Download information for candidates

INFORMATION FOR CANDIDATES
POST OF: Specialist Dental Nurse
BASE:
University Hospital Crosshouse
REF NO: N/699/13
Thank you for applying for the above post with NHS Ayrshire & Arran. This information
sheet summarises the terms and conditions related to the post.
Please note if you provide us with an email address on your application form any future
correspondence regarding this post will be emailed to you. If you do not wish to receive
this correspondence by email then please contact us as soon as possible.
A job description and person specification for the post are attached.
This post is Fixed Term/Secondment until November 2014.
The salary for the post is based on the Band 5 salary scale which is currently £21,388 to
£27,901 per annum (pro rata for part time posts).
The hours for the post are 37.5 per week.
GENERAL CONDITIONS:
Conditions of Service - The conditions of service are those laid down and amended from
time to time by the appropriate negotiating bodies e.g. NHS Staff Council/NHS Pay
Negotiating Council.
Annual Leave – The leave year runs from 1 April to 31 March. Annual leave entitlement
for full time staff on appointment is 202.5 hours (27 days), with 217.5 hours (29 days)
upon completion of 5 years NHS service and 247.50 hours (33 days) after 10 years NHS
service. Entitlements for part time will be pro rata.
Public Holidays – Public holiday entitlement for full time staff is 60 hours based on the 8
designated Public Holidays per annum, and on a 5 day week working 7.5 hours per day.
The 60 hours entitlement is due to all whole time staff irrespective of work pattern. For
part time staff, this will be applied on a pro rata basis and also allocated in hours.
KSF - The NHS Knowledge and Skills Framework is essentially a development tool but
will also contribute to decisions about pay progression. It will promote equality for and
diversity of all staff, having the same opportunities for learning, development and review.
It will promote effectiveness at work – with managers and staff being clear about what is
required within a post. It will support effective learning and development of individuals –
with all members of staff being supported to learn throughout their careers.
Pensions - Employees are automatically opted into the NHS (Scotland) Superannuation
Scheme. Contributions are at the rate of 6.8%
Employees may opt out by obtaining and completing the relevant Opt Out form from the
Scottish Public Pensions Agency website.
Disabled Applicants - A disability or health problem does not preclude full consideration
for the job and applications from people with disabilities are welcome. All information will
be treated as confidential. NHS Ayrshire & Arran has been approved, by the Employment
Services Department, as an Equal Opportunities employer with a positive policy towards
1
D7 (26 September 2012)
employment of disabled people. NHS Ayrshire & Arran guarantees to interview all
applicants with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria for the post.
You will note on our application form we ask for relevant information with regards to your
disability. This is simply to ensure that we can assist you, if you are called for interview, to
have every opportunity to present your application in full. We may call you to discuss your
needs in more detail if you are selected for interview.
Asylum and Immigration Act 1996 and 2004 (Section 8) - The Asylum and Immigration
Act 1996 and 2004 requires employment checks to ensure that all employees are legally
employed in the United Kingdom. Candidates will be asked to provide relevant original
documents prior to an offer of employment being made. Any offer of employment will only
be made when the organisation is satisfied that the candidate is the rightful holder of the
documents and is legally eligible for employment within the United Kingdom.
Relocation Expenses - Relocation expenses may be payable to the successful
candidate, in accordance with the Policy. This is available on request from the
Department of O&HR Development. Candidates who require to relocate to take up post,
should discuss this with the interview panel.
Medical Examination - Any offer of employment is conditional upon a satisfactory
medical report from our Occupational Health Services. You may be offered employment
conditional on confirmation that you are medically fit for employment. A commencement
date for employment will only be agreed following this confirmation.
Policy Relating to Staff with Bloodborne Virus Infection - Candidates for posts which
involve exposure prone procedures will not be allowed to commence employment until
they have been assessed as fit to perform EPPs by Occupational Health. The preemployment screening must be completed prior to any job offer being made. Where a
candidate is not able to perform EPPs, Occupational Health will notify the appropriate
manager that the candidate is ‘fit with restrictions’ and is unable to perform EPPs. The
health status of the individual will not normally be notified to management. Where the
restrictions recommended by Occupational Health are unable to be accommodated due
to the clinical duties of any of the posts within the staff groups specified in the policy, an
offer of employment to the post will not be made.
Candidates who are not offered employment due to being deemed unfit to undertake
EPPs as an essential requirement for a post, may be offered the opportunity to apply for
another advertised vacant post and be considered with other applicants. The preemployment screening for EPP posts above do not apply to staff undertaking non-EPP
posts who could have direct contact with blood, bloodstained body fluids or patients’
tissue in the course of their work activities. These staff will be offered and strongly
advised to be immunised against Hepatitis B in line with the Immunisation Policy including
recall for boosters and further antibody checks.
References - Two satisfactory written references must be obtained prior to any offer of
employment being made. These should include current and previous employers as
requested in the job application form. This is in line with the Recruitment and Selection
Policy.
D7 (26 September 2012)
2
YOUR APPLICATION:
Informal Enquiries - Informal enquiries are welcomed by Mrs E Kelso, Theatre Manager
who can be contacted on 01292 610555 ext. 14692.
Closing Date - Your completed application form should be submitted by Tuesday 5th
November 2013 via the online application form on the SHOW website. Alternatively your
completed application form can be returned to the address below or can be e-mailed to
myra.cameron@aaaht.scot.nhs.uk
Department of O&HR Development
63A Lister Street
University Hospital Crosshouse
KILMARNOCK
Ayrshire
KA2 0BE
D7 (26 September 2012)
3
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
LOCATION - AYRSHIRE
Situated in attractive south-west Scotland on the Firth of Clyde coastline is the glorious
countryside of Ayrshire which you’ll soon discover is a very special corner of Scotland.
Ayrshire roads are quiet, the countryside peaceful but even so its easy to get here by
road, rail, or air.
Local attractions include country parks, museums - there’s Robert Burns and 1000’s of
years of history and heritage to enjoy, sports - sailing, watersports, swimming, riding, golf
to mention but a few.
Starting in the North at the family resort of Largs the coastal route runs south through the
seaports of Ardrossan and Saltcoats to Irvine - Scotland’s only New Town by the sea.
From Irvine you can take in the breathtaking beauty of the Ayrshire countryside - visit
Kilmarnock with its famous Dean Castle and Country Park then inland through the lace
making towns of Galston, Newmilns and Darvel. Further south and you are in Doon Valley
- the heart of Ayrshire’s industrial heritage. Back on the coastal route south of Irvine is
Troon, another popular resort and the start of Ayrshire’s famous Golf Coast. On this
stretch of Ayrshire Coast Ayr is the premier resort and is also the ideal base for exploring
the Burns Heritage Trail and visiting Burn’s birthplace in Alloway.
From Ayr the coastal route to Girvan includes the picturesque harbour village of Dunure
