Dental Nurse

Job summary

Join our dynamic Clinical Assessment Service (CAS) team, a 24/7 non-emergency telephone service that works closely with NHS 111 to provide patients across North East Essex with timely, expert advice and access to appropriate care every day of the year. Our mission is to simplify healthcare navigation by delivering seamless assessment and referral pathways that connect patients to specialist advice, primary care, and community services all from the comfort of their home. As a Bank Dental Nurse within the CAS triage team, you will play a vital role in delivering safe, effective, and compassionate telephone advice and assessment to callers experiencing dental issues. You will be part of a multi-disciplinary team committed to evidence-based care and innovative service delivery that improves patient outcomes and supports the wider health economy. This role demands a patient-focused approach where you will assess symptoms, provide clear advice on self-care, and facilitate referrals to the most suitable dental or healthcare service. Your expertise will help ensure patients receive the right care at the right time. You will be empowered to work independently, yet collaboratively, using your clinical judgment and communication skills to deliver a high standard of care in a fast-paced, evolving environment. Continuous professional development and participation in service improvement initiatives are key to this role.

Main duties of the job

- Delivering telephone triage for dental patients by assessing health needs, providing advice, and making appropriate referrals using clinical protocols. - Managing patient calls professionally, offering empathetic support and clear guidance on self-care and service options. - Collaborating with other healthcare professionals to ensure integrated, quality patient care. - Keeping accurate, contemporaneous records of assessments and advice in line with data protection and clinical governance standards. - Supporting service quality improvement by participating in audits, training, and clinical supervision. - Assisting in educating patients on how to effectively use primary and emergency dental care services. - Flexibly covering shifts and contributing to peak time demand management within the service.

About us

- Level 3 National Diploma or equivalent in Dental Nursing and registration with the General Dental Council. - Experience in a multi-professional environment and a sound understanding of telephone triage or advice services. - Strong communication skills, with the ability to listen attentively and convey complex information clearly. - Confidence working independently and managing clinical decisions in a high-pressure setting. - Commitment to continuous professional development and the ability to adapt to new service models. - A compassionate, patient-centred approach with excellent interpersonal skills. - Computer literacy and a willingness to engage with clinical governance and audit processes. - Flexibility to cover various shifts and participate actively in team meetings and training.