Dental Nurse

To work flexibly within the dental team providing high quality dental care for a wide range of patients including adults and children with additional needs and the medically compromised.

To provide comprehensive support to clinicians in the performance of a range of work activities which are appropriate to a trained and qualified dental nurse. In areas such as the dental department, schools and nurseries, residential homes, patient homes and hospitals.

To carry out clerical and administrative duties to ensure the efficient operation of the service.

• Works with clinical operators providing patient care.
• Constantly interprets the needs of the patient, carers / support and clinicians.
• Works with dental equipment including sharp and fine instruments within the confines of the oral cavity.
• Provides advice for patients /carers/support/families about dental procedures including pre and post operative advice, management of complications and pain control.
• Prepares the surgeries and other clinical areas prior to clinical sessions and closes down at the end of sessions.
• Carries out performance checks and daily maintenance of dental equipment including assembly and dismantling. Ensure operational readiness and report faulty equipment.
• ensure that routine and emergency equipment is checked and available.
• Cleans, disinfects and sterilises contaminated equipment, instruments and treatment areas between each patient following cross infection procedures.
• Prepares the clinical area for the patient using knowledge and experience to select the appropriate equipment, materials and instruments.
• Process digital radiographs.
• Work as part of a multi disciplinary team providing dental treatment.
• Work in the decontamination rooms processing instruments.

The Community Dental Team are a small but progressive team who value the workforce. Our primary role is to help people with additional needs overcome barriers so they may access dental care. Patients are referred to us from other social and healthcare professionals to obtain urgent or ongoing dental provision. We have clinics in Torquay, Newton Abbot, Day Surgery Unit at Torbay Hospital and domiciliary care.