and the National Trust’s major attraction - Culzean Castle. Inland is the ancient capital of
Carrick - Maybole with its castle and tollbooth. Here in South Ayrshire the nearby Carrick
forests and hills offer superb walking country. The popular seaside town of Girvan would
be your last port of call or you could continue southwards to Ballantrae along a
spectacular rugged coastline notorious in the past as a haven for smugglers.
From North to South the countryside is very varied with something to suit everyone - we
like living and working here - and think you will too!
WITHIN EASY ACCESS TO GLASGOW
Most locations within Ayrshire are also within easy access of Glasgow by rail or road with
all the benefits and attractions found in a major city.
TOBACCO POLICY
We aim to provide a no smoking environment for staff, patients and visitors with smoking
only permitted in designated smoking areas. Smoking Cessation Promoters are appointed
in key locations and actively encourage staff, patients and visitors through the provision of
information and access to support to give up smoking.
ALCOHOL AND DRUG POLICY
NHS Ayrshire & Arran operates an Alcohol and Drug Policy to protect the safety of all
patients, visitors and staff with the aim of promoting well being and reducing harm.
D7 (26 September 2012)
4
STAFF BENEFITS:
STAFF LOTTERY
The Board has set up a staff lottery and the cost of a chance in each monthly draw is
deducted directly from your wage/salary if you decide to enter the scheme. Half the
proceeds of the lottery are paid out as prizes and the remaining half is used to provide
amenities, facilities and services for both patients and staff.
During the year bumper prizes can be won and in the past these have included large cash
prizes, luxury holidays and cars.
STAFF DISCOUNTS
Information on Discounts given to staff by several local businesses will be available on
taking up employment.
D7 (26 September 2012)
5
JOB DESCRIPTION
1. JOB IDENTIFICATION
Job Title: Specialist Dental Nurse (Orthodontics)
Responsible to (insert job title): Departmental Manager
Department(s) : Orthodontic
Directorate: Surgical Head and Neck
Operating Division: Patient Services
Job Reference: N/415/12
No of Job Holders: 5
Last Update (insert date) 14/08/2012
2. JOB PURPOSE
As part of a multi-disciplinary team, the post-holder will have responsibility to provide an
area-wide service in specialist programmes of patient care and assessment of patients’
needs.
With minimal supervision and in collaboration with the multi-disciplinary team, the postholder will be accountable for the assessment, development, implementation and
evaluation of programmes for a defined caseload of patients working within the
professional standards held in the G.D.C. Code of Conduct.
The post holder will be required to participate in audit and quality assurance programmes,
and contribute to the teaching and supervision of junior staff and nursing auxiliaries as
appropriate.
3. DIMENSIONS
Number of staff supported:
Two Orthodontic Consultants
One Associate Specialist in Orthodontics
Two Specialist Registrars In Orthodontics
Three Senior House Officers
Departmental Manager
2 Orthodontic Therapist
Senior Specialist Dental Nurse (Orthodontics)
D7 (26 September 2012)
6
Client group:
Patients with cleft lip and palate (new born, small children and adults)
Patients with skeletal disproportion and facial deformity
Patients who require both Orthodontic and Surgical treatment to correct facial
deformity
Patients who require Orthodontic and Surgical treatment for impacted and
unerupted teeth
Patients with dental malocclusion
Patients with hypodontia who require both Orthodontic and Restorative
rehabilitation
Patients with Special Needs
Patients with Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction
Patients with Obstructive sleep dyspnoea and apnoea
Caseload: Patients in active treatment 1030
Treatment episodes approximately 7542 (Nurses have responsibility to ensure patients are
seen on
A regular basis, must follow up patients who do not attend or cancel appointments).
Patients seen on New/Review clinics per annum 2388
Patients seen on Orthognathic Clinics per annum 128
4. ORGANISATIONAL POSITION
DEPARTMENTAL MANAGER
SENIOR SPECIALIST DENTAL NURSE (ORTHODONTICS)
SPECIALIST DENTAL NURSE
(ORTHODONTIC)
SPECIALIST DENTAL NURSE
(JOB HOLDER)
ORTHODONTIC NURSING SUPPORT AUXILLIARY
5. ROLE OF DEPARTMENT
The overall role of the department is to meet the needs of patients requiring Orthodontic
out-patient services.
Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry concerned with facial growth, development of the
dentition and occlusion and prevention and correction of occlusal anomalies, and it is the
role of the Orthodontic Department to provide the population of Ayrshire and Arran with this
specialised in-patient, day case and outpatient service within a safe and supportive
environment.
D7 (26 September 2012)
7
To liase with General Dental and Medical Practitioners, Patients, Relatives and other
relevant parties to ensure up to date information on patient care and future clinical
treatment is relayed.
To liase with other health care professionals and other professional bodies to share best
practice for
care and follow up of patients.
D7 (26 September 2012)
8
6. KEY RESULT AREAS
CLINICAL:
 To provide specialised nursing and administrative assistance to the Orthodontic
Consultant at all
times and to manage clinics using effective inter-personal and time management skills.
ROUTINE
 On a daily basis ensure all patient records are available to facilitate the smooth running
of the clinics (e.g.patient case-notes, x-rays, study models and relevant laboratory
constructed appliances are present and readily at hand for the Consultant to treat the
patient.)
 On a daily basis provide adequate supplies of sterile instrument trays, instrument packs
and Orthodontic components and materials to last the duration of the clinic.
 At all times observe and carry out the safe handling of Sterile and Contaminated
instruments and equipment in accordance with manufacturer and Scottish Office
Regulations both in the clinic and in procedures when returning contaminated
instruments to T.S.S.U. It is the responsibility of the nurse to ensure that all T.S.S.U
data is logged within patients’ casenote in accordance with the accountability and trace
ability regulations set by the Scottish Office.
 At all times having a personal duty to ensure all instruments are maintained and in good
order using T.S.S.U Quality Control and to request replacements when any instrument
is damaged or unsatisfactory for patient use.
 On a daily basis ensure all water and air lines of the dental unit are disinfected and
flushed through with sterile water in accordance with new guidelines and protocol.
 On a daily basis ensure disinfection solution for alginate impressions is made up to the
correct concentration.
 Liasing with the auxiliary on all aspects of clinical preparation.
 To ensure the safe handling of all alginate impressions contaminated by blood and
saliva using Cross Infection/Barrier Controls within clinical area. Accurate identification
and safe transfer to designated area where safe disinfection is carried out adhering to
prescribed guidelines before they are dispatched to the laboratory for processing.
 To maintain a high standard of cleanliness all units and surrounding areas are
disinfected as routine throughout the day. On a weekly basis the dental unit is carefully
dismantled and all relevant parts cleaned and disinfected and then reassembled to
ensure equipment works safely.
 Maintaining at all times a sympathetic and tactful approach to nervous and / or nervous
patients/parents who are concerned or worried about Clinical procedures to be carried
out.
 Giving specialist advice on care and wear of removable and complex fixed Orthodontic
Appliances and management of pain/discomfort or breakages of said appliances, as
well as promoting oral hygiene.
 Ensure discreet and private collection of sensitive, personal information on Medical
Questionnaires. (Assisting personally again in private where literacy is a problem).
D7 (26 September 2012)
9

