Dental Nurse

• Prepare and maintain the clinical environment, including the equipment
• Carry out infection prevention and control procedures to prevent physical, chemical and microbiological contamination in the surgery or laboratory
• Record dental charting and oral tissue assessment carried out by other registrants
• Keep full, accurate and contemporaneous patient records and ensure that they are stored securely
• Prepare equipment materials and patients for dental radiography
• Process dental radiographs
• Monitor, support and reassure patients
• Give appropriate patient advice
• Support the patient and your colleagues if there is an emergency
• Make appropriate referrals to other health professionals

Perform the following additional procedures following appropriate training:

• Oral health education and oral health promotion
• Assist in the treatment of patients who are under conscious sedation
• Assist in treatment of patients with special needs
• Assist in the treatment of orthodontic patients
• Carry out intra and extra – oral photography
• Pour, cast and trim study models
• Carry out shade taking
• Trace cephalometric radiographs

Perform the following additional procedures on prescription from or under the direction of, another registrant:

• Take radiographs
• Place rubber dam
• Measure and record plaque indices
• Remove sutures after the wound has been checked by a dentist
• Construct occlusal registration rims and special trays
• Repair the acrylic component of removable appliances
• Apply topical anaesthetic to the prescription of a dentist
• Construct mouthguards and bleaching trays to the prescription of a dentist
• Construct vacuum formed retainers to the prescription of a dentist
• Take impressions to the prescription of a dentist or a CDT (where appropriate)
• Apply fluoride varnish either on prescription from a dentist or direct as part of a structured dental health programme
• Segregate waste in accordance with the practice procedures and ensure its safe disposal
• Liaise with reception over appointments for each patient
• Escort patients from the waiting room to the surgery, confirm the patient’s 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
• 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
• Follow all professional 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

Requirements

• 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 GDC’s ‘Scope of Practice'
• Follow practice policies and procedures
• Maintain professional indemnity and registration with the GDC
• Undertake CPD in line with the GDC guidelines
• 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 the supervision of trainee dental nurses in the practice
• 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

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. 

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