Dental Hygienist

Job overview

The post holder will work on outpatient clinics providing care under the supervision of Consultants and carry out active treatment plans for patients to prescriptions. They include patients with a range of periodontal conditions mainly moderate to severe periodontitis, but also including patients undergoing multidisciplinary care for oral cancer, hypodontia and cleft palate, orthodontic treatment and management of peri-implant diseases. He/She is accountable for his/her own actions within the guidance set out by the General Dental Council within the Scope of Practice document. The post holder is responsible for contributing to the clinical management of patients, working in collaboration with Consultants in order to improve patient care. They are responsible for maintaining high standards of clinical care with reference to relevant research and evidence-based practice. They maintain their own standard of practice and keep up to date adhering to CPD and appraisal protocols.

This post is for two days (15 hours); one of preferred days is a Thursday however this can be discussed at interview.

Main duties of the job

• To undertake all aspects of non-surgical periodontal therapy and other prescribed treatments as below, underpinned by appropriate training and usually assisted by a dental nurse.
• Advising and instructing patients on oral hygiene measures and diet and Smoking cessation advice.
• Periodontal indices, charting and reassessment.
• Scaling and root surface debridement of teeth, application of appropriate medicaments.
• Appropriate use of local analgesia for treatment.
• Application of topical fluorides.
• Making of impressions for study models.
• Re-cementing crowns (lost during dental hygiene treatment only).
• Replacement of a filling removed during dental hygiene treatment with temporary cement.
• Such other procedures as may be required in order to comply with any future regulations governing the work of Dental Hygienists.
• Manage own clinics and appointments, liaising with patients, clerical staff and Clinical Lead to ensure the care pathway is well organised.
• Monitor and ensure cleanliness and infection prevention/control measures are adhered to.
• Report any untoward incidents in accordance with Trust policy.
• Maintain up to date records and ensure that confidentiality is respected at all times.
• Maintain a commitment to improving the quality of service provided.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

• Maintain a commitment to improving the quality of service provided.
• Keep fully conversant with resuscitation techniques, attending annual mandatory training. (BLS/ILS).
• Safely use equipment ensuring all instruments and equipment in suitable condition prior to patient use.
• Adheres to Trust policy on manual handling, participating in mandatory training.
• Ensures effective and efficient use of resources.
• Assist in the development of clinical policies, protocols and clinical pathways and evaluate patient outcomes.
• Utilise 1st line resolution skills to deal with complaints and liaise with management team as required.
• Comply with the GDC Professional Standards, Scope of Practice and registration annually with the General Dental Council.
• Maintain annual registration with General Dental Council.
• Demonstrate a commitment to Professional Development.
• Identify and promote innovative ideas regarding the provision of care pathways.
• Establish and maintain communication links with the multidisciplinary team within the Dental Hospital.
• Participate in annual appraisal and develop skills and knowledge in line with agreed objectives.
• Undertake appropriate additional training to enhance clinical competence and knowledge.
• Participate in departmental Restorative Dentistry meetings as required and provide feedback as appropriate.
• At all times respect patient confidentiality and in particular, the confidentiality of electronically stored personal/manual data, in line with the requirements of the Data Protection Act.
• Assist in teaching of staff and students as required.
• Undertake mandatory training within required timescales, meet training requirements and achieve timely update.
• Undertake relevant courses to continuously develop knowledge & skills.
• The post holder will be required to communicate across organisational boundaries as required