Job summary
We are looking for talented Qualified Dental Nurses to work as part of a team providing essential out of hours emergency dental care to patients. This will include assisting chairside as well as a high level of clinical assessment and pharmacy/analgesic advice
Undertake definitive clinical telephone assessment (triage) of patients with dental patient calls using the SDCEP proficient in the use of all dental equipment including all performance checks and identifying maintenance up and close down of surgeries following infection control available fine instruments and materials for clinical use, have a thorough knowledge of all instruments, equipment and materials used. Constantly having to interpret the needs of both patients and clinicians and be able to deal with them promptly and the Dental Officer with the patient care including suction, mixing materials and passing instruments. This requires manipulation of fine tools and materials which will be contaminated throughout the procedure, passing of sharps between the Dental Officer and the nurse.
Main duties of the job
1. To provide definitive clinical telephone assessment (triage) of patients
2. To provide chair side Dental Nurse support to the dentists delivering emergency pain treatment
3. To provide decontamination and infection control duties and ensure all areas are cleaned and sterilised in accordance with HTM01-5 regulations during Out of Hours sessions
About us
We have in excess of 5000 staff working over 50 sites, providing a diverse range of services. We strive to support an organisational culture that is welcoming, builds and celebrates inclusivity and diversity and provides a sense of belonging and trust.
The annual NHS Staff Surveygives our people the opportunity to tell us about their experience working at the Trust. For the 2023 survey just over 2800 colleagues gave us their views ( It was great to see from the results that colleagues are saying that:
4. believe they are making a positive difference to patients/service users;
5. would recommend the organisation as a place to work;
6. agree that care of patients and service users is the organisations priority;
7. would be happy with the standard of care for a friend or relative
Our results put us as 5th nationally as a Community, Mental Health and Learning Disabilities NHS Employer of Choice and 1st equal amongst all NHS Provider Trusts in the South West. However, we know we have more to do and will continue to drive forward our commitment to making GHC a Great Place to Work.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Answer all calls from the general public in an efficient and courteous manner.
Accurately recording, checking or amending details on the call dental software system.
Complete training in the recognition of and assistance during medical emergencies, Anaphylaxis, epileptic fit, cardiac arrest, shock.
Make sure Emergency Drug Box available during all clinical sessions.
Constant monitoring of patient in the event of a medical emergency.
Undertake CPR with dentist in the event of a medical emergency.
Close down of surgery each day which includes sealing and removal of contaminated waste in clinical waste bags.
Handle patients, stock and equipment following manual handling techniques laid down by the Trust.
Process radiographs using toxic chemicals and mounting x-rays, responsible for accurate labelling and filing of x-rays.
Ensure that all records are available when required including medical history forms and x-rays etc.
Ensure to have an understanding of patient charges and exemptions and ensures that these are appropriately recorded.
Undertake reception duties as required including handling card and cash payments and end of day banking processes.
File and retrieve any patient related information on computer and on paper records.
The qualification, training & experience requirements for the role are underlined in the Job Description/Person Specification.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
8. National Qualification in Dental Nursing
9. Registration with the General Dental Council
Experience
Essential
10. Experienced in Dental Triage
11. Ability to manage medical emergencies in the dental surgery
Desirable
12. Experience of working in an out of hours dental service