Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Senior Dental Nurse

This job is now closed

Job summary

At Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, we are committed to delivering exceptional healthcare services to our patients, and our Oral & Maxillofacial Department plays a pivotal role in providing specialized care for complex oral and facial conditions. As a Senior Dental Nurse, you will be at the forefront of delivering advanced clinical assistance, providing mentorship to junior staff, and contributing to the excellence of our OMF services.

Benefits:

Competitive NHS Band 5 salary.
Opportunities for professional development and continuing education.
Access to a wide range of facilities and equipment within the OMF department.
Engaging and supportive team environment.
Comprehensive employee benefits package, including pension scheme and generous annual leave entitlement.

Main duties of the job

Roles and Responsibilities:

Provide expert chairside assistance during complex oral and maxillofacial treatments, surgeries, and interventions, collaborating closely with our esteemed oral and maxillofacial surgeons.
Guide and mentor junior dental nursing staff, setting a standard of excellence in clinical practice, patient care, and professional conduct.
Ensure meticulous infection control and hygiene measures are maintained, adhering to NHS and specialized OMF protocols to guarantee patient and staff safety.
Contribute to the efficient operation of the OMF department by coordinating patient appointments, maintaining records, and managing specialized dental supplies and equipment.
Deliver patient-centered care, offering reassurance, education, and support to patients undergoing intricate procedures or treatments.
Play an integral role in fostering a collaborative team environment, sharing knowledge, insights, and contributing to the continuous learning culture within the department.

Qualifications and Experience:

Diploma in Dental Nursing (or equivalent) and current registration with the General Dental Council (GDC).
Substantial experience as a Dental Nurse within an NHS or equivalent clinical setting.
Proven experience in providing advanced chairside assistance during a diverse range of dental procedures, including oral and maxillofacial interventions.
Demonstrated leadership skills through mentoring and supervising junior dental nursing staff.

About us

Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust provides hospital services to a growing population of around 700,000 people living across Bedfordshire and the surrounding areas across two busy hospital sites in Bedford and Luton. Both hospital sites offer key services such as A&E, Obstetrics-led Maternity and Paediatrics.

You will be joining a friendly, high performing Trust committed to ensuring the health and wellbeing of staff. As one of the largest NHS Trusts in our region you will have access to a programme of high quality training and development to help you grow your career.

We have state-of-the art facilities placing us at the heart of cutting edge health care. The Trust continues to be committed to delivering the best patient care using the best clinical knowledge and technology available.

Please note that vacancies may close prior to the advertised closing date when sufficient number of applications have been received. Please ensure that you make your application as soon as possible.

All new staff will be subject to a probationary period covering their first six months in post. Travel between hospital sites may be required.

Please review all documents attached to this advert to ensure you familiarise yourself with all requirements of the job.

Date posted

05 September 2023

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 5

Salary

£28,407 to £34,581 a year per annum

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

418-NUR9240-LJ

Job locations

Bedford Hospital

Kempston Road,

Bedford

MK42 9DJ

Job description

Job responsibilities

Clinical Support:

Prepare treatment rooms, ensuring they are fully equipped and set up for various procedures, maintaining strict adherence to infection control protocols.

Provide skilled chairside assistance to Clinicians during examinations, treatments, and minor surgical procedures, anticipating the needs of the Clinician and ensuring patient comfort.

Leadership and Supervision:

Take a proactive role in mentoring, supervising, and training junior dental nursing staff, ensuring they meet and maintain the highest professional and clinical standards.

Allocate tasks and responsibilities to junior staff, ensuring the efficient flow of patients through the practice and optimizing the use of resources.

Patient Care:

Greet patients warmly and professionally, alleviating any anxiety and providing information about procedures, treatment plans, and aftercare.

Assist in educating patients on oral hygiene techniques and post-operative care instructions, ensuring their understanding and compliance.

Infection Control and Health & Safety:

Uphold the highest standards of infection control, ensuring that all protocols are meticulously followed and regularly updated.

Administrative Tasks:

Collaborate with the administrative team to ensure the smooth operation of the department, efficient patient management, and adherence to regulatory requirements.

Collaborate closely with administrative personnel to manage and coordinate patient appointments, ensuring efficient scheduling and minimal patient wait times.

