Senior Dental Nurse

The Methodist Church in Britain; Houghton-le-Spring; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working

Education opportunities

Job summary

The South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust seeks a senior dental nurse manager within the Community Dental Service, covering South Tyneside, Sunderland and Gateshead. The role includes chairside support in sedation, general anaesthetic, domiciliary and radiographic work, and day-to-day management of dental nurses, including rotas and clinic allocation, for 30 hours a week.

GDC registration is required.

Qualifications

• National Certificate for Dental Nurses or NVQ level 3 in dental nursing.
• National Dental Nursing post qualification NVQ level 4.

Responsibilities

• Provide chairside support to clinicians treating patients with complex needs.
• Support conscious sedation clinics (IV and inhalation).
• Support general anaesthetic and theatre-based sessions.
• Support domiciliary dental visits.
• Support radiographic procedures in line with IRMER requirements.
• Ensure equipment is prepared, maintained and used safely.
• Support patient monitoring and recovery per Trust policies.
• Provide first-line management and mentorship for dental nurses.
• Coordinate dental nurse rotas and clinic allocation across localities.
• Oversee the administration team and recruitment/induction of staff.

Skills

Communication

Infection control

Leadership

Organisational skills

Mentoring

CPD commitment

Flexibility

Analytical thinking

Education

NVQ level 3 dental nursing

NVQ level 4 dental nursing

Tools

Kodak R4 knowledge

Job description

This senior post sits within the Community Dental Service of South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust, covering South Tyneside, Sunderland and Gateshead. The holder gives chairside support in sedation, general anaesthetic, domiciliary and radiographic work, and runs day-to-day first-line management of dental nurses, including rotas and clinic allocation. The role is clinically active, covers adults and children with additional needs across community settings, and is 30 hours a week. GDC registration is required.

What the job involves

• Provide chairside support to clinicians treating patients with complex learning, physical, medical or behavioural needs
• Support conscious sedation clinics (IV and inhalation)
• Support general anaesthetic and theatre-based sessions
• Support domiciliary dental visits
• Support radiographic procedures in line with IRMER requirements
• Ensure equipment is prepared, maintained and used safely
• Support patient monitoring and recovery in line with national guidance and Trust policies
• Provide first-line management, clinical leadership and mentorship for dental nurses across localities, linking with the Dental Nurse Manager
• Coordinate dental nurse rotas and clinic allocation across South Tyneside, Gateshead and Sunderland
• Oversee the administration team
• Support recruitment, induction and ongoing training of staff
• Lead appraisals and personal development reviews

What’s required

Qualifications

• National Certificate for Dental Nurses or NVQ level 3 in dental nursing
• National Dental Nursing post qualification NVQ level 4

Registration & licences

• GDC registration

Experience

• General dental nursing experience
• Experience of managing and supervising staff

Skills & knowledge

• Up-to-date knowledge across all areas of dental nursing
• Up-to-date knowledge of prevention and control of infection
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Analytical and judgement skills
• Flexible approach to day-to-day working
• Reliable evidence of CPD and a strong commitment to developing dental nursing

Checks & eligibility

• Car driver with access to own car

Nice to have

• Knowledge of the Kodak R4 computer system
• Knowledge of special needs conditions and experience assisting with challenging behaviours, children, medically compromised and phobic adults
• Management or leadership qualification

What’s offered

• Fitness centre access (SRH)
• Libraries at both hospital sites
• Chaplaincy support
• Access to a Care Co-ordinator to help with childcare arrangements
• Flexible working supported via the Trust Flexible Working Policy
• Access to education, training and career progression
• Support for health and wellbeing