Dental Nurse

An excellent opportunity has arisen within the Dental Hospital to recruit a Paediatric Dental Nurse initially for a 10-month fixed term contract to cover maternity leave.

Applicants should have the NVQ level 3 in Oral Healthcare, National Certificate in Dental Nursing qualification or equivalent. Experience of working with children and young people would be advantageous but not essential.

Candidates must be able to demonstrate good communication and interpersonal skills, be hard working and have the ability to assist clinical dental staff, including undergraduate and postgraduate students during the treatment and care of patients. They must ensure Health and Safety policies are carried out as necessary and assist other dental nurses in fulfilling Departmental Policies and Procedures.

This vacancy is advertised on a fixed term contract basis for a period of a maximum of 10 months due to maternity leave of the substantive post holder. The fixed term contract status of the post holder will be reviewed in accordance with the Trust's legal obligations regarding fixed term contracts and statutory maternity provisions.

Please also note any secondment must first be agreed with your current line manager.

Clinical

Receive and prepare patients to undertake general, complex and specialised dental treatment, assisting consultants/clinical dental staff and students (undergraduate and postgraduate) during the treatment and care of the patients until they leave. (Including out of hours transport patients).

Assist the dentist to reassure and inform the patient about their treatment, further treatment and appointments, being aware of body language and cultural difficulties and dealing with these in a sensitive and appropriate manner, showing empathy and reassurance at all times.

Provide close chairside assistance, anticipating the clinicians’ requirements to ensure efficient and effective patient care.

Maintain close liaison with the clinician in the care, observation and supervision of patient with special needs and patients unsuitable to be seen in general dental practice or by general dental practitioners with problems such as complicated medical histories, heart conditions, breathing problems, diabetes, epilepsy, depression, needle phobia patients, drug users, the elderly and infirm, learning difficulties, autism, eating disorders, patients undergoing gender change, patients with blood disorders, HIV positive, Hepatitis B and abusive patients.

Maintain cross infection control adhering to the hospital infection control booklet/policy.

You will be working for an organisation which values and respects all of its staff and the community it serves. The Trust is a leader in the NHS and research sectors and provides excellent benefits for its staff. This includes commitments to professional development but also many policies to support employees in balancing their personal and professional lives.

Charles Clifford Dental Hospital is a dental teaching hospital linked to the University School of Clinical Dentistry, which has intakes of undergraduate and postgraduate students on an annual basis. The hospital also provides dental outpatient services for the Sheffield catchment area, and in addition provides specialist services in all departments to patients from a much wider area. It also incorporates the School of Dental Nursing, School of Hygiene and Therapy and Dental Technology.

Please view the attached Job Description and Person Specification documents for full details regarding this post.

When completing your application please ensure that you clearly demonstrate how you meet the role criteria.