Job Description

Are you a qualified or newly qualified Dental Nurse?



Looking for a challenging role, and to work with Dentists at the top of their game in the NHS?



In role where each day brings new opportunities to help patients either in an emergency, or from vulnerable groups?



And want the opportunity to enhance your knowledge and qualifications?



Then this is the role for you..............

You will be:

Calm, patient, and caring keen to support vulnerable groups in obtaining dental treatment



Have experience of dealing with, or the aptitude to deal with challenging situations at times



Qualified and able to provide treatments in a professional manner



Able to work additional hours if offered

We offer:

Potential flexible working hours



The opportunity to with a Trust recognised as Outstanding by the CQC



Further training and progression within an extremely experienced team



The chance to be innovative and be part of a team where new ideas are encouraged



Excellent benefits inc Pension, generous leave, sick pay, and further qualifications



The role is based in Huntingdon , with free parking and access to local amenities.



If this sounds like you then please read the attached Job description



We look forward to you application, and then joining us!



Should we receive a high number of applications we reserve the right to close this vacancy at any point after 9th October 2025



Main Duties and Responsibilities



Chair-side assistance for the dentist. Speed and accuracy will be required during all procedures with little or no margin for error. Preparation of filling / Impression materials, anticipating requirements of the clinician and patient. Observing and supporting the patient during treatment. You are there to always chaperone the dentist and be prepared to act as a witness.



Follow Trust/Local infection control procedures to ensure high standards of patient safety.



You must have a broad knowledge of health and safety issues is required e.g., COSHH, RIDDOR, sharps injuries.



Assist the dentist during the taking of x-rays, participate in quality assurance.



If appropriate, advise the patient/parent/carer on principals of oral hygiene as directed by the dental officer.



Follow medicine management procedures in line with Trust policy.



Rated 'Outstanding' by the Care Quality Commission, we are proud to provide high quality innovative services across most of the east of England that enable people to receive care closer to home and live healthier lives.



There's one reason why our services are outstanding - and that's our amazing staff who, for the seventh year running, rated us incredibly highly in the national staff survey.



If you share our passion for innovative and high-quality care delivery, then please submit your application and join us on our exciting journey as a leading-edge specialist community provider. All are welcome to apply and our promise to you is a culture which prioritises staff engagement and development.



Job Purpose



The duties of the Dental Nurse are designed to maintain clinical and professional standards within the practice by working productively within a team.



We offer comprehensive treatment for vulnerable groups subject to their meeting the service eligibility criteria which includes children with social, behavioural and emotional problems, adults with physical and learning disabilities or complex medical problems and disadvantaged groups such as those whose disabilities mean that they need to be seen in a domiciliary setting. This may involve the additional use of sedation or general anaesthesia when appropriate.



We also provide an Emergency Service, IV sedation and a Minor Oral Surgery service in some of our locations.



Some of these patients may exhibit challenging behaviour. Dental HealthCare operates from several locations across Cambridge, Peterborough and Suffolk. On occasions the post holder may at times be expected to cover sickness/holiday at another location within a reasonable distance from your base.



Main Duties and Responsibilities

Nature of work:

Chair-side assistance for the dentist. Speed and accuracy will be required during all procedures with little or no margin for error. Preparation of filling / Impression materials, anticipating requirements of the clinician and patient. Observing and supporting the patient during treatment. You are there to always chaperone the dentist and be prepared to act as a witness



Follow Trust/Local infection control procedures to ensure high standards of patient safety.



You must have a broad knowledge of health and safety issues is required e.g., COSHH, RIDDOR, sharps injuries.



Assist the dentist during the taking of x-rays, participate in quality assurance.



If appropriate, advise the patient/parent/carer on principals of oral hygiene as directed by the dental officer.



Follow medicine management procedures in line with Trust policy.



Planning and Organisation



Responsibility for the efficient and smooth day to day running of the surgery involving good dexterity skills and accuracy during procedures for the mixing of materials and the handling of fine instruments.



Use judgmental and analytical skills to anticipate the needs of clinicians and patients. Be prepared for any eventuality e.g., changes in planned treatment, medical emergencies, and act promptly to deal with these.

Maintenance of stock levels, re-ordering as necessary.



Have a good knowledge of all dental equipment, its uses and its basic maintenance e.g., chair and suction units, sterilizers, handpieces, etc.

