Job summary
An exciting opportunity to join an experienced and well-established Community
Specialist Dental Service team as a Dental Nurse. In this rewarding role, you
will work collaboratively with Dental Officers and colleagues to provide
outstanding clinical care, support a wide range of specialist dental
treatments, and contribute to delivering an exceptional patient experience.
Main duties of the job
As a
Dental Nurse within our Community Specialist Dental Service, you'll be part of
a supportive and experienced team providing care to patients with a wide range
of additional needs, including learning disabilities, autism, sensory
impairments, complex medical conditions, mobility difficulties and mental
health challenges.
No two
days are the same. You'll support patients throughout their journey, from
welcoming them into the clinic and helping them feel at ease, to assisting
Dental Officers during treatment and ensuring patients are comfortable before
they leave.
You'll
also have the opportunity to assist with specialist treatments, including
Relative Analgesia (RA) Sedation and General Anaesthetic services, helping to
deliver safe, high-quality care.
Alongside
your clinical duties, you'll help keep clinics running smoothly by managing
appointments and clinical rotas using SystmOne, preparing surgeries for
treatment sessions, monitoring stock levels, and carrying out decontamination
procedures in line with Trust standards. You'll be responsible for ensuring
dental equipment is clean, safe and ready for use at all times.
The role
also includes reviewing and triaging referrals, helping to identify the most
appropriate treatment pathway for patients. As we provide services across a
number of locations, you'll occasionally travel to different Community Dental
sites to support the wider team.
About us
If you are being interviewed you must accept an interview slot in the system to continue, even if you have arranged with the manager.
You must be able to produce ALL certificates stated essential in the person specification or you will not be able to complete pre-employment checks.
We provide hospital services from two acute sites - Darlington Memorial Hospital and University Hospital of North Durham. We have a centre for planned care in Bishop Auckland and provide care from community hospitals in Chester-le-Street, Shotley Bridge, Barnard Castle, Sedgefield and Weardale as well as over 80 other community based settings and providing care in patients' homes.
We particularly welcome applications from disabled and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates as BAME and disabled people are currently under-represented.
Full Job Descriptions can be found in the adverts supporting documents.
Over reliance on
AI-generated content is discouraged and may diminish the applicant's chances of
success.
For the most up-to-date information on visa requirements and eligibility, please check online to determine whether you can apply.
Job description
Job responsibilities
As
a Dental Nurse within the Community Specialist Dental Service, you'll be
involved in a wide variety of clinical and patient-focused activities, helping
to ensure patients receive safe, high-quality care from the moment they arrive
until they leave the clinic.
You'll
welcome and support patients throughout their visit, preparing them for
treatment and assisting Dental Officers during a range of dental procedures.
You'll help create a positive experience for patients with diverse needs,
including those with learning disabilities, complex medical conditions,
mobility difficulties, dental anxiety and emotional or mental health
challenges.
A
key part of the role involves preparing surgeries for treatment sessions,
maintaining stock levels, processing dental radiographs, monitoring equipment,
and carrying out decontamination procedures in line with Trust policies and
infection prevention standards. You'll also provide oral health education,
including oral hygiene and dietary advice, helping patients improve and
maintain their oral health.
You'll
support the management of emergency and trauma patients, assist with patient
assessments and, following appropriate training, carry out pre-operative checks
such as blood pressure, INR and blood glucose monitoring. The role may also
involve supporting patients with reduced mobility, using specialist equipment
where required to help them safely access treatment.
There
are opportunities to be involved in specialist services, including conscious
sedation and general anaesthetic procedures. This includes assisting clinicians
during treatment, carrying out routine equipment checks, supporting
pre-operative assessments, and working alongside theatre and day surgery teams
to ensure patients receive seamless care before, during and after their
procedures.
In addition, you'll
contribute to wider service development by supporting dental screening
programmes, national oral health surveys, clinical audits, training activities
and quality improvement initiatives. You'll play an active role in maintaining
high clinical standards, adhering to health and safety requirements, and
supporting the delivery of excellent patient care across the service
Job description
Job responsibilities
As
a Dental Nurse within the Community Specialist Dental Service, you'll be
involved in a wide variety of clinical and patient-focused activities, helping
to ensure patients receive safe, high-quality care from the moment they arrive
until they leave the clinic.
You'll
welcome and support patients throughout their visit, preparing them for
treatment and assisting Dental Officers during a range of dental procedures.
You'll help create a positive experience for patients with diverse needs,
including those with learning disabilities, complex medical conditions,
mobility difficulties, dental anxiety and emotional or mental health
challenges.
A
key part of the role involves preparing surgeries for treatment sessions,
maintaining stock levels, processing dental radiographs, monitoring equipment,
and carrying out decontamination procedures in line with Trust policies and
infection prevention standards. You'll also provide oral health education,
including oral hygiene and dietary advice, helping patients improve and
maintain their oral health.
