Purpose of the job:

Provide clinical support to dentists, hygienists and patients, assist with reception or any clerical duties as required and perform such other tasks as reasonably requested by the principal.

Employment duties
Perform high quality dental nursing whilst assisting each dentist, hygienist or therapist in all procedures in a safe and effective manner in accordance with the Code of Ethics of the British Association of Dental Nurses, the GDCs Scope of Practice
Follow practice policies and procedures
Attend an approved course leading to either a Diploma in dental nursing or the EBDN certification, maintain all relevant coursework.
Establish, promote and maintain productive working relationships with all members of the dental team
Liaise with the practice manager on all matters concerning administration, pay and service conditions
Assist with reception duties and perform other clerical duties if required
Take reasonable care for your own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by your work

Key tasks
Follow the practice procedures for infection prevention and control
Set-up and prepare the treatment room appropriately for each patient
Prepare the necessary materials and instruments, making sure that equipment and instruments are in good working order and maintained regularly in accordance with practice policy
Segregate waste in accordance with the practice procedures and ensure its safe disposal
Assist in taking radiographs (according to your level of training)
Process, mount and file dental radiographs
Maintain and decontaminate equipment in accordance with manufacturers instructions and your training
Liaise with reception over appointments for each patient
Escort patients from the waiting room to the surgery, confirm the patients medical history is up-to-date and communicate to the dentist [hygienist/therapist] any change in medical history or problems that he/she has noted
Provide chairside support to the dentist [hygienist/therapist] during treatment
Prepare dental materials as required
Monitor, support and reassure patients
Assist in the keeping of full and accurate patient records and ensure that they are regularly updated and stored securely
Support the patient and colleagues if there is an emergency
Provide appropriate advice to patients
Monitor and maintain stock within the practice as necessary, informing the practice manager and liaising with the dentists [hygienists/therapists] over orders or any shortages of materials
Perform chaperoning duties for dentists [hygienists/therapists] when treating patients
Perform the following additional procedures following appropriate training:
Assist in the treatment of patients who are under conscious sedation
Assist in treatment of patients with special needs
Carry out shade taking
Carry out intra-oral photography
Place rubber dam
Measure and record plaque indices
Pour, cast and trim study models
Remove sutures after the wound has been checked by a dentist
Apply fluoride varnish as part of a programme overseen by a consultant/a registered specialist in dental public health
Construct occlusal registration rims and special trays
Repair the acrylic component of removable appliances
Trace ceph radiographs
Perform the following additional procedures on prescription from the dentist:
Take radiographs
Apply topical anaesthetic
Construct mouthguards and bleaching trays
Construct vacuum formed retainers
Take impressions
Follow all dental ethical guidelines including all rules on confidentiality
Maintain and promote patient confidentiality in relation to patient medical history, details of treatment, financial transactions or any conversation overheard
Complete laboratory request forms and keep records of all items sent, received and fitted
Check that all necessary laboratory work is returned and ready for each session
Assist in all clerical and administrative duties as required by the principal
Report equipment failures or breakages to the practice manager
Attend practice annual training for medical emergencies and CPR
Perform other tasks in accordance with additional skills you have developed within the GDC Scope of Practice
Identify your training and development needs and undertake appropriate training to maintain and increase competence in nursing skills by following an agreed CPD programme to comply with the GDC requirements
Provide feedback on the performance of trainee dental nurses
Bring to the attention of the principal or practice manager any concerns about aspects of the practice, its performance or the performance of others in the practice
Attend all practice meetings as requested
Perform any other tasks that are reasonably requested by the principal


Skills Required
• Good IT skills
•Good communication skills
•Proven customer service experience
•Organised approach to work


Qualifications Required
GCSE C grade in Maths and English (or equivalent)

Personal Qualities
• Excellent time keeping
•Motivated and flexible
•A willingness to learn new skills
•An interest in dentistry and personal hygiene