or Chairside Dental Assistants (CDAs). Not only do they assist the dentist or other dental professionals during dental procedures, but also make note of any specific instructions or procedures to be communicated to the patient during or after the treatment. In many dental clinics or surgeries, the dental surgery assistant performs key duties related to working with patients. The job of a dental surgery assistant includes receiving patients, viewing charts, and beginning patient preparation. Often the assistant will make notes about performed procedures, progress, recommendations, and other subjects in the patient's charts. Dental Surgery assistants must ensure that surgical and dental instruments are properly cleaned and sterilized before procedures begin. Working with x-rays is common, as is processing items such as removable dental appliances, taking patient pre-and post-treatment photos and casts or impressions. While dental surgery assistants do not perform any actual surgery upon patients, they may be responsible for tasks such as checking vital signs or maintaining IV fluid flows during procedures.

The Zimbabwe Academy of Dental Nursing curriculum has a deliberate focus to make its graduates a community health worker who is multi-skilled and not be confined to only community oral health promotion but also to offer integrated health promotion in the areas of Mother and Child education, child care, HIV/AIDS prevention, palliative care, nutrition information, hygiene and sanitation education etc.