Dental Nurse

NHS; Ipswich; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job description

To be part of a wider dental team providing dental nurse support and work alongside dentists, dental therapists/hygienists, receptionists in the care of service users. This will include assisting in the full range of dental care provided to service users of the dental service from supporting with routine examinations to advanced specialist treatments.

Main duties of the job

Main Duties and Responsibilities Clinical:

1. Welcoming and receiving service users into the dental service.
2. Reassure service users and explain dental procedures especially when there may be communication difficulties.
3. Monitor, support and reassure service users through relevant behavioural techniques.
4. Monitor service users, identify any complications and take the necessary actions consistent with agreed local and national protocols.
5. Record treatment, for example, baseline charting, clinical treatments and periodontal charting from the dental operator’s instructions.
6. Undertake reception duties when required e.g., greeting service users, answering the telephone, making appointments, explaining service user charges and collecting service user charges.
7. Liaise with the dental team, senior leaders and wider colleagues to maintain the effective running of the dental service.
8. In collaboration with the wider dental team decide when service users need to be seen urgently.
9. Anticipate the operator’s requirements across a broad range of clinical procedures; practising four-handed dentistry to improve speed, efficiency and comfort for the service user.
10. Assist the operator in organising the day's activities.
11. Monitor day lists and appointment diary and update as necessary.
12. Prepare the surgery for use at the beginning of the session and clear up at the end of the session.
13. Arrange for the timely supply of materials and laboratory work.
14. Prepare filling and impression materials, instruments, equipment, dressings and syringes as requested by the dental operator.
15. Use equipment such as hand instruments, aspiration equipment, etc., in a manner which minimises the risk of cross infection or soft tissue injury.
16. Maintain hand pieces, aspirators and other equipment.
17. Utilise keyboard skills for data entry on dental software programme.
18. Give oral health and diet advice in line with evidence based national guidelines i.e., DH Delivering Better Oral Health.
19. Assist the dental operator in the provision of dental treatment and to supervise the service user until they are fit to leave the dental service.
20. Provide pre-operative and post-operative instructions for service users in agreement with the operator.
21. Accompany dental team members on outreach visits, as required and assist them throughout treatment.
22. Undertake general clerical duties including dealing with petty cash, the collection/banking of service users’ payments, selling dental aids to the public and to balance all monies received at the end of the day.
23. Assist with the ordering of general and pharmaceutical supplies and processing documentation for payment.
24. Demonstrate own activities or workplace routines to new or less experienced staff in own work area.
25. Record treatment i.e., includes baseline charting, clinical treatments and periodontal charting from the operator’s instructions.
26. Decontaminate and handle instruments often contaminated with blood, saliva and debris in line with infection control guidance.
27. Maintain an aseptic working environment throughout and clear up at the end of the session ensuring that high standards are maintained.

Professionalism, Leadership and Management:

1. To be responsible for promoting the Organisation’s values and high-performance standards both individually and as a team, in the achievement of our strategic objectives and priorities.
2. Act within the General Dental Council’s (GDC) ethical guidance and standards commensurate to that of a dental professional.
3. To build a strong external image of clinical excellence for the organisation and create opportunities to enhance the profile of the social enterprise and its services, ensuring high social responsibility.
4. Act within other professional laws and systems including Health and Safety, Freedom of Information Act and Data Protection Legislation.
5. Observe all policies and procedures and maintain the Staff Confidentiality Code of Conduct at all times.
6. Follow and implement clinical policies and procedures to comply with legislation.
7. Apply safe working practices and take responsibility for own actions.
8. Support other members of the dental and wider healthcare team in the interest of service users.
9. Demonstrate a commitment to lifelong learning through education, training and practice against agreed occupational standards and in accordance with GDC guidance.
10. Apply an evidence-based approach to learning, practice, clinical judgement and decision making and utilise critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
11. Take responsibility for personal development planning and reflective practice.
12. Maintain professional behaviour and appearance, including being punctual and polite.
13. Effectively manage own time and resources.

