Dental Nurse Job Description

At the moment I have just started a Practice Managers course, and my assignment was to create job descriptions for each member of the dental team. While researching on the internet for examples, I found that there wasn't many examples of dental job descriptions, and found it really difficult to get ny decent and up-to-date information. So I've now completed my assignment, and I'm putting up my job descriptions as an example for others who are interested.

Job Description – Dental Nurse

Job Title: Dental Nurse

Purpose of the Job: To carry out nursing duties throughout the practice, assist with reception, to carry out any clerical duties as required and perform such tasks as reasonably requested by the Principle or Practice Manager.

To Whom Responsible: The Principle, Practice Manager and the dentist or hygienist s/he is working with.

For Whom Responsible: None

Employment Duties:

• To perform high quality dental nursing whilst assisting the dentists or hygienist s/he has been appointed with, in a safe and effective manner in accordance with the ‘Code of Ethics’ of the British Association of Dental Nurses and the GDC requirements and recommendations to the dentists and their staff. The performance of these duties is under the reasonable directions of the principle, made known from time to time as appropriate
• To establish and maintain productive working relationships with all members of the dental team
• To ensure that the surgical areas and equipment are regularly cleaned and maintained, including aspiration systems and autoclaves, paying all due attention to relevant legal and ethical codes, in addition to the practice policy in respect of cross infection control and Health & Safety
• To keep accurate records and ensure the recording methods are used in line with agreed practice policy and current medico-legal guidelines
• To liaise with the Practice Manager on all matters concerning administration, pay and service conditio
• To assist at reception and perform other clerical duties if required.

Key Tasks:

Surgery:

• Set-up and prepare the surgery for the type of patient and treatment planned before the start of each session
• Test autoclave before the start of each morning and afternoon session, keeping all necessary recordings in accordance with HTM 01-05 guidelines
• Prepare the necessary materials and instruments
• Provide clinical assistance to the dentists and hygienist while treating the patient, under his/her supervision
• Take all reasonable methods to ensure patient comfort
• Continually interpret the needs of the patients and dentists or hygienist, and deal with them promptly and efficient
• Assist in the correct procedure for dental radiography, following IR (ME)R 2000 and I.R.R. guidelines at all times
• Ensure safe disposal of sharps and clinical waste
• Check patients medical history information is up to date and warn the dentists or hygienist of any problems s/he has noted
• Chart and update patients records on the computer as necessary, and assist the dentists or hygienist in the completion of records
• Clean and sterilize all equipment and working surfaces to the required standards at the end of each session, including the sterilizing room
• Ensure that all necessary laboratory work is returned and ready for each session.
• Follow all practice policies and procedures
• Follow Health & Safety Codes, C.O.S.H.H and R.I.D.D.O.R. guidelines at all times, including when taking x-rays, handling mercury, disposing of sharps and clinical waste, resuscitation, emergency procedures and fire drill
• Obey all dental ethical guidelines including all rules on confidentiality, Data Protection and Child Protection
• Report equipment failures or breakages to the Principal or Practice Manager, so that action may be taken to remedy any defects
• Monitor and maintain stocks within the dental surgery as necessary, informing the Practice Manager and liaising with the dentists and hygienist over necessary orders, and warning of any shortages of materials in the stores
• To maintain and increase competence in nursing skills by actively following a programme of Continuous Professional Development (CPD)
• Perform any other tasks as reasonably requested by the Principle

Reception:

• Meet and greet patients with a friendly manner
• Answer telephone calls and queries, booking , changing or canceling appointments as necessary
• Ensure that reception runs smoothly
• Keep a record of daily taking, as well as update patients finance records on the computer system
• Cash up after the morning and afternoon session daily, and check that it coincides with the daily takings, record and file as necessary.

Required Qualifications: 3 GCSE’s with grade C or above and NEBDN or NVQ III in Oral Health Care, or grandparenting.

Beneficial Experience:

• Computer skills
• Working within a dental surgery for at least 6 months
• Reception skills
• Good Infection Control skills
• Any extra courses taken that are relevant to dentistry.

Personal Attributes:

• Team player with strong relationship building skills, both internally and externally
• Effective communication skills, with both work colleagues and the general public
• Pro-active approach
• Diligent with good written skills
• An interest in the welfare of patients, with a mature, friendly, confident and caring manner
• The ability to relate well with a wide range of people, including those with special needs
• To be punctual
• To be honest, trust-worthy and reliable
• to be presentable, taking care of your appearance and keeping jewelry to a minimum
• The ability to speak Welsh desirable, but not essential.

Terms of Employment: Your hours of work will be 9.00am – 5.30pm, two days out of seven, with one hour unpaid lunch. The successful applicant will require a CRB check, which will be reimbursed by the employer, and must show proof of registration and all inoculations, including Hepatitis B.