Dental caries remains one of the most common yet preventable chronic conditions affecting children worldwide, despite strong evidence supporting preventive dentistry; oral health inequalities persist, particularly among children from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds. Addressing this challenge requires not only effective clinical interventions but also a strategic re-evaluation of how preventive care is delivered within everyday dental practice.This book presents a comprehensive scoping review of global evidence examining the roles of dental nurses in oral health promotion to prevent dental caries in children within general dental practices.

Drawing on international literature and guided by the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology, the book systematically maps the preventive activities undertaken by dental nurses, including fluoride varnish application, oral health education, supervised toothbrushing, dietary counselling, and behavioural change interventions.The findings reveal that dental nurses are well-positioned to support prevention-focused models of care, yet their roles remain inconsistently defined and underutilised across healthcare systems.

While evidence from high-income countries-particularly the United Kingdom-demonstrates promising outcomes, significant gaps remain in research quality, geographic representation, and long-term evaluation.Written for dental professionals, educators, policymakers, and public health practitioners, this book provides an evidence-informed foundation for strengthening the role of dental nurses in preventive dentistry.

It highlights opportunities for workforce development, policy reform, and future research to reduce oral health inequalities and improve outcomes for children worldwide.Thank you