DENTAL NURSE APPRENTICE - LEVEL 3

We are looking for a full time Trainee Dental Nurse to join our growing, mixed seven surgery practice located in the heart of Lytham. We are a supportive team in a wonderful working environment.

The practice provides a large range of treatments and services so the individual must have the following:

• Excellent communications skills
• Reliable and committed
• Be able to build successful relationships within the team
• Passionate about dentistry and have a commitment to providing excellent clinical care to our patients
• Professional and well presented

• Welcome/meet and greet patients (including parents/carers etc) on arrival in surgery.

• Provide general care for patients prior to, during and following dental treatment.

• Provide chair side support and assistance for dentists and other clinicians throughout the treatment of patients in the surgery (anticipating needs of both patient and clinician). This would cover aspiration, mixing compounds etc

• Check all relevant documentation completed by patient and whether any changes to medical history.

• Work to daily schedule of patients/treatments.

• Manage patient record system on computer, accurately creating and updating clinical details as necessary.

• Check accuracy of information held with patients as and when deal with them.

• Retrieve patient information/data from the system, as required.

• Prepare surgeries and apparatus as required to provide aseptic environment for clinical dental procedures.

• Ensure surgery area is maintained in a clean and tidy condition in accordance with practice infection control policy and following COSHH regulations.

• Decontaminate all work surfaces and dental equipment in accordance with practice infection control policies and HTM 01:05 and following COSHH regulations

• Prepare materials for use on patients in surgery, following COSHH.

• Prepare and maintain dental equipment daily, reporting any faults to the Practice Manager.

• Report injuries, diseases, and dangerous occurrences etc., as per RIDDOR requirements.

• Process radiographs under guidance of local rules and IRMER.

• Distribute and collect lab work to and from appropriate surgeries. Maintain effective links with dental labs to prevent delays in dispatch and receipt of work.

• Monitor and maintain stock levels for clinical items in practice, by following practice stock procedure.

• Distribute stock items between the practices when requested.

• To bring stock items to Lytham, at least 2 months prior to the expiry date

• Observe and monitor general condition of patients in surgery (e.g. those who nervous or in pain) and offer appropriate advice and support in conjunction with clinician

• Offer assistance to patients with special needs/disabilities etc.

• Give verbal advice to patients and carers regarding pre-and post-operative instruction and pain Management.

• Contribute to the efficient running/operation of the practice. Maintain close communication between the surgery and reception e.g. through input of patient data on the system.

• Undertake any other duties that may from time to time be required.

• Close down surgery/sterilising room at the end of the day ensuring that all equipment is turned off.

• You will be required to work on reception under the guidance of the Practice Manager, and to carry out all duties requested to ensure the smooth running of the reception, also delivering a service to the patients that enhances their patient journey reflecting on a smooth transition through the practice.

• Carry out duties from time to time required by the Practice Manager and Practice Owners.

• Work towards continuous improvement of service provided to patients.

• Monitor effectiveness of relevant practice processes/procedures/protocols, making suggestions for improvements.

• Implement and model agreed changes/improvements within the practice.

• Participate in practice audits and act on results accordingly.

• Actively offer suggestions to continuously improve quality within the practice

• Attend and contribute to practice meetings.

• Promote products and services that the practice offers to patients in accordance with recommendations of clinical staff.

• Actively work towards helping the practice achieve its Vision by contributing to the Practice Development Plan.

• Work always in accordance with any legal, regulatory and clinical requirements that may apply to the practice.

• Comply with the Dental Nurse Standards and Training Advisory Board Code of Ethics and codes of conduct.

• To keep up to date with GDC registration and maintain Insurance for undertaking clinical duties.

• To keep up to date with CPD requirements outlined by the GDC.

• Work always in accordance with any practice processes/protocols that apply to the job role.

• Assess potential risks to the practice and raise concerns as necessary.

• Ensure confidentiality of all patient information/records in accordance with practice Confidentiality policy and Information Governance Policy.

• Deal with any patient queries and complaints, in accordance with the relevant Complaints procedure (both NHS and private).

• Ensure work environment is kept safe for self, patients, colleagues and visitors in line with Health and Safety requirements. Identify and report potential danger areas.

• To comply with all practice procedures and policies and keep up to date with these protocols by actively reviewing and updating knowledge through the practice intranet.

• Participate in clinical governance activities, as required.

• Sustain good working relationships with colleagues in the practice and with external links.

• Engage fully in practice Performance Appraisal system.

• Provides input into colleagues’ performance appraisals, if required (e.g. 360)

• Demonstrate commitment to own CPD.

• Attend relevant internal and external training events, including CPR and use of heart defibrillator.

• Reflect on how knowledge/skills gained can be applied in the workplace for the benefit of the practice.

• Maintain own Personal Development Plan.

• Encourage sharing of knowledge and skills amongst colleagues.

• Participate in the training of other staff, if required.

• Assist with Induction process for new staff, acting in a mentor capacity.