You'll
support the management of emergency and trauma patients, assist with patient
assessments and, following appropriate training, carry out pre-operative checks
such as blood pressure, INR and blood glucose monitoring. The role may also
involve supporting patients with reduced mobility, using specialist equipment
where required to help them safely access treatment.
There
are opportunities to be involved in specialist services, including conscious
sedation and general anaesthetic procedures. This includes assisting clinicians
during treatment, carrying out routine equipment checks, supporting
pre-operative assessments, and working alongside theatre and day surgery teams
to ensure patients receive seamless care before, during and after their
procedures.
In addition, you'll
contribute to wider service development by supporting dental screening
programmes, national oral health surveys, clinical audits, training activities
and quality improvement initiatives. You'll play an active role in maintaining
high clinical standards, adhering to health and safety requirements, and
supporting the delivery of excellent patient care across the service
Person Specification
Special Skills & Knowledge
Essential
- Good knowledge of dental procedures and treatments, with the ability to provide effective chairside support to Dental Officers across a range of clinical activities. Confident in preparing instruments and materials, supporting patient care, and maintaining high standards of clinical practice, infection control and patient safety.
Desirable
- Experience of caring for patients with additional and complex needs, including learning disabilities, autism, complex medical conditions, emotional or mental health needs, reduced mobility, and behaviours that may challenge services
Qualifications
Essential
- NEBDN National Diploma in Dental Nursing (or equivalent recognised qualification).
- Current GDC registration as a Dental Nurse.
- Evidence of ongoing Continuing Professional Development (CPD), including verifiable CPD hours.
Desirable
- NEBDN Certificate in Conscious Sedation or a willingness to undertake training
- Dental Radiology qualification /Certificate and experience taking radiographs
- Diploma in Dental Health Education
- Certificate in Special Care Dental Nursing
- Experience of assisting with General Anaesthetic procedures.
- Experience of working within a Community Dental Service or community-based healthcare setting.
- Experience of supporting patients with additional needs, including learning disabilities, complex medical conditions and mobility challenges.
- A minimum of 4 GCSEs (or equivalent), including English and Mathematics.
- A proactive approach to learning and ongoing professional development.
Statutory Registration
Essential
- Must hold current GDC registration as a Dental Nurse and maintain professional registration requirements.
Experience
Essential
- Experience working as a qualified Dental Nurse, with a minimum of 2 years' chairside experience.
Desirable
- Experience of using SystmOne and other computer-based systems for patient records, appointments and administration
Special Requirements
Essential
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build positive relationships with patients, carers and colleagues. Able to work effectively both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team. Holds a full driving licence and has access to a vehicle for travel between Community Dental Service sites.
Person Specification
Special Skills & Knowledge
Essential
- Good knowledge of dental procedures and treatments, with the ability to provide effective chairside support to Dental Officers across a range of clinical activities. Confident in preparing instruments and materials, supporting patient care, and maintaining high standards of clinical practice, infection control and patient safety.
Desirable
- Experience of caring for patients with additional and complex needs, including learning disabilities, autism, complex medical conditions, emotional or mental health needs, reduced mobility, and behaviours that may challenge services
Qualifications
Essential
- NEBDN National Diploma in Dental Nursing (or equivalent recognised qualification).
- Current GDC registration as a Dental Nurse.
- Evidence of ongoing Continuing Professional Development (CPD), including verifiable CPD hours.
Desirable
- NEBDN Certificate in Conscious Sedation or a willingness to undertake training
- Dental Radiology qualification /Certificate and experience taking radiographs
- Diploma in Dental Health Education
- Certificate in Special Care Dental Nursing
- Experience of assisting with General Anaesthetic procedures.
- Experience of working within a Community Dental Service or community-based healthcare setting.
- Experience of supporting patients with additional needs, including learning disabilities, complex medical conditions and mobility challenges.
- A minimum of 4 GCSEs (or equivalent), including English and Mathematics.
- A proactive approach to learning and ongoing professional development.
Statutory Registration
Essential
- Must hold current GDC registration as a Dental Nurse and maintain professional registration requirements.
Experience
Essential
- Experience working as a qualified Dental Nurse, with a minimum of 2 years' chairside experience.
Desirable
- Experience of using SystmOne and other computer-based systems for patient records, appointments and administration
Special Requirements
Essential
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build positive relationships with patients, carers and colleagues. Able to work effectively both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team. Holds a full driving licence and has access to a vehicle for travel between Community Dental Service sites.
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.
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
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.
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
County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust
Address
Park Place Health Centre
Park Place
Darlington
County Durham
DL1 5LW
United Kingdom
Employer's website
https://www.cddft.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)
