Out of Hours Dental Nurse

Job overview

This role is offered on a fixed term/secondment basis for 12 months. The hours are part-time 12 hours per month.

Internal applicants who wish to be considered for a secondment opportunity should discuss with their line manager the suitability of a possible secondment

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 symptoms.

Triage patient calls using the SDCEP guidance.

Be proficient in the use of all dental equipment including all performance checks and identifying maintenance issues.

Set up and close down of surgeries following infection control guidelines. Make 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 efficiently.

Assist 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

• To provide definitive clinical telephone assessment (triage) of patients
• To provide chair side Dental Nurse support to the dentists delivering emergency pain treatment
• 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 session

The qualification, training & experience requirements for the role are underlined in the Job Description/Person Specification.

Detailed job description and main 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, e.g. 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.
• This role is not eligible for sponsorship as per the Government’s UK VISA and Immigration Rules and Regulations. For more information please visit https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration/work-visas

Applicant requirements

You must have appropriate UK professional registration.

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.