Dental Nurse

at  Swansea Bay University Health Board

Main Duties and Responsibilities: To have individual responsibility for the preparation and organisation of the dental surgeries where clinical procedures will be undertaken and ensure compliance to LHB Health and Safety standards and ensuring a high standard of cleanliness within the department. To assist and closely support both the Foundation Dentists and Trainers as required before, during and after treatment of the patient. Work alongside Consultants in the Restorative Department and GDP with, ‘in hour access’ and patients of the local community. To work across the services within the Dental department including administrative duties and decontamination/sterilization of dental instruments.
To prepare and maintain instruments, materials and equipment for routine and complex procedures. To be responsible for the safe use of equipment. Responsible for security of equipment and drugs in clinical areas. To demonstrate a knowledge of all clinical procedures and policies.
Responsible for providing an aseptic environment for all clinical procedures understanding the importance of all cross infection issues bearing on this e.g. MRSA, Hepatitis, H.I.V. To identify each patients medical and dental nursing needs, before, during and after treatment of the patient. Assist the dentist in monitoring patients throughout treatment for signs of anxiety or medical distress.
Advice, triage and prioritise dental emergency patients to ensure they receive the most appropriate care. To be responsible for chaperoning patients and staff. To prepare, process and develop radiographs complying with current regulations To work independently and have accountability for ones own actions when delivering dental nursing care. Responsible for monitoring and maintaining stock levels using both manual and computer systems.
To undertake administration and reception duties requiring IT and manual skills. To prepare and complete clinical notes and recording of clinical information to individual patients records i.e. charting, clinical audit forms. Ability to respond in a medical emergency and administer basic life support.
To undertake risk management exercise as appropriate, taking account of the integrated nature of the dental clinic. Provide Oral Health education and explaining certain dental procedures to patients/carers. Participate in other relevant Oral Health promotion activities. Recognising and reflecting on communication barriers and modifying the style of communications to suit the level of understanding, eg, patients with learning difficulties or other languages.
Modify the environment with regards to noise, use of interpreters, use of appropriate leaflets. Ability to communicate information concerning patients history, clinical procedures, sensitive issues to patients and their carers which require persuasive, empathetic and reassurance skills; some of these patients will have learning difficulties Maintain good working relations with colleagues thus creating a happy environment in which to work. Participation in internal training process of Dental Nurses. To provide a mentoring role with the Student Dental Nurses.
To communicate and co-ordinate effectively with appropriate clinicians, staff, professional bodies, and external agencies. Required to provide empathy sensitivity reassurance and support to patients / carers. To participate in regular discussions with the training team on training course issues. Participation in the evidence published in the Dental Nurse journals and other relevant publications for sound innovative advice as a team.
Use information technology as a means of communication and self directed learning Abide by all relevant NHS policies including Confidentiality and Data Protection. The post holder is reminded that any breach of confidentiality policies and procedures will result in disciplinary action. Maintains a portfolio of own personal development/training. Participates in Clinical Governance and audit: eg: Patient questionnaires The post holder must ensure they comply with Health and Safety legislation and supporting Health and Safety policies and procedures.
The post holder must ensure that they operate in a safe manner at all times, ensuring the safety of themselves and others. The employee must ensure that they attend appropriate statutory training as deemed necessary by their Line/departmental Manager. All employees have a responsibility to risk management and they should make themselves aware of those responsibilities. The main duties in relation to risk management are: To follow policies, procedures, protocols and guidelines.
To complete incident forms and reports of untoward incident forms as appropriate. To inform their managers of any risks that they have The ability to speak Welsh is desirable for this rol

Please refer the Job description for details