Qualified Dental Nurse

King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

An exciting opportunity has arisen to apply for a dental nurse's role within the dental institute in a multi-disciplinary dental hospital.

The post holders will be part of the Dental Nurse Service, responsible for providing a high standard of care, demonstrating strong clinical dental nursing skills. Working with the Senior Dental Nurse of the departments to provide an efficient and effective service ensuring Health and Safety and cross infection policies are met and maintained.

A high level of communication and interpersonal skills are essential, as is the ability to work as part of a team. Successful applicants will have responsibility for their allocated clinics; ensuring standards are met at all times and will be required to be able to deal with pressure with a positive attitude and possess a professional and flexible approach to their work.

The hours are 8:45am - 5:15pm Monday to Friday and the post holder will be required to work across all King's sites and departments as and when necessary.

Main duties of the job

• Provide a high level of dental nursing care for all patients, including those with special needs, vulnerable children, the elderly, mentally and physically disabled patients, patients suffering terminal illness, infectious risk, medically compromised, anxious/phobic patients, and people with challenging behaviour.
• Deliver a high standard of chairside assistance across the whole range of dental specialities, supporting all grades of clinicians, including dental undergraduate and postgraduate students and experienced clinicians.
• Assist in the day-to-day running of the department.
• Assist in maintaining a high level of cross infection control.
• Assist in the supervision and training of trainee dental nurses.
• Cover sickness and absence in all departments as necessary.

About us

King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is one of the UK's largest and busiest teaching Trusts with a turnover of £1 billion, 1.5 million patient contacts a year, and more than 15,000 staff based across South East London. The Trust provides a full range of local and specialist services across its five sites. The trust-wide strategy of Strong Roots, Global Reach is our Vision to be BOLD, Brilliant people, Outstanding care, Leaders in Research, Innovation and Education, Diversity, Equality and Inclusion at the heart of everything we do. By being person-centred, digitally-enabled, and focused on sustainability, we aim to take Team King's to another level.

We are at a pivotal point in our history and we require individuals who are ready to join a highly professional team and make a real, lasting difference to our patients and our people.

King's is committed to delivering Sustainable Healthcare for All via our Green Plan. In line with national Greener NHS ambitions, we have set net zero carbon targets of 2040 for our NHS Carbon Footprint and 2045 for our NHS Carbon Footprint Plus. Everyone's contribution is required in order to meet the goals set out in our Green Plan and we encourage all staff to work responsibly, minimising their contributions to the Trust's carbon emissions, waste and pollution wherever possible.

Job responsibilities

• Nursing Assistance

1.1 Actively provide a high level of chairside assistance within the department across a full range of dental and surgical treatments and procedures.

1.2 Where appropriate, assist with patients receiving treatment under relative analgesia or IV sedation, providing pre and post-operative care.

1.3 Receive and act upon instructions from dental surgeons regarding the treatment of patients and report any change in their condition. Reassure and inform patients regarding future treatment and appointments.

1.4 Assist with any problems presented by the patient or their relatives, the dentist, or other nursing staff, being aware of language and cultural difficulties and dealing with these in a sensitive and appropriate manner.

1.5 Provide dental nursing care for patients with special needs, vulnerable children, the elderly, mentally and physically disabled patients, patients suffering terminal illness, infectious risk, medically compromised, anxious/phobic patients, and people with challenging behaviour.

1.6 Prepare dental instruments, equipment, drugs, and materials ready for each case and clear away used items at the end of each session.

1.7 Monitor the standard of all equipment in the department and report any deficiencies or problems to the appropriate person.

1.8 Maintain the highest possible standard of infection control and adhere to Corporate Policies including Health & Safety and Cross Infection Control.

1.9 Stock and check the emergency trolleys within the department on a daily basis, ensuring all equipment is fully operational and all drugs are in date.

1.10 Maintain confidentiality and adhere to the Data Protection Act at all times.

1.11 Assist with the collection, labelling, and dispatch of specimens, study models, and dental work to the laboratories and deal with any enquiries.

1.12 Ensure treatment and communication recognises individual patient needs.

1.13 Check and maintain stock levels of sterile supplies including dental instruments, handpieces, burs, and other specialist instruments and equipment. Liaise with the Central Sterile Service Department to ensure adequate sterile supplies are always available.

1.14 Dispose of hazardous or toxic waste materials in accordance with appropriate guidelines and protocols.

1.15 Participate in the effective management of patients who have undergone a medical emergency.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• GDC registration
• Dental nursing qualification
• Post certification course

Skills and Experience

• Work as part of a multidisciplinary team

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975, and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

£31,944 to £34,937 a year per annum inc HCA