[Fifty years of dental nurse education in Finland]

The first training-course for dental nurses was arranged by the Finnish Dental Association in 1947-1948. Professional help was needed in dental offices in assisting the dentists, taking care of the patients, particularly children, and in cleaning the equipment. As early as 1922 the Scandinavian Dental Association had pointed out that "clinic sisters" would be needed in dental training centers, but the suggestion was not put into effect. The first nine-month curriculum for dental nurses already included all disciplines of dentistry. Lectures in pharmacology, bacteriology and first-aid were also given. Practical training was arranged at the Institute of Dentistry, University of Helsinki. The students further trained for three-week periods both at dental clinics and at privat dental offices. Nine students completed the course and received their diplomas at the end of May, 1948.