Job overview

The Community Dental Service is seeking a motivated and compassionate Dental Nurse (Band 4) to join our team on a fixed term basis (12-month Maternity cover) part time basis.

The post holder will provide high quality clinical and administrative support to dentists delivering care to patients who are unable to access general dental services due to disability, medical complexity or the need for specialist care.

You will assist in a wide range of dental procedures, ensuring the smooth running of clinics, maintaining high standards of infection prevention and control, and delivering safe, patient centred care always. The role involves supporting patients of all ages, many of whom may require additional reassurance, empathy and communication support.

The post is based at West Berkshire Community Dental Clinic with regular travel to various clinics and sites across Berkshire, therefore flexibility and the ability to travel are essential. The position is office and clinic based.

This role is part time, 30 hours per week, worked over 4 days, 08:30 – 17:00, and is ideal for a Dental Nurse who enjoys working as part of a multidisciplinary team in a community setting. You will be professionally accountable to the Head of Service and line managed by the Community Dental Service Manager / Operations Manager.

Opportunities for development and training are actively supported within the service.

Main duties of the job

• To provide comprehensive support to clinicians, throughout a wide range of different types of clinical treatments. 
• To provide clinical support as described above within a wide range of settings - including fixed sites and clinics, and other environments which include patients’ homes, residential care and nursing homes, hospices and hospitals. 
• To provide clinical support to sedation clinics - additional training will be provided if necessary. 
• To provide clinical support at general anaesthetic sessions - additional training will be provided if necessary. 
• To provide support to dental trainees and students working within the service.

• To set up and prepare the dental surgery or theatre for use at the beginning of the session and ensure that it is left as defined by the control of infection guidelines at the end of the day.
• To ensure that the correct clean instruments and equipment, x-rays, record card and electronic records are available to the clinician prior to treatment.
• To prepare and monitor patients for and during their dental treatment providing pre- and post-operative instruction where needed. 
• To ensure the laboratory is contacted and all relevant work is present when patient arrives. 
• To assist with dental radiography under the supervision of an operator, process dental x-rays following the Quality Assurance Policy. 
• To ensure that emergency medical drugs and equipment are available, in full working order and not expired. To fulfil mandatory CPR. 

Working for our organisation

Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is a specialist mental health and community health services trust. Rated ‘outstanding’ by the CQC, we’re committed to providing the best possible care to people across Berkshire. As an employer, we’re committed to offering an inclusive and compassionate environment where our people share in a sense of belonging and are supported to flourish.

Our values at Berkshire Healthcare are:

• Caring for and about you is our top priority
• Committed to providing good quality, safe services
• Working Together with you to develop innovative solutions

Your wellbeing is important to us. Some of the benefits of working for us include:

• Flexible working options to support work-life balance
• 27 days’ annual leave rising with service + opportunity to buy and sell
• Generous NHS pension scheme
• Excellent learning and career development opportunities
• ‘Cycle to Work’ and car leasing scheme including electric vehicles
• Access to a range of wellbeing tools and services
• Discounts at hundreds of popular retailers and restaurants
• Staff networks for race, diversity, disabilities, the environment and armed forces community to support equality
• Generous maternity, paternity, adoption and special leave
• Free parking across Trust sites

At Berkshire Healthcare, we foster an inclusive workplace where everyone belongs.

Watch our careers video to learn more.

We welcome talent from all backgrounds and offer guaranteed interviews to disabled applicants and armed forces community members who meet the minimum criteria.

Please note we may close positions before the advertised date.

If you need help with your application, please contact us on [email protected]

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