The duties of this post may vary from time to time as a result of new legislation, changes in technology or policy changes. In this case, appropriate training may be given to the post holder to undertake this new varied work.

About us

The University of Suffolk Dental Community Interest Company (CIC) is an exciting and innovative collaboration between the University of Suffolk and the Suffolk and North-East Essex Integrated Care Board, seeking to provide high-quality NHS dental services to the population of Suffolk through the brand new, state of the art clinical facilities situated on the scenic Ipswich Waterfront. Embracing the latest technology and innovation, the facility will offer fully equipped surgeries, intraoral cameras, digital radiography, and access to CBCT diagnostics. As a new provider of NHS dental care in the region the CIC is well-placed to offer ordinary dental care delivered with extraordinary care. Our ethos is all about enabling dental care, improving oral health by increasing access to dental services and at the same time providing opportunities for those starting or continuing a dental career in the East of England. In line with current good practice and optimum care, an opportunity to deliver person-centred care with a focus on prevention, stabilisation, and disease management.

Job responsibilities

We want you to be amazing!

Would you like to make a difference and fulfil your greatest potential? We have exciting opportunities to advance your career and expand your skills in a supportive and progressive environment.

Come and join our amazing team in our brand new state-of-the-art dental facility and truly make a difference to the local people in Suffolk and North East Essex.

We are a new and innovative Dental Social Enterprise and unique partnership with the University of Suffolk and Suffolk and North East Essex Integrated Care Board that truly wants to make a difference to people through the delivery of accessible NHS dental care. We are a purpose-led and values driven organisation. Our mission is clear, we are here to deliver ‘ordinary dental care delivered with extraordinary care.’

The University of Suffolk Dental CIC represents a step-change in dental care in Suffolk and North East Essex and we are looking for passionate, talented people to join us.

Work for a social enterprise with a people-first culture. We care about the wellbeing of our people and know you have lives beyond the workplace, we offer a flexible suite of benefits, these include:

• Generous Annual Leave entitlement
• Continuous Professional Development & Training Opportunities
• Family Friendly Policies
• Flu vaccinations for staff
• Uniform
• State-of-the art dental facilities
• DBS check fully funded

We celebrate and promote equity, diversity & inclusion and encourage the unique contributions of all our dental team that drive our success.

About You

• Significant experience working as a dental nurse in a variety of settings.
• Personable, highly motivated, flexible, reliable, and organised.
• Ability to keep calm and professional in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong teamwork ability with an enthusiastic attitude.
• Must be fully immunised.
• Must maintain professional indemnity and registration with the GDC.

Join us in building a Dental Social Enterprise that is transforming dental care, so it’s fit for a changing and modern world. Be a part of a team that positively impacts the lives of local people and communities through collaboration and innovation – APPLY TODAY!!

Person Specification

Education and Qualifications

• Good standard of education to GCSE level or equivalent.
• National Diploma in Dental Nursing Level 3 or equivalent.
• Registered with the General Dental Council.
• Certificate in Dental Radiography.
• NEBDN Oral Health Education (or equivalent) OR Certificate in Extended duties.
• Willing to work towards at least one of the above qualifications.

Knowledge and Experience

• Significant experience working as a dental nurse in a variety of settings.
• To demonstrate evidence of Continuing Professional Development.
• Experience of working in the field of general anaesthesia and sedation.
• Experience of domiciliary treatment.

Skills/other

• Good organisation and written communication skills.
• Ability to empathise, reassure and support service users.
• Familiar with dental software and computer package(s).
• Knowledge and competent use of Microsoft Office programmes.
• Ability to work on own initiative with manager/clinician available for advice and guidance.
• Take responsibility for making appropriate safeguarding referrals via the Safeguarding Lead and provide guidance for others to do so.
• Demonstrate understanding and commitment to equal opportunities, equity, and the promotion of cultural competency.
• Ability and willingness to travel.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.