Job summary
- Main area
- Dental Nurse
- Grade
- Band 4
- Contract
- Permanent
- Hours
- Part time - 25.5 hours per week
- Job ref
- 252-7938878
- Employer
- Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust
- Employer type
- NHS
- Site
- Darent Valley Hospital
- Town
- Dartford
- Salary
- £29,812 - £32,715 per annum pro rata
- Salary period
- Yearly
- Closing
- 05/05/2026 23:59
Employer heading
Max Fax Dental Nurse
Band 4
Job overview
Please Note:
This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must already hold the right to work in the UK independently, with a visa or immigration status that allows them to fulfil the full duration and type of contract offered. The Trust is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.
The post holder will deliver a full range of maxillofacial nursing duties and provide high‑quality, patient‑centred care at all times.
They will be clinically responsible and accountable for the assessment, treatment and ongoing management of patients within their care, working independently while under the clinical supervision of the Sister/Nurse in Charge.
The post holder will support maxillofacial procedures by anticipating the clinician’s needs and recognising potential complications. This includes the preparation and assembly of equipment, mixing of materials, and assisting during procedures by holding instruments and supporting the operative field.
They will provide specialist nursing support to Maxillofacial Surgeons within the department, ensuring safe, effective and efficient delivery of care in line with Trust policies, professional standards and best practice.
Main duties of the job
The post holder is responsible for the management and wellbeing of patients undergoing treatment within the department. They will work using their own initiative while remaining accountable to, and under the management of, the Sister.
They will receive and prepare patients for treatment, ensuring all relevant documentation, clinical notes and information are available and complete prior to surgery or procedures.
The post holder will provide clear advice and support to patients, relatives and carers regarding pre-operative and post-operative care and instructions.
They will assist clinical staff across the Maxillofacial specialties to support the safe and efficient delivery of care.
They will ensure the safe storage, use and administration of medicines and substances in accordance with Trust policies and procedures.
Patient safety will be maintained at all times, particularly during invasive procedures.
The post holder will act as a patient advocate during consultations, investigations and treatment, ensuring dignity, understanding and informed decision making.
They will clean and prepare oral surgery rooms prior to clinics and procedures.
They will be responsible for ensuring that the correct instruments, equipment and medicaments are available for clinical sessions, and that the clinical area is appropriately set up in line with infection prevention and control guidelines.
They will assemble and use equipment as required, including specialist equipment, and ensure equipment and instruments are cleaned, maintained and stored correctly.
They will safely clean and dispose of contaminated and infected materials following procedures, including sharps and blood products, in line with Trust policy.
The post holder will maintain accurate and up to date patient records, both paper and electronic, and contribute to audits and data collection as required.
Working for our organisation
We are committed to being an inclusive and diverse employer. We strive to employ people who reflect the communities we serve, and aim to create an inclusive culture where everyone can reach their full potential. Whatever your race, ethnicity, belief, generation, sexual orientation, gender or gender identity, disability or experience, you’ll appreciate the opportunities we give you to work in an inclusive atmosphere. We welcome applications from people of diverse backgrounds, perspectives and experiences to build on the progress we’ve achieved to make our Trust diverse and the best place to work. We celebrate the diversity of thought, viewpoints and ideas that help us overcome challenges and embrace new possibilities. We have signed the Armed Forces Covenant Pledge and have a commitment to the Armed Forces Community.
We are dedicated to using our Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) approach as our shared organisation model of change to enhance our services and ensure excellence in patient care.
If you are considering applying for a role, please be aware that as an NHS Employee you may have contact with vulnerable service users. We strongly encourage that all our staff are vaccinated against COVID-19 and are vaccinated annually against Flu, in order to protect the health and safety of our staff and patients. Your commitment will help us to put the safety and care of our patients first, as well as helping us to protect you and your colleagues.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
The post holder will provide a full range of maxillofacial nursing duties, delivering high quality, safe and compassionate care to patients attending the Maxillofacial Department. They will be clinically responsible and accountable for the care and management of patients within their remit, working independently while under the clinical supervision of the Sister or Nurse in Charge.
They will support Maxillofacial Surgeons and the multidisciplinary team by preparing patients for treatment, ensuring all relevant documentation, investigations and clinical information are available prior to procedures. The post holder will assist during clinics and invasive procedures, anticipating the clinician’s needs, maintaining patient safety and recognising potential complications.
The post holder will advise and support patients, relatives and carers with pre‑operative and post‑operative instructions, acting as a patient advocate during consultations, investigations and treatment to ensure dignity, understanding and consent.
They will prepare and maintain clinical environments, including cleaning and setting up oral surgery rooms, assembling sterile trays and ensuring appropriate instruments, equipment and medicaments are available in accordance with infection prevention and control guidelines. They will safely use, clean and maintain equipment, including specialist equipment, and dispose of contaminated materials including sharps and blood products in line with Trust policy.
The post holder will ensure the safe storage, handling and administration of medicines and substances in accordance with Trust policies and legislation.
They will maintain accurate and up‑to‑date patient records on paper and electronic systems, contribute to audits and collect clinical information such as blood results, imaging and histology samples as required.
The post holder will support the effective running of the department by assisting with stock control, reporting equipment faults and shortages, and contributing to activity data collection. They will support the induction and supervision of new or less experienced staff as required.
They will comply with all Trust policies and procedures, including safeguarding, confidentiality, infection prevention and control, health and safety and professional standards, and participate in mandatory training, appraisal and ongoing professional development.
For a detailed description of the Job roles and responsibilities please see the attached job description.
Person specification
Education and Training
Essential criteria
- Registered with the GDC as a Dental Nurse with knowledge of range of dental procedures; acquired through NVQ 3 or equivalent experience / training plus experience to diploma level or equivalent
- Evidence of Enhanced CPD
Desirable criteria
- Post basic certificate in any of the following Maxillofacial, Special care,Oral Health.
Knowledge and Skills
Essential criteria
- Good communication skills. Able to deal with emotional/anxious patients.
- Ability to plan own workload on a day-to-day basis.
- IT Literate
- Standard keyboard skills
Experience
Essential criteria
- Substantial experience as a Dental Nurse
Desirable criteria
- Registered Dental Nurse with experience of working within an acute hospital setting in a Maxillofacial Department.
Employer certification / accreditation badges
Applicant requirements
You must have appropriate UK professional registration.
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Documents to download
Further details / informal visits contact
- Name
- Debbie Beeching
- Job title
- Maxillofacial /Oral Surgery
- Email address
- [email protected]
- Telephone number
- 01322 428457
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