Fluoridation affects dental nursing

Press, Issue 32535, 19 February 1971, Page 6

Fluoridation affects dental nursing

The effects of fluoridation and increased education were changing the school dental nurse’s responsibilities, Dr J. F. Mann, principal of the Christchurch Teachers’ College, said yesterday.

The educational and preventative aspects of the work were being increasingly emphasised during training, he said in his address at the graduation ceremony of the Christchurch School for Dental Nurses.

“The desired result of your work will always remain the same, but the means of attaining it are changing considerably.’’ he said. Dr Mann said he had always been personally interested in the preparation of nurses for their work in schools. During training, nurses were given the opportunity to meet future patients in classes.

“This co-operation has been good for both institutions,” he said. “Perhaps in the future this could be extended.” Fine record The Christchurch School for Dental Nurses had a I reputation second to none. Its| graduates had a very fine record, the principal told the graduates. “I have no doubt you are as technically well prepared! as it is possible for a group of skilled teachers to make you. However, it’s not so easy to assess your readiness' and ability to meet the many other demands that will be made of you—mostly of a personal nature.”

The dental nurses would have a tremendous influence, favourable or unfavourable, on the children’s attitude to dental care. They would also colour the attitudes of preschool children to dental health, and school in general, he said. The dental clinic was associated with a school, where, apart from her dental supervisor, the dental nurse would

-find her closest professional support. “It’s essential that you see yourself as part of the school team,” said Dr Mann. “Most dental nurses do make the most of this association.” A dental nurse was expected to be something of a child psychologist; a teacher, and a public relations officer. Only by experience, and further learning, could she take full advantage of her training, he said. Dr Mann presented the medallions and certificates. The Directors’ Medallion, awarded to the top all-round graduate, was won by Nurse R. F. Barnes. The winner of the Canterbury branch of the New Zealand Dental Association’s Prize was Nurse R. M. Hodgkin. It was presented

by Mr H. B. Drinnan, president of the branch. It is awarded for the highest academic attainment. Graduates were: Nurses P. R. Baker, S. E. Barlow, R. F. Barnes, V. J. Bennett, D. R. Blair, M. A. Bly th, J. M. Bridgman (honours in clinial dentistry) V. R. Clossey, B. E. Copland, J. E. Crowhurst, G. M. Doak, R. T. Dorgan, E. W. Edgeler, B. F. Farqu-j har, C. R. Fraser, J. M. Gain, S. M. Gay, M. S. Gillick, B. A. Greenall (honours in theory), J. E. Hayman, A. L.| Hayward, P. J. Henderson, P. M. Hodgkin (honours in theory), H. A. Hore, C. J. Huntley, G. R. Johnston, B. D. Kermode (honours in clinical dentistry), C. J. Lloyd, E. A. Lloyd, R. B. Lochhead, D. E. Lyon, L. A. Maguire, J. M. Marshall, M. J. Martini, A. K. McDonagh, D. L. McQuillan, L. C. Megget, J. A. P. Mitchell, G. B. Norton, R. F. G. Norton, R. G. Odell (honours in clinical dentistry), A. L. Parish, C. L. Patton, K. J. Randal, A. P. Rickman, D. M. Robb, N. J. Rodgers, J. M.-Roper, J. E. Rusbatch, W. M. Russ, C. E. Sauer, -J. A. Scott, W. E. Sharp, M. A. Smith, B. N. Spencer, J. B. Timpson, B. D. Tull, R. A. Uhr, J. G. Ware, S. A.-Ware, G. M. Weir, L. J. Wright. Other speakers who addressed the graduates were Mt R. K. Logan, assistant director of the Division of Dental Health in Wellington, and the school’s external examiner, Mr D. J. Ferguson. The opening address was given by the principal, Dr R. B. Nevin.