Dental Nurse - Oral Health

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) is one of the largest healthcare systems in the United Kingdom, employing approximately 40,000 staff across a wide range of clinical and non‑clinical professions and roles. We deliver acute hospital, primary, community and mental health services to a population of over 1.15 million people, and to a wider population of 2.2 million when regional and national services are included.

The Public Dental Service provides comprehensive dental care and oral health education to priority groups of patients, including those with special needs – adult and paediatric learning disability, medically compromised, hearing and sight impaired, terminally ill, mental illness, anxious and/or dental phobia, patients with challenging behaviours, elderly and all groups of children. Treatment is provided in fixed clinics, schools & nurseries, care homes, hospitals, homeless units and domiciliary visits.

Permanent
Shift Pattern - Monday – Friday 08:30-16:30
Base location - Royal Alexandra Hospital

• To provide chair side support for dentists, therapists and student on outreach, including attendance at residential accommodation and domiciliary care. This involves emotional and physical support to the patient, assisting the clinician during treatment and with pre and post treatment care including the reinforcing of instructions to patients.
• Provide oral health instruction, under the direction of the clinician, giving the patient encouragement, knowledge and skills to improve their dental health.
• Collection of patient charges if appropriate.
• Deal appropriately with enquiries or complaints from patients and/or their carers and other health care professionals.
• Participate in the local system/protocol for reporting faults with dental equipment or estates.
• Participate in a system ensuring emergency equipment is regularly checked and maintained to be able to deal with the management of any medical emergency.
• Participate in the efficient use of all clinic appointment/ recall systems.
• Participate in the completion of statistical data and returns.
• Maintenance of patient records and any associated paperwork.
• Participate in maintaining systems for the efficient storage, filing and retrieval of patients’ records.
• Participate in maintenance of x‑ray developing systems and completion of information in the x‑ray log book.
• Flexibility to cover other clinics Directorate‑wide as required.
• Taking part in continuing education and personal development, through PDP process, keeping up to date with developments.
• Take part in peer group meetings and activities.
• Participate in the training and development of the dental nurse team.
• Contribute to the maintenance of effective communication systems within the Directorate.
• Participate in clinical audit and quality assurance to ensure effective systems of Clinical Governance.

• National Certificate of the National Examining Board for Dental Nurses (or hospital equivalent)
• Knowledge of Control of Infection Standard policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of Health and Safety policies.
• Registered member of Dental Nurse Body –GDC
• Keep up to date in all new materials/techniques used.
• CPR, emergency drug use.
• Substantial completion of forms.
• Recording of patient needs and treatment completed.

We offer a wide range of supportive policies designed to enhance your employee journey, including a comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme, Cycle to Work Scheme, bursary scheme and extensive learning and development opportunities.

As an NHS Scotland employee, you will be entitled to:

• A minimum of 27 days annual leave, increasing with length of service, plus public holidays
• Membership of the NHS Pension Scheme, including life insurance benefits
• Salary Sacrifice Car Benefit Scheme
• Development opportunities including study bursaries, e-learning and classroom‑based courses
• Enhanced pay for working public holidays
• NHS discounts on a wide range of goods and services
• Confidential employee support and assistance, including counselling and psychological therapies