Dental Healthcare Assistant

Job overview

Liverpool University Dental Hospital provides dental care to patients across all specialities incorporating undergraduate, postgraduate and specialist service activity. Under the supervision and direction of a Registered Dental Nurse, the post holder will assist the department team in providing the highest possible standard of basic care for patients and their families/carer.

Main duties of the job

• Carry out assigned tasks in delivering and supporting direct patient care, under the direction of a registered Dental Nurse, to ensure delivery of high quality patient care
• Assist the registered Dental Nurse and where appropriate other members of the clinical team to deliver patient care including the preparation of instruments/materials
• Contribute to the effective delivery of dental nursing care, in a supporting role to the registered Dental Nurse, is provided to patients and that an acceptable standard is maintained
• Report observed changes in the clients’ physical/psychological needs and participate in maintaining accurate and up-to-date records to ensure effective communication
• Provision of patient’s toileting needs, ensuring privacy and dignity is maintained
• Support of patients in managing incontinence
• Carry out any movement and handling within the safe practice guidelines from mandatory training and in relation to the patient’s manual handling plan
• Obtaining specimens from patients for ward or laboratory testing
• Escorting patients to clinical departments within the hospital
• General observations of patients, reporting anything untoward to Registered Dental Nursing Staff
• Initiate Basic Life Support techniques as appropriate and provides assistance to the dental team as required in prolonged resuscitation situations
• Ensure due regard is given to customs, values and spiritual beliefs of patients and carers
• Maintain patient confidentiality

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

• Participate in cross departmental cover when required
• Support all individuals through effective communication
• Co-operate with and maintain good relationships with other disciplines that are attending and treating clients to maximise patient care
• Maintain good relationships and an empathic approach to dental patient’s carers and relatives and refer them to a registered Dental Nurse for any questions they may have on the patient’s condition or for any suggestions or concerns that they wish to raise
• Adhere to departmental procedures for the use of supplies and equipment in order to promote the effective and efficient use of resources.
• Share responsibility for key aspects of housekeeping and stock control, demonstrating a good awareness of cost efficiency and thus contributing to the smooth running of the department
• General bed making/making up of clean beds in readiness for new day case admissions (Refer to policy for the care of mattresses and beds)
• Clear and clean vacated dental chairs/beds and prepare ready for use according to the department protocol
• Prepare used linen bags for collection by Porters and ensure adequate supply of linen bags/skips ready for use
• Assist in maintaining a clean and safe environment in all areas
• Safe disposal of clinical waste and sharps as per Trust policy
• Be familiar with Trust policy and procedure for reporting clinical incidents, reporting of incidents if they occur
• Provide support and assistance to new and junior members of staff
• Supports members of the nursing team in the management of abusive and aggressive behaviour with supervision
• Contribute to the Health, Safety and Security of individuals Clerical Duties
• Undertake a range of clerical duties in the absence of or in support of the department administrative team to ensure a smooth-running service, this may involve:
• Supporting the registered nurse/clinician in recording patient information such as height/weight
• Reception/telephone duties • Basic computer skills
• Obtaining case notes/x-rays
• Complete maintenance repair forms  * The post holder shall as necessary, provide cover for and undertake duties of absent colleagues.

* The post holder shall follow all the policies and procedures of the organisation.

*This post requires an enhanced Criminal Records Bureau check (CRB)