Job responsibilities
- To provide assistance and support in a broad range of clinical and minor oral surgery procedures to dentists, oral surgeons, dental therapists/hygienists, dental students and patients whilst maintaining high standards of care and infection prevention and control.
- To work flexibly within the clinical specialism areas to meet the needs of the network that provides specialised dental care on referral to people of all ages, disabilities and special needs which make it impossible for them to access treatment from an NHS general dental practitioner.
- To ensure the best possible dental nursing care and practice is delivered to all patients including those with complex medical conditions, physical disabilities, sensory disabilities, mental ill health, dementia, learning disabilities, autistic spectrum and behaviour which may present a challenge to those caring for them, and may include patients at end of life. this list is not exhaustive
- To work as part of the dental team to provide an efficient and effective dental service
- To practice within the scope of a General Dental Council (GDC) registered dental nurse, and maintain compliance with the GDC professional standards.
This job profile is not intended to be a complete list of duties and responsibilities, but is a guide to the job and will be subject to periodic review and alteration in response to changing service requirements and in consultation with the post holder.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Provide chair side support to clinicians during clinical and minor oral surgery procedures, assisting in the care and management of the patient throughout the patients treatment journey, including pre operative and post operative care of patients during Minor Oral Surgery, General Anaesthesia (GA) and Conscious Sedation (inhalation sedation or intravenous sedation) procedures following appropriate training. To act as a chaperone at all times.
To communicate effectively with clinicians to provide high quality, patient focused care. To work as part of a team; provide assistance and support to colleagues, providing guidance and advice to new staff and colleagues.
Routine involvement with children and adult patients, challenging patient groups, including patients with complex medical histories, mental health problems and learning difficulties, with frequent exposure to blood and saliva, possible exposure to verbal and physical aggression, and on occasion other bodily fluids e.g. vomit, urine and faeces.
Responsible for patient care before, during and after treatment, monitoring the patient throughout, offering guidance and support in a way in which complement the actions of other team members.
Safeguarding the welfare of the patient whilst in the surgery, including monitoring the clinical signs of the patient, anticipating any unplanned situations, such as a medical emergency. Recognise and assist in the provision of emergency medical care, taking a lead role in managing a medical emergency should the need arise until emergency services arrive.
Responsible for preparation and organisation of clinical environments where clinical procedures will be undertaken, clinical environments may also include hospital operating theatres and recovery areas, prisons and secure mental health units.
Demonstrate and maintain a high standard of infection prevention and control at all times in accordance with Department of Health, Health Technical Memorandum 01-05 Decontamination in primary care dental service.
To ensure accurate preparation and presentation of dental materials, dressings, medicaments, instruments and equipment as requested by the clinician.
Complete regular Quality Assurance processes/checks within the clinical environment including dental, radiography, decontamination equipment, medical emergency drugs and associated specialist surgery equipment. Acting on any problems or malfunctions immediately, where necessary reporting them to the appropriate person or agency and assisting in such cases where contingency arrangements have to be made immediately to ensure that patient treatment can proceed as planned.
To handle and use expensive, sharp, and complex equipment including hand instruments and intra-oral aspiration equipment, in a manner which minimises the risk of cross infection or soft tissue injury, e.g. aspiration to maintain a clear field and to ensure patient comfort, soft tissue protection/retraction and irrigation of operative site during minor oral surgery procedures.
Maintain competence in the correct use of all equipment used in the clinical setting in accordance with user instructions, department procedures, and Trust policy.
Be responsible for the safe use of expensive equipment including dismantling/ assembling/moving equipment and carrying out safety checks prior to use by the clinician, some of which maybe heavy and/or bulky, e.g. Inhalation sedation machines, surgical motors and hand pieces, large medical gas cylinders, medical emergency equipment.
Provide support to clinicians providing care for a wide range of Special Care patients, including patients exhibiting behaviour which may present a challenge to those caring for them. This may involve adapting to patients needs often involving sitting/standing for long periods of time, sometimes in awkward and restricted positions. Provide verbal and written pre- and post-operative advice/instructions for patients and carers which complement the actions of other team members.
Safe moving and handling of patients who may need additional support, including the use of supporting specialist equipment, i.e. wheelchair tippers, hoists etc. Following appropriate training, where necessary support patients by use of clinical holding skills for essential care and treatment.
Following appropriate accredited training, provide support in Conscious Sedation (inhalation sedation/ I.V sedation) procedures under the supervision and direction of the clinician. Provide verbal and written pre- and post-operative advice/ instructions for patients and carers which complement the actions of other team members.
Perform monitoring of the patients physical signs prior to, during and post treatment, enabling early recognition of condition changes and ensuring appropriate action is taken where appropriate e.g. recovery after sedation or difficult procedures.
Following appropriate training prepare and operate in a sterile hospital theatre environment where appropriate. Provide pre and post operative support to clinicians providing treatment during General Anaesthetic procedures. Assisting in the recovery of patients under the supervision of qualified hospital recovery staff. Provide verbal and written pre and post-operative advice/instructions for patients and carers which complement the actions of other team members.
Following appropriate training provide support to clinicians during Minor Oral Surgery procedures under the supervision and direction of the clinician. This may involve adapting to patients needs often involving sitting/standing for long periods of time, sometimes in awkward and restricted positions. Provide verbal and written pre- and post-operative advice/instructions specific to minor oral surgery procedures for patients and carers which complement the actions of other team members.
Recognise and participate in the management of medical emergencies when required. Ensuring competence is maintained on an annual basis, e.g. Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), Basic Life Support (BLS) Immediate Life Support (ILS), Paediatric Life Support (PILS) training.
Decontaminate, prepare and store dental equipment and instruments following local and national decontamination policies and procedures ensuring re-useable devices are maintained to a high standard in accordance with HTM 01-05 Decontamination in primary care dental service.
Perform and record validation test procedures for decontamination and sterilisation equipment on a daily and weekly basis, acting on and reporting faults to the appropriate person or agency.
Prepare and decontaminate equipment and pre/post prosthetic laboratory work ready for transportation when necessary.
Processing and storage of digital dental radiographs and assisting in the correct procedure for dental radiography, and where applicable process and develop
non - digital radiographs, complying with current Ionising Radiation Regulations (IRR) Ionising Radiation Medical Exposure Regulations (IRMER) and Health & Safety regulations.
Provide Oral Hygiene advice, instruction and post-operative care to patients, parents &/or carers, in accordance with Department of Health Delivering Better Oral Health guidance in a way in which complements the actions of other members of the team whilst taking into consideration possible communication barriers.
Undertake stock control, replenishing consumable supplies and materials thus contributing to the smooth running of the clinics.
Responsible for the control and ordering of stock including all dental supplies, medical gases and associated drugs as required. This may include where applicable the stock control, monitoring, and receipt of Controlled Drugs in accordance with Trust policies. Ensuring effective and efficient use of physical and financial resources. Checking expiry dates and ensuring stock is in date, stored and rotated appropriately and held securely. Dispose of drugs/chemicals/clinical waste in accordance with Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) and manufacturers guidance, in-line with the Trusts policies and procedures.
Communicate appropriately with patients who may have a variety of disabilities including physical disabilities, sensory disabilities, mental ill health, dementia, learning disabilities and behaviour which challenges those who care for them. This list is not exhaustive, please see attached Job Description in full
