Orthodontist Therapist

Job description

Job responsibilities

Work as an autonomous practitioner and safely carry out complex orthodontic procedures as requested or prescribed by the Orthodontist, within GDC guidelines. This will require a high degree of precision when fitting complex dental orthodontic appliances safely to the patient.

Undertake fundamental and advanced orthodontic therapy duties within Trust policies, procedures, and guidelines, providing feedback on issues or concerns.

Demonstrate and promote patient (and family) centred care.

Ensuring patients meet the oral health standards for ongoing treatment in relation to the patients prescription or treatment plan. This will involve understanding the patients needs and requirements and overcoming any challenges to ensure that the patient has the full understanding of the plan.

Ensure all communication with other clinical staff is clear due to the sometimes-complex nature of the appliances that are required for the patients care and treatment.

Access, analyse, plan and implement highly specialist care programmes in consultation with the Consultants. This may require input into national databases as well as to complete any reports needed for, or related to patient care utilising computer software where appropriate.

Discuss and inform patients of the indications for ongoing treatment. Discuss risks, benefits of treatment and possible additional procedures required.

Discuss risks and benefits of treatment and level of cooperation required by patient. Be prepared to discuss case progress with supervising orthodontists and raise concerns if necessary.

Assist with telephone queries and messages from emergency patients and practitioners in collaboration with nursing and ancillary staff.

Manage and provide emergency care in allocated clinic time specific for the treatment of broken braces. Work independently without supervision to relieve pain if no Supervisor is available. In emergency situations to assess and respond to patients needs in a timely manner.

Maintain existing and develop further skills in carrying out orthodontic treatments accurately as prescribed.

Communicate in writing instructions and information relevant to patient care to their primary care dentist and /or doctor and other clinical staff in the hospital. Refer back to referring source at agreed times, but in some cases when the therapist considers it necessary as treatment progresses.

Promote health education and health promotion within the team and the hospital.

Act effectively in an emergency to ensure safety of patients

Actively promote the effective and economic management of resources available within the Orthodontic Department. When required, to monitor supplies and equipment daily to ensure safety and adequate stocks to meet service needs. To liaise with team members to maintain appropriate stock levels and may be involved in ordering/requisitioning/purchasing.

Actively participate in departmental meetings and clinical governance processes.

Actively contribute to the teaching and training of all types of students (Nurses, Specialist Nurses, Hygienists, Undergraduates, Postgraduates and Specialist Registrars) undertaking programmes leading to professional qualifications.

Maintain a patient database of complex cases, maintaining confidentiality of electronically stored personal/manual data, in line with the requirements of the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR).

Undertake the measurement and evaluation of own work and current practices through the use of evidence-based practice projects, audit, research and outcome measures. Such work may lead to changes to practice or contribute to service protocols.

Show responsibility for the implementation of evidence based orthodontic therapy care.

Monitor and ensure cleanliness and infection prevention/control measures are adhered to.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• GDC registration as an orthodontic therapist Completion of GDC approved orthodontic therapist training programme Diploma in Orthodontic Therapy

Desirable

• Certificate in Oral Health Education Certificate in Orthodontic Nursing Certificate in Further Adult Education Masters Degree

Knowledge & experience

Essential

• At least 2 years NHS experience working as an orthodontist therapist Evidence of ongoing professional development through maintenance of an ongoing GDC registration and eCPD Evidence and experience of teamworking in a healthcare setting Participation in audit and/or service evaluation

Desirable

• Previous NHS experience working as a hospital orthodontic therapist Experience of managing clinical incidents and complaints. Leadership and management experience

Aptitude & abilities

Essential

• Effective communication skills and able to establish good working relationships with patients and colleagues High level of self-awareness and commitment to ongoing professional development Good organisational and planning skills

Disposition/Attitude/Motivation

Essential

• Highly motivated and keen to deliver a high quality service putting patients first Committed to improve the experience of service users, accounting for complexity of context, culture and diversity. Evidence of high degree of integrity in all professional areas and understands confidentiality.

Other factors

Essential

• The post holder must demonstrate a positive commitment to uphold diversity and equality policies approved by the Trust.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such 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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details

Employer name

University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust

Address

Derriford

Brest Road

Plymouth

PL6 8DH

Employer's website

https://www.plymouthhospitals.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)