Dental Nurse

• Preparation of equipment and assisting in Orthodontic, restorative and oral surgery clinics.
• Clinic preparation prepare notes,lab work,devices etc as needed.
• Ability to work four handed with the Orthodontist and with the Restorative Clinicians. That is to pre-empt what instrumentation will be required by the consultant and to have the instrument ready to pass. ( manual dexterity and co-ordination)
• Clearing away instruments, preparation of instruments for re-use and preparation of the surgery for the next patient, using correct infection prevention controls/procedures.
• Good care and preparation of instruments, ensuring instrumentation is in good working order and reporting to sister if repair or sharpening is required.
• Preparation and mixing of restorative materials, also impression materials.
• To work within the department providing the necessary professional and technical support and assistance required for all aspects of dental care.
• Preparation of minor operation theatre and assist in dental and skin minor operation sessions including taking patient observations, such as blood pressure and blood sugar or INR( international normalised ratio or blood clotting) if required and trained to do so.
• Taking telephone enquiries giving advice or directions within scope of practice.
• Recognise and respond appropriately to urgent and emergency situations.
• Taking, processing and monitoring of X-ray films, initially under supervision until appropriate training has been undertaken
• Carry out dental photography and impressions on Orthodontic patients following successful in house training.
• Give information for pre and post-operative care to patients and carers, including verbal and written instructions. I.e. leaflets.
• Give information and instructions to patients undergoing orthodontic treatment on how to care for their appliances on a one to one basis.
• Give information and instructions to patients undergoing restorative treatment on how to care for their dental work on a one to one basis. This includes implants, bridges and crowns as directed by the consultant.
• Provide reassurance and support to patients and carers/relatives.
• Give information to patients about dental health on a one to one basis
• Provide information to enable the effectiveness of care to be evaluated and records maintained
• Maintain confidentiality at all times. Act in a professional manner to ensure that effective communication with patients and/or carers is maintained at all times regarding all aspects of their care
• Liaise closely with medical and nursing staff, and associated departments, to ensure that clinics are conducted effectively and efficiently.
• Carry out post-consultation duties, such as making follow up appointments and liaising with the dental laboratory.

Essential

• Knowledge of Oral Surgery
• Ability to use own initiative and manage own work load.
• Ability to develop effective interpersonal relationships with colleagues in the health care setting.
• Ability to communicate in a variety of settings with patients of varying levels of understanding including children.
• Able to present written information in a logical manner.
• Basic IT skills in word processing.