Dentistry as it should be
Dental Hygienist
Are you a passionate dental hygienist or dental therapist? Do you love giving excellent care, and educating and empowering patients? We are looking for the most talented and ambitious dental therapists and hygienists to join our team at our state of the art dental practice in Cheltenham.
Apply for this Position- Provide dental hygiene care to a wide range of patients
- Follow the practice procedures for the prevention and control of infection
- Plan the delivery of care for patients to improve and maintain their periodontal health
- Work with the dentist/s of the practice to help patients maintain their oral health by preventing and treating gum disease and promoting good oral health practice
- Be proactive in developing good lines of communication with the dentist/s to ensure the best treatment of the patients
- Carry out appropriate patient treatments according to a written prescription from a dentist
- Obtain a detailed dental history from patients and evaluate their medical history
- Complete periodontal examination and charting and use indices to screen and monitor periodontal disease
- Work with the principal to develop the practice and implement the business plan
- Provide treatment for patients in line with the practice schedule and appointment system
- Maintain accurate clinical records
- Maintain a high level of patient care
- Keep up to date with health and safety requirements
- Attend practice meetings and training sessions when requested to do so
- Assist in other areas of the practice, including administration if required to do so
Perform the following clinical procedures:
- Monitor periodontal diseases by using current indices, plaque scores, bleeding and pocket depth charts
- Provide specific oral hygiene advice by the development of a home care plan for individual patients to maintain their oral health
- Perform supra and subgingival scaling, including comprehensive root surface debridement which may involve the use of local infiltration analgesia together with the placement of antimicrobial agents when necessary
- Provide thorough prophylaxis, which can include polishing restorations
- Place fissure sealants and apply fluoride applications to teeth
- Place a temporary filling, when appropriate
- Give specific preventative advice including: nutritional guidance; advice and use of fluoride agents; the benefits of smoking cessation and the prevention of halitosis
- Take radiographs
- Apply local treatment agents under prescription from the dentist
- Plan and implement oral hygiene programmes related to public health campaigns
- Place crowns with temporary cement in emergencies
- Remove excess cement by instruments, which may include rotary instruments
- Take impressions (for the purpose of record, diagnostic and orthodontic model production)
- Administer inferior dental nerve block anaesthesia, under the direct personal supervision of a registered dentist (provided that the dentist is on the premises when the ID block is administered)
- Treat patients under conscious sedation, provided that the sedationist remains in the room throughout treatment
- Administer local infiltration anaesthesia according to the GDC guidelines
Perform the following additional procedures following appropriate training:
- Carry out tooth whitening to the prescription of a dentist
- Prescribe radiographs
- Administer inhalation sedation
- Remove sutures after the wound has been checked by a dentist
Requirements
- Carry out a high quality dental hygiene treatment under the prescription of a dentist in line with current legislation and regulations
- Follow practice policies and procedures
- Ensure that the required professional indemnity and insurance are in place and that all necessary CPD is undertaken
- Promote, establish and maintain productive working relationships with all members of the dental team
- Liaise with the principal on all matters concerning administration, pay and service conditions
- Supervise the assisting dental nurse in regard to clinical matters
- Take reasonable care for your own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by your acts or omissions at work
Responsibilities
- This job description is a guide to responsibilities rather than a complete list of duties. It will be periodically reviewed and may be amended by agreement from time to time.