Professional Development:

Demonstrate a commitment to personal and professional growth by actively participating in continuing professional development (CPD) activities.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Clinical Support:

Prepare treatment rooms, ensuring they are fully equipped and set up for various procedures, maintaining strict adherence to infection control protocols.

Provide skilled chairside assistance to Clinicians during examinations, treatments, and minor surgical procedures, anticipating the needs of the Clinician and ensuring patient comfort.

Leadership and Supervision:

Take a proactive role in mentoring, supervising, and training junior dental nursing staff, ensuring they meet and maintain the highest professional and clinical standards.

Allocate tasks and responsibilities to junior staff, ensuring the efficient flow of patients through the practice and optimizing the use of resources.

Patient Care:

Greet patients warmly and professionally, alleviating any anxiety and providing information about procedures, treatment plans, and aftercare.

Assist in educating patients on oral hygiene techniques and post-operative care instructions, ensuring their understanding and compliance.

Infection Control and Health & Safety:

Uphold the highest standards of infection control, ensuring that all protocols are meticulously followed and regularly updated.

Administrative Tasks:

Collaborate with the administrative team to ensure the smooth operation of the department, efficient patient management, and adherence to regulatory requirements.

Collaborate closely with administrative personnel to manage and coordinate patient appointments, ensuring efficient scheduling and minimal patient wait times.

Professional Development:

Demonstrate a commitment to personal and professional growth by actively participating in continuing professional development (CPD) activities.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

Possess a recognized Diploma in Dental Nursing (or equivalent) and maintain current registration with the General Dental Council (GDC).
Additional qualifications related to dental nursing, leadership, or specialized oral and maxillofacial care.

Experience

Essential

Substantial experience as a Dental Nurse.
Proven track record of providing chairside assistance during a diverse range of dental procedures.
Demonstrated experience in mentoring and supervising junior dental nursing staff.

Desirable

Experience in assisting with complex dental procedures, surgeries, and interventions
Exposure to the unique challenges and requirements of the Oral and Maxillofacial (OMF) specialty.

Knowledge

Essential

Sound understanding of NHS policies and procedures, especially as they relate to dental care and patient management.
Profound knowledge of dental materials, instruments, and equipment used in various dental treatments.

Desirable

Awareness of current developments and advancements in dental nursing practices and technologies.

Personal Skills

Essential

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, capable of effectively interacting with patients, colleagues, and other healthcare professionals.
Natural leadership qualities, fostering a collaborative and supportive team environment that encourages shared learning and growth.
Attention to detail, consistently adhering to infection control standards and maintaining clinical cleanliness.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

Possess a recognized Diploma in Dental Nursing (or equivalent) and maintain current registration with the General Dental Council (GDC).
Additional qualifications related to dental nursing, leadership, or specialized oral and maxillofacial care.

Experience

Essential

Substantial experience as a Dental Nurse.
Proven track record of providing chairside assistance during a diverse range of dental procedures.
Demonstrated experience in mentoring and supervising junior dental nursing staff.

Desirable

Experience in assisting with complex dental procedures, surgeries, and interventions
Exposure to the unique challenges and requirements of the Oral and Maxillofacial (OMF) specialty.

Knowledge

Essential

Sound understanding of NHS policies and procedures, especially as they relate to dental care and patient management.
Profound knowledge of dental materials, instruments, and equipment used in various dental treatments.

Desirable

Awareness of current developments and advancements in dental nursing practices and technologies.

Personal Skills

Essential

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, capable of effectively interacting with patients, colleagues, and other healthcare professionals.
Natural leadership qualities, fostering a collaborative and supportive team environment that encourages shared learning and growth.
Attention to detail, consistently adhering to infection control standards and maintaining clinical cleanliness.

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).

Additional information

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

Certificate of Sponsorship

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

Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Bedford Hospital

Kempston Road,

Bedford

MK42 9DJ

Employer's website

https://www.bedfordshirehospitals.nhs.uk/working-here/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Bedford Hospital

Kempston Road,

Bedford

MK42 9DJ

Employer's website

https://www.bedfordshirehospitals.nhs.uk/working-here/ (Opens in a new tab)