Have sound knowledge of the decontamination and sterilisation procedures in line with HTM01-05



Provide administrative and nursing support when requested for organising and delivering epidemiology survey.



Carry out extended duties within your scope of practice.

Reception cover/administrative duties when required.



Interpreting as necessary the needs of both patients and clinicians enabling situations to be dealt with promptly and efficiently.



Administrative management of day surgery general anaesthetic lists, including booking appointments and ensuring all necessary paperwork is complete. Liaise with day surgery staff, problem solving. Attend and ensure the smooth running of the list, setting up and clearing away and assisting the dentist.



Most of our patients require a lot of emotional support to persuade them to accept treatment. It must be recognised that anxiety can often be displayed as aggression.



Knowledge of computer use is essential for input of patient data, treatment planning, payment transactions and other services.



Collection of charges as appropriate.



Cashing up/banking, recording all necessary details



Collating petty cash



On occasions, work independently managing the department administration and giving appropriate advice when necessary.



Always maintain patient confidentiality



Contribute to the Trusts' internal communication strategies ensuring effective two-way communication and engagement within the organisation.



Contribute to the Trusts' external communication strategies working with the Head of Communications to raise awareness and promote the reputation of the Trusts' services.



Adhere to all Trust/local policies and procedures



Communication



Liaise and communicate with patients, carers, healthcare professionals, laboratory personnel, other departments, management teams etc.



Liaising with external organisations - hospitals, laboratories, contractors when require



Knowledge of computer use is essential for input of patient data, treatment planning, payment transactions and other services.



Pro-active in collecting patient feedback after each patient interaction.



Always maintain patient confidentiality



Contribute to the Trusts' internal communication strategies ensuring effective two-way communication and engagement within the organisation.



Contribute to the Trusts' external communication strategies working with the Head of Communications to raise awareness and promote the reputation of the Trusts' services.



Budgetary Responsibility



Ordering of stationery, materials and equipment, maintaining in-house stock control within own capabilities.

Handles cash from sale of oral hygiene products and patient income.



People Management



1. Supports colleagues, trainees, and agency staff to ensure that they are able to carry out their day-to-day duties.



2. Supports local induction and training for new and existing staff members.



3. Act as a buddy for new members of the team and support less experienced members of the team, including coaching/mentoring.



4. Maintaining own professional development and requirement to take part in appraisal and KSF process and clinical and/or management supervision.



Clinical and Practice Governance



1. Observe and maintain strict confidentiality with regards to any patient/family/staff/records and information in line with the requirements of the Data Protection Act and CCS policy.



2. Any data that is taken/shared as part of a phone call or transported, faxed or transferred electronically must be undertaken with regard to the Trust Information Governance and Information Security policies.



3. The post holder must adhere to the Trust risk assessment and risk management processes.



4. The post holder must adhere to infection control policies and procedures.



5. It is a condition of your employment that you are currently registered with GDC and it is your responsibility to maintain your professional registration.



Other Requirements



Other duties that may be determined by the Team Lead/Practice Manager or management team.



General



The post holder must at all times carry out his/her duties with regard to Cambridgeshire Community Services NHS Trust Equal Opportunities Policy.



To be aware of the responsibilities of all employees to maintain a safe and healthy environment for patients, visitors and staff.



Safeguarding people responsibility



Safeguarding children and adults at risk of abuse or neglect is a collective responsibility.



There is an expectation that all staff develop and maintain their role relevant safeguarding people competencies and comply with local safeguarding partnerships practice. Alongside this employee who are registrants are reminded of their professional duty of care.



Safeguarding means protecting a citizen's health, wellbeing and human rights; enabling them to live free from harm, abuse and neglect. It is an integral part of providing high-quality health care.

Those most in need of protection include:

Children and young people

Adults at risk, such as those receiving care in their own home, people with

physical, sensory and mental impairments, and those with learning disabilities.



All post holders must adhere to the code of conduct on confidentiality and be aware of and adhere to all Trust policies and procedures.



This job description is intended only as a guide to the range of duties involved. The post holder will need to be flexible and adaptable in order to respond to other duties that may be required from time to time and the changes and developments within the Trust.



This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exemptions) Order 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for disclosure to be made to the Criminal Records Bureau to check for any previous criminal convictions. Cambridgeshire Community Services NHS Trust is committed to the fair treatment of its staff, potential staff or users in line with its equal opportunities policy and policy statement on the recruitment of ex-offenders.