Special Care Dental Nurse

Louder Than Words; Plymouth; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A community dental service in Plymouth is looking for a fully qualified sedation dental nurse to join their multidisciplinary team. The role involves providing patient care and clinical support in an NHS dental care setting, requiring GDC registration and experience in sedation. Applicants should possess relevant qualifications and a commitment to high-quality patient care in a diverse environment.

Qualifications

• GDC registration as a Dental Nurse is required.
• Minimum of two years post-qualification experience in dental nursing.
• Experience in a sedation setting is essential.

Responsibilities

• Provide clinical assistance to the dental operator during procedures.
• Ensure patient care throughout sedation processes.
• Support a multidisciplinary team in various settings.

Skills

Empathetic patient care

Knowledge of dental sedation procedures

Interpersonal skills

Calm and reassuring manner

Education

NEBDN Qualification/City & Guilds NVQ3 in Dental Nursing

NEBDN qualification in Dental Sedation Nursing

GCSE English and Maths (A-C)

Tools

Digital radiography equipment

Dental surgical instruments

Job description

Overview

37.5 hours per week. We are seeking a fully qualified sedation dental nurse to develop skills in a supportive NHS dental care setting in Plymouth. The role is with Plymouth Community Dental Service (PCDS), delivering specialist dental care to a wide range of patients, including vulnerable individuals, with treatment under conscious sedation or general anaesthetic. The organisation emphasises staff development through training, supervision and service improvement opportunities. Applicants should be GDC registered with at least two years post-qualification experience and hold a certificate in dental sedation (inhalation and intravenous).

The post involves working with a multidisciplinary team, across multiple locations, and may require travel to domiciliary visits, epidemiology surveys and school screening when required. The role may not be eligible for Skilled Worker sponsorship. All staff are expected to work across a 7 day service.

Responsibilities

• Work with the dental operator providing patient care, including clinical procedures, chair-side assisting, and use of inhalation/intravenous sedation.
• Provide empathetic care to patients/carers, including those with special needs, and respond promptly and efficiently.
• Work with all dental equipment and sharp/fine instruments; prepare the clinical environment and follow cross-infection and decontamination protocols.
• Advise patients/carers on dental procedures, pre/post-operative care, complication management and pain control.
• Check and report faults of surgery equipment; ensure routine and emergency equipment is available and checked.
• Assist with decontamination/sterilisation of equipment and instruments per local/national guidelines.
• Prepare the surgery for patients using knowledge of required equipment/materials/instruments.
• Assist dental officers on domiciliary visits, epidemiology surveys and school screening when required; assist in developing x-rays using digital equipment.
• Assist in medical emergencies and work across different locations.
• Record clinical observations on sedation charts and perform daily maintenance checks on equipment (pulse oximeter, oxygen cylinders, scavenger unit, analgesia machines).
• Support a multi-disciplinary team in day-case units and provide post-operative care plans for patients undergoing procedures under sedation or general anaesthesia.
• Triaging urgent care patients, booking appointments and coordinating outlying clinics as needed.
• General scope includes clinical and administrative duties carried out with minimal supervision; maintain professional standards and confidentiality.

Qualifications

Essential

• NEBDN Qualification/City & Guilds NVQ3 or equivalent in Dental Nursing
• NEBDN qualification in Dental Sedation Nursing
• GDC registration as a Dental Nurse
• GCSE English and Maths (A-C) or equivalent

Desirable

• Additional Dental Nurse qualifications

Experience

Essential

• Experience as a team member in a dental setting
• Relevant dental nursing experience
• Experience in a sedation setting

Desirable

• Induction of new staff, training and supporting less qualified staff
• Experience in NHS salaried/community/personal dental services; experience in Special Care Dentistry, paediatric and/or Oral Surgery
• Experience taking on extra duties to support the team/service

Knowledge and Skills

Essential

• Knowledge of equipment/materials used in dental, surgical and sedation procedures
• Knowledge of Health and Safety, cross-infection control
• Carries out clinical and administrative work without direct supervision
• Promotes best practice and high-quality patient care for Plymouth Community Dental Services Ltd
• Fluent in English; good organisational, ICT and interpersonal skills
• Calm, reassuring manner; ability to support patients of diverse backgrounds
• Ability to recognise medical emergencies and make decisions on best practice
• Performs routine equipment checks and maintenance

Desirable

• Continuing Professional Development evidence
• Up-to-date Basic/Intermediate Life Support training
• Computer literacy including SOEL Health and Dentally packages

Other

Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is required. This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions Order). Applications from those requiring Skilled Worker sponsorship will be considered. UK registration with the appropriate professional body is required. See the supporting information for further details.

About Us

Livewell Southwest is an independent, award-winning social enterprise delivering integrated health and social care across Plymouth, South Hams and West Devon. We focus on transforming services, empowering staff and those we serve, and offer CPD time, training pathways, and leadership programs. We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds and provide reasonable adjustments during the application process.