Dental Nurse
Job Description
JOB TITLE: Dental Nurse
TEAM: Health Services
REPORTS TO: Dental Officer
JOB PURPOSE:
To assist chair-side with the Dental Officer during Restorative, Periodontal, Orthodontic, Prosthetic and surgical treatments and laboratory work.
To carry out administrative duties including reception, ordering of materials, payments.
To maintain the cleanliness of the surgery/clinic and ensure the correct method of decontamination and sterilisation of instruments and equipment.
THIS ROLE WILL BE SUBJECT TO AN ENHANCED CRIMINAL RECORDS CHECK
MAIN DUTIES
To assist with duties requested by the Dental Officer during and after patient treatments.
To act as the Infection Control Lead Dental Nurse being responsible for the Decontamination and sterilisation of Dental equipment and instruments, decontamination of the surgery and maintain the Q.A. programme for sterilisation equipment.
Assist with laboratory work.
Keep patient records updated, manage the appointment book and prepare appointments for distribution.
Provide secretarial support for the Dental Officer.
Check and maintain stock levels appropriately and assist with ordering of materials.
Prepare laboratory items for mailing to the UK.
Prepare and distribute invoices for fee-paying patients.
Maintain cash account.
Assist with school visits to carry out check-ups with the Dental Officer.
During the absence on leave of the Dental Officer and until such time as a locum dental officer is in place, the dental nurse will be required to manage the clinic with regard to answering emails, telephone calls and general enquiries. The dental nurse will need to make appointments and be available to advise walk-in patients.
To undertake any other related duties within your scope of practice that may be required by the Dental Officer.
Assist with accurate record keeping and completion of various dental audits throughout the year.
Play an active role as an oral health educator in promoting good oral health advice in the clinic and when required in the community in the prevention of dental disease.
To act as a first aider in the workplace.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Work in a professional manner as stated in the Professional Code of Conduct, (NMC).
Maintain the health and safety of patients at all times.
Maintain the patients’ confidentiality at all times.
Maintain a high quality of patient care using evidence-based practice.
Treat patients politely, keeping their dignity and privacy. Respect patients’ views, making sure that personal belief does not prejudice their care.
Practice in accordance with protocols and guidelines set by doctors and nurses, using Department of Health guidelines.
Assist in maintaining resources to a high standard.
Responsible for own professional development using reflective practice and Continuing Professional Development.
Participate in in-service training and attend any training, to keep up-to-date with current practices, recognising the limits of one’s professional competence.
Play an active role in health promotion activities to the community, participating in the prevention of disease.