Job overview

Shropshire Community Dental Service have an exciting opportunity for a Dental Nurse to join our team for Shropshire and Telford and Wrekin.

The purpose of the role is to provide a high-quality clinical support to both dentist (or dental therapist) and patients along with preparation of the surgery and layout of instruments and equipment for all dental procedures, maintaining a high standard of infection control.

Assisting at chair-side during all dental procedures and pre and post operative care of patients, e.g general anaesthesia and sedation instructions. Take an active part in Dental Nurse led information and advice line (DAL) to patients, wider communities, partners and stakeholders of Shropshire and Telford and Wrekin.

This service operates from 8am to 5pm and 6pm to 9pm, Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays). 

Please note this vacancy may close early if a high volume of applications is received, we advise you submit your application early to avoid disappointment.

Main duties of the job

• To assist in the treatment of e.g. dental emergencies, patients experiencing dental access difficulties and patients with special needs.
• Meet the needs of the patients by monitoring, supporting, and reassuring according to their specific needs, providing appropriate advice when required. This may include recognising and interpreting behaviours, especially those associated with anxious patients.
• Review the appointment diary at the start of each planned procedure and ensure the appropriate instrument, equipment and associated laboratory work are selected.
• Ensure patient records and relevant documentation is available.
• Support the measurement of nursing outcomes through audit and implement research-based practice.
• Ability to recognise and respond appropriately to changes in the patient’s condition and safety.
• To create and maintain appropriate electronic recording systems using Microsoft N365 and electronic patient record keeping software.
• Provide Oral Health Education to patients and prepare information on Oral Health promotion, working within the boundaries of the GDC Scope of practice.
• To monitor and maintain stock levels.
• To assist in the treatment of patients under conscious sedation and general anaesthesia, following appropriate training and supervision programme.
• To take dental radiographs when directed, if qualified to do so.
• To provide advice to patients calling the Dental Information and Advice line; in relation to urgent and routine dental care.

Working for our organisation

Shropshire Community Health NHS Trust provides community-based health services for adults and children in Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, and some services in surrounding areas too. These range from district nursing, health visiting and running four community hospitals through to providing very specialist community care through talented and dedicated staff.

Patients, carers and the public play a vital role in helping us to develop and improve our services and we are constantly looking for ways to work with local communities, patients and the public to innovate and improve. Have a look at the Have Your Say section of our website to find out how you can feed back your experiences and help us to continually improve.

Shropshire Community Health NHS Trust is an exciting place to work. It offers a wide range of employment opportunities for many people.

Shropshire Community Health NHS Trust positively encourages applications from all areas of the community, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation or religious beliefs. We are committed to ensuring people who work for the community trust have a good working life - and a good work life/home life balance.