Dental Therapist

Dental Therapist - Band 6

The Whittington Health Community Dental Service treats vulnerable and special needs patients referred by local general dental practitioners and other health care professionals. The service operates from ten boroughs across NCL and NWL.

We are seeking applications from a qualified Dental Therapist to join our busy Community Dental Department. This is an ideal career opportunity for anyone who is looking for a challenging opportunity to develop their existing skills and further their career pathway.

The successful candidate will demonstrate a caring approach to patients, be well-organised, flexible in their approach to work, and have the ability to work well as part of a team as well as on their own. They must be forward-thinking, self-motivated, and able to motivate others within their team.

Main Duties of the Job

The post holder will join community dental teams providing care to children and adults who have poor oral health and difficulties in accessing or accepting dental care services. In addition to clinical care, the role may also involve epidemiological surveys and oral health promotion activities. The Dental Therapist will also have some administrative, clinical governance, and training duties as required by the Trust's Dental Services.

Job Responsibilities

1. Provide paediatric dental care to patients referred by community dentists. These patients may be dentally anxious, have special needs, and be from marginalised communities.
2. Provide dental care to adults with disabilities and special needs, including:
   • People with learning difficulties
   • People with mental health problems
   • People with physical disabilities or medical problems requiring special care
   • Frail older people and those with dementia
   • Housebound people
   • Homeless people
3. Manage the dental surgery to ensure that high-quality dental services are provided safely, effectively, and efficiently. This will involve day-to-day management of a Dental Nurse.
4. Provide clinical cover, when required, in health centres other than their base clinic.
5. Comply with evidence-based national and local guidelines, and standards of good dental practice.
6. Communicate appropriately and sensitively with patients, families, and carers, taking into consideration differences in language, ability, and culture.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• Dental Therapist qualification

Desirable

• Sedation trained
• A relevant postgraduate qualification
• A qualification in health/oral health promotion

Experience

Essential

• Experience of providing dental care to children and adults with special care needs
• Experience of working in primary dental care
• Experience of providing dental care to people with challenging behaviour

Desirable

• Experience of providing clinical care in the Community Dental Service
• Familiarity with SOEL Health software
• Experience of treating patients under inhalation sedation
• Experience of involvement in community-based oral health prevention and promotion programmes

Knowledge / Skills / Abilities

Essential

• Excellent communicator, verbal and written
• Computer literate
• Team player
• Good interpersonal skills
• Understanding of Clinical Governance
• Broad range of clinical skills in care of children and adults
• Ability to deal with patients' needs in a caring and sensitive manner
• Understanding of the aims of the service and what patients want from it
• Knowledge of oral health promotion and preventive strategies
• Knowledge of good practice, clinical developments, and evidence-based dentistry in dental therapy

Employer Details

Employer Name

Whittington Hospital NHS Trust

Address

NCL Camden/Islington/Haringey
N19 3YU