Dental Nurse

Job responsibilities

Cambridgeshire Community Services NHS Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Job Purpose

The duties of the Dental Nurse are designed to maintain clinical and professional standards within the practice by working productively within a team.

We offer comprehensive treatment for vulnerable groups subject to their meeting the service eligibility criteria which includes children with social, behavioural and emotional problems, adults with physical and learning disabilities or complex medical problems and disadvantaged groups such as those whose disabilities mean that they need to be seen in a domiciliary setting. This may involve the additional use of sedation or general anaesthesia when appropriate.

We also provide an Emergency Service, IV sedation and a Minor Oral Surgery service in some of our locations.

Some of these patients may exhibit challenging behaviour.

Dental HealthCare operates from several locations across Cambridge, Peterborough and Suffolk. On occasions the post holder may at times be expected to cover sickness/holiday at another location within a reasonable distance from your base.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Nature of work:

• Chair-side assistance for the dentist. Speed and accuracy will be required during all procedures with little or no margin for error. Preparation of filling / Impression materials, anticipating requirements of the clinician and patient. Observing and supporting the patient during treatment. You are there to always chaperone the dentist and be prepared to act as a witness.
• Follow Trust/Local infection control procedures to ensure high standards of patient safety.
• You must have a broad knowledge of health and safety issues is required e.g., COSHH, RIDDOR, sharps injuries.

Assist the dentist during the taking of x-rays, participate in quality assurance.

If appropriate, advise the patient/parent/carer on principals of oral hygiene as directed by the dental officer.

Follow medicine management procedures in line with Trust policy.

Planning and Organisation

• Responsibility for the efficient and smooth day to day running of the surgery involving good dexterity skills and accuracy during procedures for the mixing of materials and the handling of fine instruments.
• Use judgmental and analytical skills to anticipate the needs of clinicians and patients. Be prepared for any eventuality e.g., changes in planned treatment, medical emergencies, and act promptly to deal with these.
• Maintenance of stock levels, re-ordering as necessary
• Have a good knowledge of all dental equipment, its uses and its basic maintenance e.g., chair and suction units, sterilizers, handpieces, etc.
• Have sound knowledge of the decontamination and sterilisation procedures in line with HTM01-05
• Provide administrative and nursing support when requested for organising and delivering epidemiology survey.
• Carry out extended duties within your scope of practice.
• Reception cover/administrative duties when required.
• Interpreting as necessary the needs of both patients and clinicians enabling situations to be dealt with promptly and efficiently.
• Administrative management of day surgery general anaesthetic lists, including booking appointments and ensuring all necessary paperwork is complete. Liaise with day surgery staff, problem solving. Attend and ensure the smooth running of the list, setting up and clearing away and assisting the dentist.
• Most of our patients require a lot of emotional support to persuade them to accept treatment. It must be recognised that anxiety can often be displayed as aggression.
• Knowledge of computer use is essential for input of patient data, treatment planning, payment transactions and other services.
• Collection of charges as appropriate.
• Cashing up/banking, recording all necessary details
• Collating petty cash
• On occasions, work independently managing the department administration and giving appropriate advice when necessary.
• Always maintain patient confidentiality
• Contribute to the Trusts internal communication strategies ensuring effective two-way communication and engagement within the organisation.
• Contribute to the Trusts external communication strategies working with the Head of Communications to raise awareness and promote the reputation of the Trusts services.
• Adhere to all Trust/local policies and procedures.

Communication

Liaise and communicate with patients, carers, healthcare professionals, laboratory personnel, other departments, management teams etc.

Liaising with external organisations hospitals, laboratories, contractors when required

• Knowledge of computer use is essential for input of patient data, treatment planning, payment transactions and other services.
• Pro-active in collecting patient feedback after each patient interaction.
• Always maintain patient confidentiality
• Contribute to the Trusts internal communication strategies ensuring effective two-way communication and engagement within the organisation.
• Contribute to the Trusts external communication strategies working with the Head of Communications to raise awareness and promote the reputation of the Trusts services.

Budgetary Responsibility

• Ordering of stationery, materials and equipment, maintaining in-house stock control within own capabilities.
• Handles cash from sale of oral hygiene products and patient income.

People Management

1. Supports colleagues, trainees, and agency staff to ensure that they are able to carry out their day-to-day duties.

2. Supports local induction and training for new and existing staff members.

3. ...