About this role
Job summary
The Community Dental Service is seeking a motivated and compassionate Dental Nurse (Band 4) to join our team on a fixed term basis (12-month Maternity cover) part time basis.
The post holder will provide high quality clinical and administrative support to dentists delivering care to patients who are unable to access general dental services due to disability, medical complexity or the need for specialist care.
You will assist in a wide range of dental procedures, ensuring the smooth running of clinics, maintaining high standards of infection prevention and control, and delivering safe, patient centred care always. The role involves supporting patients of all ages, many of whom may require additional reassurance, empathy and communication support.
The post is based at West Berkshire Community Dental Clinic with regular travel to various clinics and sites across Berkshire, therefore flexibility and the ability to travel are essential. The position is office and clinic based.
This role is part time, 30 hours per week, worked over 4 days, 08:30 - 17:00, and is ideal for a Dental Nurse who enjoys working as part of a multidisciplinary team in a community setting. You will be professionally accountable to the Head of Service and line managed by the Community Dental Service Manager / Operations Manager.
Opportunities for development and training are actively supported within the service.
Main duties of the job
o To provide comprehensive support to clinicians, throughout a wide range of different types of clinical treatments.
o To provide clinical support as described above within a wide range of settings - including fixed sites and clinics, and other environments which include patients' homes, residential care and nursing homes, hospices and hospitals.
o To provide clinical support to sedation clinics - additional training will be provided if necessary.
o To provide clinical support at general anaesthetic sessions - additional training will be provided if necessary.
o To provide support to dental trainees and students working within the service.
o To set up and prepare the dental surgery or theatre for use at the beginning of the session and ensure that it is left as defined by the control of infection guidelines at the end of the day.
o To ensure that the correct clean instruments and equipment, x-rays, record card and electronic records are available to the clinician prior to treatment.
o To prepare and monitor patients for and during their dental treatment providing pre- and post-operative instruction where needed.
o To ensure the laboratory is contacted and all relevant work is present when patient arrives.
o To assist with dental radiography under the supervision of an operator, process dental x-rays following the Quality Assurance Policy.
o To ensure that emergency medical drugs and equipment are available, in full working order and not expired. To fulfil mandatory CPR.
About us
Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is a specialist mental health and community health services trust. Rated 'outstanding' by the CQC, we're committed to providing the best possible care to people across Berkshire. As an employer, we're committed to offering an inclusive and compassionate environment where our people share in a sense of belonging and are supported to flourish.
Our values at Berkshire Healthcare are:
Caring for and about you is our top priority Committed to providing good quality, safe services Working Together with you to develop innovative solutions Your wellbeing is important to us. Some of the benefits of working for us include:
Flexible working options to support work-life balance 27 days' annual leave rising with service + opportunity to buy and sell Generous NHS pension scheme Excellent learning and career development opportunities 'Cycle to Work' and car leasing scheme including electric vehicles Access to a range of wellbeing tools and services Discounts at hundreds of popular retailers and restaurants Staff networks for race, diversity, disabilities, the environment and armed forces community to support equality Generous maternity, paternity, adoption and special leave Free parking across Trust sites
Job description Job responsibilities
The must haves for this role:
National Certificate for Dental Nurses or NVQ Level 3 in Oral HealthcareCurrent registration with the General Dental Council (GDC)Experience working as part of a dental team providing chairside support in a dental setting (general practice, hospital, CDS or PDS)
For further information about the role, please see attached job description and person specification.
We strongly encourage you to review how you meet the criteria in the person specification and write about this point-by-point in your supporting statement for the best chance of being shortlisted.
We are committed to equal opportunities and welcome applications from all sections of the community. Our commitment to inclusion is reflected in our accreditations: Race Equality Matters Silver Trailblazer, Neurodiversity in Business Corporate Member, Disability Confident Leader, Carer Confident Level 2, and the Armed Forces Covenant Gold Award. Reasonable adjustments will be provided to candidates as needed.
We welcome a conversation about flexibility and any other questions you may have. Please don't hesitate to call: Meenu Gopakumar, [email protected], Telephone no: 07800 917960 who'll be delighted to help.
Please note, if we receive a high number of applications, we may close this role earlier than the advertised closing date, so please submit your application as soon as possible.
Person Specification
Education/Qualifications/Training Essential
National Certificate for Dental Nurses or NVQ Level 3 in Oral Healthcare Registered with the General Dental Council
Desirable
Additional qualification
Continuous Professional Development Essential
Portfolio of evidence of CPD
Previous Experience Essential
To have worked as part of a dental team, e.g. general practice, hospital, other PDS / CDS providing chair side duties
Desirable
Experience of managing a dental clinic including decontamination, health and safety, management of the clinic diary and ordering consumables Other experiences relevant to CDS such as working with the elderly, children and patients with special needs Experience in working in secure establishments Experience in assisting clinicians when treating patients under sedation and/or general anaesthesia
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Essential
Communication and interpersonal skills Understand principles of confidentiality Organisational skills and initiative Ability to work under pressure and on own initiative Excellent computer skills including experience with dental software Ability to deal with emotional and distressing situations
Additional Requirements Essential
Current UK driving license Use of car for travel between clinics Ability to work outside normal working hours (8.30 - 17.00) given sufficient notice
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.
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 Berkshire Healthcare Foundation Trust
Address West Berkshire Community Hospital, London Road, Benham Hill, Thatcham, Berkshire, RG18 3AS
London Road
Thatcham
RG18 3AS
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.berkshirehealthcare.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)