Job summary
The Band 4 Dental Nurse role in the Outpatient Department is pivotal in bridging the gap between primary and secondary healthcare. It encompasses a range of services, from appointments to tests, with the aim of alleviating pressure on other hospital departments. Prioritising superior "customer care" and an exceptional patient experience is paramount due to Outpatients often being the initial hospital contact.
This role involves navigating through Outpatient areas, while maintaining a professional, welcoming attitude toward patients and colleagues. Collaborating within the clinical team, the post holder supports registered nurses in delivering supervised patient care. The role underscores patient safety, dignity, and adhering to person-centred care principles.
You will play an integral role in supporting oral surgery, orthodontic, and outpatient clinics, as well as providing post-operative care. Working within a multidisciplinary team of surgeons, staff grades, and administrative colleagues, you will ensure the smooth delivery of high-quality, patient-centred care in a busy hospital environment.
With a required 6-day coverage, the Band 4 role supports daily departmental operations, offering integrated clinical care, mentoring learners, and upholding elevated care standards in alignment with the organisation's values.
The role entails four weekly shifts during 0800 - 1815 hours, encompassing various specialties and offering support within the Outpatient setting.
Main duties of the job
- Assist clinicians in oral and maxillofacial procedures including extractions, minor oral surgery, biopsies, and orthodontic treatments.
- Prepare and maintain clinical areas, instruments, and equipment in line with infection control standards.
- Support post-operative care and patient recovery, providing reassurance and clear aftercare instructions.
- Maintain accurate and timely patient records and ensure compliance with hospital and GDC standards.
- Work collaboratively with consultants, nursing, and administrative staff to deliver efficient outpatient and day-case services.
- Contribute to audit, governance, and service improvement initiatives within the department.
- Demonstrate flexibility in supporting other clinical areas as required across the maxillofacial services.
About us
Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust is committed to being an inclusive and disability confident employer and has been awarded the Gold for the Armed Forces Employment Recognition Scheme. We provide first class development opportunities for all staff and have a wide range of professional, management and leadership, and clinical skills training available.
Here at Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust, we know how important it is to have a healthy work life balance; this benefits not only individuals but the patients we care for too.
We encourage applications from people who wish to work on a flexible basis, recognising that flexibility may mean a range of different working patterns and hours, we do our utmost to work with our staff to meet their needs and the needs of our service and its users.
Frimley Health Trust benefits on Vimeo
Job description
Job responsibilities
- To adhere to the GDC Code of Professional Standards of Practice for Dental Nurses and relevant guidelines, working both autonomously and with supervision.
- To comply with Trust policies, guidelines, and procedures, including Health and Safety and Resuscitation.
- To deliver high-quality clinical care while respecting patients' customs and beliefs.
- To advocate for patients, embracing a patient-oriented approach and meeting NHS Plan standards.
- To respond effectively to patient and service developments, escalating issues when necessary.
- To chaperone patients within OPD and other departments to ensure safety.
- To perform delegated clinical care tasks within competency levels, showing initiative in following care plans.
- To maintain accurate patient records according to established standards and regulations.
- To actively participate in patient assessment, discharge, and handover.
- To develop and uphold clinical competencies, skills, and knowledge pertinent to clinical practice.
- To assist in implementing new initiatives and policies, employing reflection and clinical supervision.
- To contribute to service and quality improvement initiatives, while monitoring care standards.
- To contribute to team and department objectives, ensuring superior patient experience and meeting quality targets.
For more information please see attached job description and person specification
Job description
Job responsibilities
- To adhere to the GDC Code of Professional Standards of Practice for Dental Nurses and relevant guidelines, working both autonomously and with supervision.
- To comply with Trust policies, guidelines, and procedures, including Health and Safety and Resuscitation.
- To deliver high-quality clinical care while respecting patients' customs and beliefs.
- To advocate for patients, embracing a patient-oriented approach and meeting NHS Plan standards.
- To respond effectively to patient and service developments, escalating issues when necessary.
- To chaperone patients within OPD and other departments to ensure safety.
- To perform delegated clinical care tasks within competency levels, showing initiative in following care plans.
- To maintain accurate patient records according to established standards and regulations.
- To actively participate in patient assessment, discharge, and handover.
- To develop and uphold clinical competencies, skills, and knowledge pertinent to clinical practice.
- To assist in implementing new initiatives and policies, employing reflection and clinical supervision.
- To contribute to service and quality improvement initiatives, while monitoring care standards.
- To contribute to team and department objectives, ensuring superior patient experience and meeting quality targets.
For more information please see attached job description and person specification
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Dental Nurse Qualification
- Certificate in Dental Nursing
- Registration (NEBDN)
- Registered with the General Dental Council
Experience
Essential
- Previous experience assisting in oral surgery procedures such as extractions, biopsies, incision and drainage.
- Experience supporting orthodontic clinics, including wire changes, impressions, and record taking.
- Providing chairside assistance during minor oral surgery under local anaesthetic.
- Familiarity with infection prevention and control in clinical and surgical environments.
- Knowledge and experience of ICT packages including Word, Outlook, Excel, and clinical applications.
Desirable
- Experience within an Outpatients setting.
Skills & Knowledge
Essential
- Clear and accurate written and verbal communication.
- Understands requirements of patient confidentiality
- Ability to manage difficult/stressful situations, working calmly and effectively under pressure.
- Proven ability to work within a team as well as on own initiative and work without direct supervision.
- Able to prioritise workload and manage a specific clinical area.
- Ability to delegate appropriately, facilitate and supervise learners and junior staff.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Dental Nurse Qualification
- Certificate in Dental Nursing
- Registration (NEBDN)
- Registered with the General Dental Council
Experience
Essential
- Previous experience assisting in oral surgery procedures such as extractions, biopsies, incision and drainage.
- Experience supporting orthodontic clinics, including wire changes, impressions, and record taking.
- Providing chairside assistance during minor oral surgery under local anaesthetic.
- Familiarity with infection prevention and control in clinical and surgical environments.
- Knowledge and experience of ICT packages including Word, Outlook, Excel, and clinical applications.
Desirable
- Experience within an Outpatients setting.
Skills & Knowledge
Essential
- Clear and accurate written and verbal communication.
- Understands requirements of patient confidentiality
- Ability to manage difficult/stressful situations, working calmly and effectively under pressure.
- Proven ability to work within a team as well as on own initiative and work without direct supervision.
- Able to prioritise workload and manage a specific clinical area.
- Ability to delegate appropriately, facilitate and supervise learners and junior staff.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Additional information
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
