Dental Nurse

Cambridgeshire Community Services Nhs Trust; Cambridgeshire and Peterborough; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare trust in Cambridgeshire is seeking a skilled Dental Assistant to provide chair-side support to the dentist and ensure high standards of patient care. The role requires compliance with health and safety regulations, management of dental equipment, and a commitment to maintaining professional registration. Opportunities for flexible working hours and professional development are offered.

Benefits

Flexible working hours

Pension

Generous leave

Qualifications

• Must be registered with GDC.
• Experience in dental procedures and patient care.
• Ability to manage medical emergencies.

Responsibilities

• Assist the dentist during treatments and procedures.
• Ensure compliance with infection control procedures.
• Maintain stock levels and manage dental equipment.

Skills

Chair-side assistance

Health and safety knowledge

Good dexterity skills

Tools

Dental equipment

Job description

Driven by our Trust values: Honesty, Empathy, Ambition, Respect; the Trust's vision is to provide high quality care to the diverse communities we serve to make their lives better.

We are passionate about creating an inclusive workplace that promotes and values diversity. Our cultural diversity, long term conditions and disabilities, and LGBTQIA+ staff networks are a key part of this commitment, creating positive change and helping build an inclusive culture across the Trust.

Different ideas, experiences and backgrounds make us stronger and more creative and applications from all walks of life are welcomed - our processes ensure that all applicants are treated fairly at every stage of the recruitment process.

Options for flexible working are considered for all roles within CCS, including job share opportunities, compressed hours, annualised hours, tailored working patterns and more. If you are interested in flexible working, please talk to the recruiting manager for this vacancy.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Chair-side assistance for the dentist. Speed and accuracy will be required during all procedures with little or no margin for error. Preparation of filling / Impression materials, anticipating requirements of the clinician and patient. Observing and supporting the patient during treatment. You are there to always chaperone the dentist and be prepared to act as a witness.

Follow Trust/Local infection control procedures to ensure high standards of patient safety.

You must have a broad knowledge of health and safety issues is required e.g., COSHH, RIDDOR, sharps injuries.

Assist the dentist during the taking of x-rays, participate in quality assurance.

If appropriate, advise the patient/parent/carer on principals of oral hygiene as directed by the dental officer.

Follow medicine management procedures in line with Trust policy.

Planning and Organisation

Responsibility for the efficient and smooth day to day running of the surgery involving good dexterity skills and accuracy during procedures for the mixing of materials and the handling of fine instruments.

Use judgmental and analytical skills to anticipate the needs of clinicians and patients. Be prepared for any eventuality e.g., changes in planned treatment, medical emergencies, and act promptly to deal with these.

Maintenance of stock levels, re-ordering as necessary.

Have a good knowledge of all dental equipment, its uses and its basic maintenance e.g., chair and suction units, sterilizers, handpieces, etc.

People Management

• Supports colleagues, trainees, and agency staff to ensure that they are able to carry out their day-to-day duties.
• Supports local induction and training for new and existing staff members.
• Act as a buddy for new members of the team and support less experienced members of the team, including coaching/mentoring.
• Maintaining own professional development and requirement to take part in appraisal and KSF process and clinical and/or management supervision.

Clinical and Practice Governance

• Observe and maintain strict confidentiality with regards to any patient/family/staff/records and information in line with the requirements of the Data Protection Act and CCS policy.
• Any data that is taken/shared as part of a phone call or transported, faxed or transferred electronically must be undertaken with regard to the Trust Information Governance and Information Security policies.
• The post holder must adhere to the Trust risk assessment and risk management processes.
• The post holder must adhere to infection control policies and procedures.
• It is a condition of your employment that you are currently registered with GDC and it is your responsibility to maintain your professional registration.

Other Requirements

Other duties that may be determined by the Team Lead/Practice Manager or management team.

General: The post holder must at all times carry out his/her duties with regard to Cambridgeshire Community Services NHS Trust Equal Opportunities Policy.

To be aware of the responsibilities of all employees to maintain a safe and healthy environment for patients, visitors and staff.

Safeguarding people responsibility: Safeguarding children and adults at risk of abuse or neglect is a collective responsibility.

We Offer

• Potential flexible working hours
• The opportunity to with a Trust recognised as Outstanding by the CQC
• Further training and progression within an extremely experienced team
• The chance to be innovative and be part of a team where new ideas are encouraged
• Excellent benefits inc Pension, generous leave, sick pay, and further qualifications