About this role
Job summary
An exciting opportunity to join an experienced and well-established Community Specialist Dental Service team as a Dental Nurse. In this rewarding role, you will work collaboratively with Dental Officers and colleagues to provide outstanding clinical care, support a wide range of specialist dental treatments, and contribute to delivering an exceptional patient experience.
Main duties of the job
As a Dental Nurse within our Community Specialist Dental Service, you'll be part of a supportive and experienced team providing care to patients with a wide range of additional needs, including learning disabilities, autism, sensory impairments, complex medical conditions, mobility difficulties and mental health challenges.
No two days are the same. You'll support patients throughout their journey, from welcoming them into the clinic and helping them feel at ease, to assisting Dental Officers during treatment and ensuring patients are comfortable before they leave.
You'll also have the opportunity to assist with specialist treatments, including Relative Analgesia (RA) Sedation and General Anaesthetic services, helping to deliver safe, high-quality care.
Alongside your clinical duties, you'll help keep clinics running smoothly by managing appointments and clinical rotas using SystmOne, preparing surgeries for treatment sessions, monitoring stock levels, and carrying out decontamination procedures in line with Trust standards. You'll be responsible for ensuring dental equipment is clean, safe and ready for use at all times.
The role also includes reviewing and triaging referrals, helping to identify the most appropriate treatment pathway for patients. As we provide services across a number of locations, you'll occasionally travel to different Community Dental sites to support the wider team.
About us
If you are being interviewed you must accept an interview slot in the system to continue, even if you have arranged with the manager.
You must be able to produce ALL certificates stated essential in the person specification or you will not be able to complete pre-employment checks.
We provide hospital services from two acute sites - Darlington Memorial Hospital and University Hospital of North Durham. We have a centre for planned care in Bishop Auckland and provide care from community hospitals in Chester-le-Street, Shotley Bridge, Barnard Castle, Sedgefield and Weardale as well as over 80 other community based settings and providing care in patients' homes.
We particularly welcome applications from disabled and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates as BAME and disabled people are currently under-represented.
Full Job Descriptions can be found in the adverts supporting documents.
Over reliance on AI-generated content is discouraged and may diminish the applicant's chances of success.
For the most up-to-date information on visa requirements and eligibility, please check online to determine whether you can apply.
Job description Job responsibilities
As a Dental Nurse within the Community Specialist Dental Service, you'll be involved in a wide variety of clinical and patient-focused activities, helping to ensure patients receive safe, high-quality care from the moment they arrive until they leave the clinic.
You'll welcome and support patients throughout their visit, preparing them for treatment and assisting Dental Officers during a range of dental procedures. You'll help create a positive experience for patients with diverse needs, including those with learning disabilities, complex medical conditions, mobility difficulties, dental anxiety and emotional or mental health challenges.
A key part of the role involves preparing surgeries for treatment sessions, maintaining stock levels, processing dental radiographs, monitoring equipment, and carrying out decontamination procedures in line with Trust policies and infection prevention standards. You'll also provide oral health education, including oral hygiene and dietary advice, helping patients improve and maintain their oral health.
You'll support the management of emergency and trauma patients, assist with patient assessments and, following appropriate training, carry out pre-operative checks such as blood pressure, INR and blood glucose monitoring. The role may also involve supporting patients with reduced mobility, using specialist equipment where required to help them safely access treatment.
There are opportunities to be involved in specialist services, including conscious sedation and general anaesthetic procedures. This includes assisting clinicians during treatment, carrying out routine equipment checks, supporting pre-operative assessments, and working alongside theatre and day surgery teams to ensure patients receive seamless care before, during and after their procedures.
In addition, you'll contribute to wider service development by supporting dental screening programmes, national oral health surveys, clinical audits, training activities and quality improvement initiatives. You'll play an active role in maintaining high clinical standards, adhering to health and safety requirements, and supporting the delivery of excellent patient care across the service.
Person Specification
Special Requirements Essential
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build positive relationships with patients, carers and colleagues. Able to work effectively both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team. Holds a full driving licence and has access to a vehicle for travel between Community Dental Service sites.
Special Skills & Knowledge Essential
Good knowledge of dental procedures and treatments, with the ability to provide effective chairside support to Dental Officers across a range of clinical activities. Confident in preparing instruments and materials, supporting patient care, and maintaining high standards of clinical practice, infection control and patient safety.
Desirable
Experience of caring for patients with additional and complex needs, including learning disabilities, autism, complex medical conditions, emotional or mental health needs, reduced mobility, and behaviours that may challenge services
Experience Essential
Experience working as a qualified Dental Nurse, with a minimum of 2 years' chairside experience
Desirable
Experience of using SystmOne and other computer-based systems for patient records, appointments and administration
Statutory Registration Essential
Must hold current GDC registration as a Dental Nurse and maintain professional registration requirements.
Qualifications Essential
NEBDN National Diploma in Dental Nursing (or equivalent recognised qualification). Current GDC registration as a Dental Nurse. Evidence of ongoing Continuing Professional Development (CPD), including verifiable CPD hours.
Desirable
NEBDN Certificate in Conscious Sedation or a willingness to undertake training Dental Radiology qualification /Certificate and experience taking radiographs Diploma in Dental Health Education Certificate in Special Care Dental Nursing Experience of assisting with General Anaesthetic procedures. Experience of working within a Community Dental Service or community-based healthcare setting. Experience of supporting patients with additional needs, including learning disabilities, complex medical conditions and mobility challenges. A minimum of 4 GCSEs (or equivalent), including English and Mathematics. A proactive approach to learning and ongoing professional development.
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.
Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
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 County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust
Address Dental Department
Park Place Health Centre
Darlington
County Durham
DL1 5LW
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.cddft.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)