- To perform high quality dental nursing whilst assisting the dentists she/he has been appointed with, in a safe and effective manner in accordance with the 'Code of Ethics' of the British Association of Dental Nurses and the GDC requirements and recommendations to the dentists and their staff. The performance of these duties is under the reasonable directions of the Practice Manager, made known from time to time as appropriate.
- To establish and maintain productive working relationships with all members of the dental team.
- To ensure that the surgical areas and equipment are regularly cleaned and maintained, including aspiration systems and autoclaves, paying all due attention to relevant legal and ethical codes, in addition to the practice policy in respect of cross infection control and Health & Safety.
- To liaise with the Practice Manager on all matters concerning administration, pay and service conditions.
- Support and participate in practice meetings, audits and CQC inspections.
- Maintain a professional look at all times, in line with our Uniform, Cross Infection and PPE Polices.
- To assist at reception and perform other clerical duties if required.
Surgery:
- Set-up and prepare the surgery for the type of patient and treatment planned before the start of each session
- Undertake necessary start up and end of day tests, keeping all necessary recordings in accordance with HTM 01-05 guidelines
- Prepare the necessary materials and instruments
- Provide clinical assistance to the dentists while treating the patient, under his/her supervision
- Take all reasonable methods to ensure patient comfort
- Continually interpret the needs of the patients and dentists, and deal with them promptly and efficient
- Assist in the correct procedure for dental radiography including processing, following IR (ME)R 2000 and I.R.R. guidelines at all times.
- Ensure safe disposal of sharps and clinical waste
- Check patient's medical history information is up to date and advise the dentists or Hygienist of any problems s/he has noted
- Chart and update patient's records on the computer as necessary and assist the dentists in the completion of clinical templates and record keeping.
- Open digital x-ray program and check if patient is due for routine x-rays and make dentist aware.
- Clean and sterilise all equipment/instruments and working surfaces to the required standards at the end of each session
- To make certain that any dental laboratory work stated on your day list is present.
- Follow all practice policies and procedures at all times
- Follow Health & Safety Codes, C.O.S.H.H and R.I.D.D.O.R. guidelines at all times, including when taking x-rays, disposing of sharps and clinical waste, resuscitation, emergency procedures and fire drill
- Comply with all guidelines including all rules on Confidentiality, Data Protection and Safeguarding Protection
- Report equipment failures or breakages to the Practice Manager, so that action may be taken to remedy any defects
- Monitor and maintain stocks within the dental surgery as necessary, following the stock protocols but informing the appropriate person / practice manager if problems or any warning of any shortages of materials in stock.
- To maintain and increase competence in nursing skills by actively following a programme of Continuous Professional Development (CPD)
- Perform any other tasks as reasonably requested by the Practice Manager
- Communicate appropriately and sensitively with patients who may be fearful, vulnerable, have sensitive concerns or have special needs i.e. physical and learning difficulties, elderly, deaf, blind or for who English is not their first language
- Assist in the care of a patient during a medical or dental emergency
- Undertake all mandatory training courses and maintain statutory obligation
- To carry out any other duties requested by the employer to ensure that patients receive a high quality of patient care. To be flexible with your duties to ensure the smooth running of the practice.
- Complete necessary surgery daily checklist