Trainee Dental Nurse

This is a part time position in a busy private practice providing general dentistry, cosmetics, implants and related surgery, sedation and orthodontics. The practice is focused on high quality treatment and provides services on a referral basis. There are 4 surgeries and currently the team comprises 4 dentists and 2 hygienists plus 3 Front of House Staff. We also host and deliver various training courses for dental professionals.

To perform high quality dental nursing whilst assisting the dentists or therapist s/he has been appointed with, in a safe and effective manner in accordance with the ‘Code of Ethics’ of the British Association of Dental Nurses and the GDC requirements and recommendations to the dentists and their staff. The performance of these duties is under the reasonable directions of the Practice Manager, made known from time to time as appropriate

To establish and maintain productive working relationships with all members of the dental team

To ensure that the surgical areas and equipment are regularly cleaned and maintained, including aspiration systems and autoclaves, paying all due attention to relevant legal and ethical codes, in addition to the practice policy in respect of cross infection control and Health & Safety

To keep accurate records and ensure the recording methods are used in line with agreed practice policy, current medico-legal guidelines and recommendations from official bodies

To liaise with the Managing Partner on all matters concerning administration, pay and service conditions. • Support and participate in practice meetings, KPI’s and RQIA

Maintain a professional look at all times, in line with our Uniform and PPE Polices

To assist at reception and perform other clerical duties if required.

Key Tasks: Surgery: • Set-up and prepare the surgery for the type of patient and treatment planned before the start of each session • Undertake necessary start up and end of day tests, keeping all necessary recordings in accordance with HTM 01-05 guidelines • Prepare the necessary materials and instruments • Provide clinical assistance to the dentists/therapist while treating the patient, under his/her supervision • Take all reasonable methods to ensure patient comfort • Continually interpret the needs of the patients and dentists or therapist, and deal with them promptly and efficient • Assist in the correct procedure for dental radiography including processing and mounting, following IR (ME)R 2000 and I.R.R. guidelines at all times • Ensure safe disposal of sharps and clinical waste • Check patients medical history information is up to date and advise the dentists or therapist of any problems s/he has noted • Chart and update patients records on the computer as necessary, and assist the dentists or therapist in the completion of records • Clean and sterilise all equipment/instruments and
working surfaces to the required standards at the end of each session, including the sterilising room • To make certain that an efficient link with the dental laboratory is upheld to prevent delays in the dispatch and receipt of work • Follow all practice policies and procedures • Follow Health & Safety Codes, C.O.S.H.H and R.I.D.D.O.R. guidelines at all times, including when taking x-rays, handling mercury, disposing of sharps and clinical waste, resuscitation, emergency procedures and fire drill • Comply all dental ethical guidelines including all rules on confidentiality, Data Protection and Safeguarding Protection • Report equipment failures or breakages to the Practice Manager, so that action may be taken to remedy any defects • Monitor and maintain stocks within the dental surgery as necessary, informing the Practice Manager and liaising with the dentists and therapist over necessary orders, and warning of any shortages of materials in the stores • To maintain and increase competence in nursing skills by actively following a programme of Continuous Professional Development (CPD) • Perform any other tasks as reasonably requested by the Managing Partner and the front of house team. • Communicate appropriately and sensitively with patients who may be fearful, vulnerable, have sensitive concerns or have special needs i.e. physical and learning difficulties, elderly, deaf, blind or for who English is not their first language • Assist in the care of a patient during a medical or dental emergency • Undertake all mandatory training courses and maintain statutory obligation • To carry out any other duties requested by the employer to ensure that patients receive a high quality of patient care. To be flexible with your duties to ensure the smooth running of the practice. Reception: • Meet and greet patients with a professional friendly manner • Answer telephone calls and queries, booking , changing or cancelling appointments as necessary • Ensure that reception runs smoothly • Keep a record of daily taking, as well as update patients finance records on the computer system • Cash up after the morning and afternoon session daily, and check that it coincides with the daily takings, record and file as necessary • Complete necessary daily checklist Business Planning/Training, • Meet regularly with Practice Members to discuss aspects of the service and to consider improvements. • Contribute to agreed business objectives happen, and monitor achievements. • Support allocations from all staff on the marketing plan. • Maintain awareness of new developments and dental techniques, which may involve attending courses and/or training, and ensure that this information is passed onto to the other Practice Members. Practice Management • Have sufficient knowledge to competently carry out the following procedures; taking money from patients, banking. • Ensure that medical and emergency procedures, fire procedures and safeguarding are all followed carefully. Sedation training is an advantage and formal train ing with SAAD or equivalent would be an advantage.
Normal pay rate £10 per hour.