Dental Healthcare Assistant

NHS University Hospitals of Liverpool Group; Liverpool; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider in Liverpool is seeking a proactive Dental Assistant to assist in providing high-quality patient care. The role involves supporting the dental team, maintaining patient confidentiality, and ensuring a clean and safe environment. Successful candidates will have strong communication skills and the ability to assist with clerical duties as needed. This is a fantastic opportunity for those wanting to grow in the healthcare field.

Benefits

Equal opportunities employer

Qualifications

• Must participate in cross departmental cover when required.
• Good communication skills to support patients and colleagues.
• Basic computer skills for clerical duties.

Responsibilities

• Assist in delivering direct patient care under supervision.
• Maintain cleanliness and safety of the environment.
• Participate in clerical duties for smooth service operation.

Skills

Communication

Basic Life Support

Patient Care

Job description

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.

The key responsibilities of the role include:

• 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 patients 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 patients 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

The post holder will also be required to participate in cross departmental cover when required, support all individuals through effective communication, and co-operate with and maintain good relationships with other disciplines that are attending and treating clients to maximise patient care.

• 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 patients carers and relatives and refer them to a registered Dental Nurse for any questions they may have on the patients 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
• 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

The post holder will also be required to undertake a range of clerical duties in the absence of or in support of the department administrative team to ensure a smooth-running service.

• 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

Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust comprises Aintree University Hospital, Broadgreen Hospital & Royal Liverpool University Hospital. We are part of NHS University Hospitals of Liverpool Group, formed on 1 Nov 2024 from the coming together of LUHFT and Liverpool Womens NHS Foundation Trust.

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all sections of the community.