To advise on and oversee the completion of patient consent form for treatment,
ensuring patient and /or parent/guardian fully understands what is involved in carrying
out the proposed treatment.
 Liase with clinic receptionist in booking patients for the out patient operating clinics, to
ensure enough time is provided for each procedure and the procedures are correctly
ordered throughout the clinic.
 Personal responsibility for the booking of patients on the outpatient operating clinics at
the Ayr Hospital.
 To design and implement Oral Hygiene instruction for patients prior to and during active
Orthodontic treatment and to reinforce the continuation by the patient after treatment
and following discharge. To take part in Oral health promotion before and after
treatment.
COMPLEX
 To provide specialised nursing assistance to the clinician in the construction of all
Orthodontic appliances and all relative procedures using cross infection and barrier
controls to ensure patient and operator safety.
 Using training, acquired knowledge and skills to accurately identify the wide range of
orthodontic instruments and intricate orthodontic components required during all clinical
procedures.
 Working unsupervised to provide a high standard of Specialised nursing care on a daily
one to one basis to the Orthodontic Consultant. At all times maintain the highest
standards of Cross Infection Control within a Clinical area and to be accountable for
own Professional actions at all times.
 To accurately identify the many grades and range of sizes of Orthodontic archwires (the
active part of the orthodontic appliance).
 To select accurately Orthodontic bands using plaster study models prior to placement.
 Assisting Orthodontic Consultant in clinic during surgical procedure involving extractions
& surgical exposure of unerupted/buried teeth and bonding of Orthodontic components
to tooth/teeth.
 Assisting Orthodontic Consultant in Theatre and in the Day Surgery Unit during
procedures involving surgical exposure of unerupted/buried teeth and bonding of
Orthodontic components to tooth/teeth use acquired knowledge and skills to carry out
theatre duties following strict protocol and procedures.
 Assessing the requirement for antibiotic cover on medically compromised patients and
making the necessary arrangements for these to be administered in accordance with
appropriate Guidelines. Ensuring the appropriate time lapse from administration to
procedure being carried out. Carefully documenting all relevant data (i.e. batch number,
expiry date, and dosage and drug name) within patient casenote in case of any medical
complications.
 To supervise and train new or inexperienced nurses in Orthodontic Clinics, to ensure
highest professional standards are maintained.
 Ongoing self-assessment and analysis of working practice ensuring highest professional
standards at all times and suggesting and implementing changes to ensure effective
use of all available resources.
 Undertaking on going self development, training and further qualifications to ensure
personal Professional standards are maintained at the highest level as required by the
Registration Board for Dental Nurses.
 Participate and assist in routine Maxillofacial clinics when required in order to ensure a
flexible approach. Keeping in practice and up to date with the procedures in the
department..
D7 (26 September 2012)
10
ADMINISTRATIVE
 To check, interpret, enter and action all relevant clinical information from all clinical
data sheets to enable future treatment planning by the consultant to provide best
patient care.

