Dental Nurse
University of Suffolk
The closing date is 29 April 2025
Job summary
To be part of a wider dental team providing dental nurse support and work alongside dentists, dental therapists/hygienists, receptionists in the care of service users. This will include assisting in the full range of dental care provided to service users of the dental service from supporting with routine examinations to advanced specialist treatments.
Main duties of the job
Main Duties and Responsibilities Clinical:
Communication:
Welcoming and receiving service users into the dental service
Reassure service users and explain dental procedures especially when there may be communication difficulties.
Monitor, support and reassure service users through relevant behavioural techniques.
Monitor service users, identify any complications and take the necessary actions consistent with agreed local and national protocols.
Record treatment, for example, baseline charting, clinical treatments and periodontal charting from the dental operator’s instructions.
Undertake reception duties when required e.g., greeting service users, answering the telephone, making appointments, explaining service user charges and collecting service user charges
Liaise with the dental team, senior leaders and wider colleagues to maintain the effective running of the dental service.
Clinical:
In collaboration with the wider dental team decide when service users need to be seen urgently.
Anticipate the operator’s requirements across a broad range of clinical procedures; practising four-handed dentistry to improve speed, efficiency and comfort for the service user
Assist the operator in organising the days activities.
Monitor day lists and appointment diary and update as necessary.
Prepare the surgery for use at the beginning of the session and clear up at the end of the session.
Arrange for the timely supply of materials and laboratory work.
Prepare filling and impression materials, instruments, equipment, dressings and syringes as requested by the dental operator.
Use equipment such as hand instruments, aspiration equipment, etc, in a manner which minimises the risk of cross infection or soft tissue injury.
Maintain hand pieces, aspirators and other equipment.
Utilise keyboard skills for data entry on dental software programme.
Give oral health and diet advice in line with evidence based national guidelines i.e., DH Delivering Better Oral Health.
Assist the dental operator in the provision of dental treatment and to supervise the service user until they are fit to leave the dental service
Provide pre-operative and post-operative instructions for service users in agreement with the operator.
Accompany dental team members on outreach visits, as required and assist them throughout treatment.
Undertake general clerical duties including dealing with petty cash, the collection/banking of service users’ payments, selling dental aids to the public and to balance all monies received at the end of the day.
Assist with the ordering of general and pharmaceutical supplies and processing documentation for payment.
Demonstrate own activities or workplace routines to new or less experienced staff in own work area n Record treatment i.e., includes baseline charting, clinical treatments and periodontal charting from the operator’s instructions.
Decontaminate and handle instruments often contaminated with blood, saliva and debris in line with infection control guidance.
Maintain an aseptic working environment throughout and clear up at the end of the session ensuring that high standards are maintained.
Professionalism, Leadership and Management:
To be responsible for promoting the Organisation’s values and high-performance standards both individually and as a team, in the achievement of our strategic objectives and priorities
Act within the General Dental Council’s (GDC) ethical guidance and standards commensurate to that of a dental professional.
To build a strong external image of clinical excellence for the organisation and create opportunities to enhance the profile of the social enterprise and its services, ensuring high social responsibility.
Act within other professional laws and systems including Health and Safety, Freedom of Information Act and Data Protection Legislation.
Observe all policies and procedures and maintain the Staff Confidentiality Code of Conduct at all times.
Follow and implement clinical policies and procedures to comply with legislation.
Apply safe working practices and take responsibility for own actions.
Support other members of the dental and wider healthcare team in the interest of service users.
Demonstrate a commitment to lifelong learning through education, training and practice against agreed occupational standards and in accordance with GDC guidance.
Apply an evidence-based approach to learning, practice, clinical judgement and decision making and utilise critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Take responsibility for personal development planning and reflective practice.
Maintain professional behaviour and appearance, including being punctual and polite.
Effectively manage own time and resources.
The duties of this post may vary from time to time as a result of new legislation, changes in technology or policy changes. In this case, appropriate training may be given to the post holder to undertake this new varied work.
About us
The University of Suffolk Dental Community Interest Company (CIC) is an exciting and innovative collaboration between the University of Suffolk and the Suffolk and North-East Essex Integrated Care Board, seeking to provide high-quality NHS dental services to the population of Suffolk through the brand new, state of the art clinical facilities situated on the scenic Ipswich Waterfront. Embracing the latest technology and innovation, the facility will offer fully equipped surgeries, intraoral cameras, digital radiography, and access to CBCT diagnostics. As a new provider of NHS dental care in the region the CIC is wellplaced to offer ordinary dental care delivered with extraordinary care. Our ethos is all about enabling dental care, improving oral health by increasing access to dental services and at the same time providing opportunities for those starting or continuing a dental career in the East of England. In line with current good practice and optimum care, an opportunity to deliver person-centred care with a focus on prevention, stabilisation, and disease management.
Date posted
18 March 2025
Pay scheme
Other
Salary
£25,000 a year
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Full-time
Reference number
AH1269993IpsDN
Job locations
James Hehir Building
University Avenue
Ipswich
Suffolk
IP3 0FS
Employer details
Employer name
University of Suffolk
Address
James Hehir Building
University Avenue
Ipswich
Suffolk
IP3 0FS
Employer's website
https://www.uos.ac.uk/content/working-university-suffolk-0 (Opens in a new tab)
For questions about the job, contact:
