CLINICAL RESPONSIBILITIES
The Dental Nurse will report directly to the Senior Dental Nurse (accountable to Senior Lecturer in Restorative and Primary Care Dentistry) and will support the delivery of safe, effective, and high-quality dental care within the clinical environment. Key responsibilities include:
- Provide efficient and professional chairside assistance during dental procedures, ensuring patient comfort and procedural efficiency.
- Ensure a high standard of hygiene and cleanliness in the clinical areas in line with the appropriate Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) policy, guidelines from the Heath Service Executive (HSE) and/or from the Dental Council in Ireland.
- Coordinate the sterilisation and maintain dental units, instruments, and materials in accordance with National Guideline for Infection Prevention and Control (IPC), HSE Guidelines and Dental Council in Ireland regulations.
- Accurately document patient interactions and treatment details using the electronic patient record system, maintaining confidentiality and data integrity.
- Uphold a high standard of hygiene and cleanliness in all clinical areas, contributing to a safe and compliant working environment.
- Assist in the delivery of clinical teaching, including student induction, supervision during practical sessions, and support during clinical assessments.
- Promptly report any clinical incidents, equipment faults, or patient concerns to the Senior Dental Nurse or appropriate supervisor.
- Promote a culture of safety by adhering to defined protocols, supporting safe systems of work, and contributing to health and safety documentation as required.
- As the dental nursing team grows, and under the direction of line management, provide support to colleagues as needed to ensure the smooth and efficient delivery of clinical services.
SIMULATION RESPONSIBILITIES
The Dental Nurse will support the operation of the Simulated Dental Learning Environment (SDLE), contributing to the preparation, maintenance, and delivery of simulation-based teaching. Key responsibilities include:
- Assist with the setup and daily maintenance of the Simulated Dental Learning Environment (SDLE), ensuring all units and equipment are clean, fully operational, and compliant with best practices and regulatory standards.
- Prepare simulation stations for clinical skills sessions, practical teaching, and assessments, including the arrangement of instruments, materials, and dental models.
- Support inventory management by monitoring stock levels of simulation materials and consumables, and assisting with restocking and procurement processes.
- Maintain accurate records of equipment usage, maintenance, and supply levels as required.
- Ensure all equipment is clean, functional, and safe for use, performing routine checks and basic maintenance, reporting any faults or issues to the appropriate personnel.
- Interface with equipment manufacturers and other partners regarding equipment troubleshooting and system problems.
- Each session will require a variation or specific set up and arrangements of dental equipment and artefacts, including but not limited to casts/teeth, study models, articulators, dental hand- pieces, restorative instruments, endodontic materials etc.
- Perform routine checks and basic maintenance on the simulators.
- Track and log software licenses and maintenance contracts.
- Ensure the appropriate consumables are available for all teaching/examination events and maintain an accurate inventory of supplies required for each event.
- Where possible, participate in the design, development, and production of simulation models, in providing the appropriate materials for use in the Simulated Dental Learning Environment.
- Assist with procurement activities by tracking equipment and supply needs, including items for restock, repair, or replacement. Maintain accurate logs of inventory levels, equipment usage, and maintenance schedules to support operational efficiency.
- Assist academic staff during practical sessions, demonstrations, and workshops involving dental students.
- Ensure clear separation between simulation and clinical equipment to maintain safety and prevent cross-contamination.
- Initiate liaison with relevant bodies and groups, both internal and external to the University.
- Stay informed about developments in dental simulation practices and contribute to continuous improvement within the SDLE.
- Provide appropriate administrative support to academic research where applicable.
- Provide basic first aid assistance as required in the event of minor accidents.
- Provide general support to the simulation team and contribute to a collaborative and efficient working environment.
- As the SDLE team expands, support colleagues under the direction of line management to ensure smooth delivery of simulation activities.
LOCAL DECONTAMINATION UNIT (LDU) RESPONSIBILITIES
The Dental Nurse will support the decontamination and sterilisation processes within the Local Decontamination Unit (LDU). Key responsibilities include:
- Carry out decontamination and sterilisation of dental instruments in line with national standards.
- Liaise with the clinical and simulation teams to ensure timely availability of sterile instruments.
- Maintain accurate records of decontamination processes and equipment checks.
ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES
- Escalate any incidents, equipment malfunctions, or safety concerns promptly to the Senior Dental Nurse or designated supervisor.
- Contribute to the orientation and practical training of students, supporting the delivery of high-quality educational experiences.
- Demonstrate flexibility, adaptability and a proactive approach in responding to the evolving needs of students, staff, and the wider School of Dentistry.
- Undertake additional duties as directed by line management that are consistent with the scope and objectives of the role.
HEALTH & SAFETY RESPONSIBILITIES
In addition to the statutory duties outlined in relevant health and safety legislation and the local safety statement, all staff members are expected to:
- Fulfil any health and safety responsibilities delegated by their Head of School, Department, Centre, or Unit, in relation to the activities or areas under their supervision.
- Collaborate with the University and relevant leadership to support the effective implementation of statutory health and safety obligations.
- Ensure that all tasks under their control are carried out safely, without risk to health, and in full compliance with applicable legislation and best practice guidelines.
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