Accurate compilation of patient information from new/review & treatment clinic
outcome sheets to enable the collation of hospital statistics for use by the Directorate.

Accurate collection of all monthly statistics for Departmental Audit purposes.

To maintain computer based clinic diary and manual diary with complete autonomy
ensuring any alterations are taken into consideration.

Liasing with colleague to efficiently organise non Orthodontic clinic within the
Maxillofacial Department (i.e. Orthognathic Clinic)





Taking appropriate action where patients have cancelled appointments and have not
received a replacement and evaluating and taking appropriate action on patients who
have failed appointments.
Compilation and collection of all patients' records for use by the Consultant to plan and
carry out treatment for best patient care.
Clinical data capture within department to be used by Scottish Consultant Orthodontic
Group on an annual basis.

Collection and updating of patient study models for registration (to enable the start and
end of treatment) to be documented for assessment of treatment response and
medico-legal purposes.

Handling of petty cash (e.g. patient payments) for purchase of Oral Hygiene Products
where patient access to a cashier is not possible and transfer of monies to the
cashier's department.

To liase with patients /GDP's/ relatives requesting advice/information regarding patient
treatment and using acquired knowledge and skills to advise and reassure as
necessary patients /GDP's /relatives.
Using acquired knowledge and skills and is able to advise patients on all aspects of
Orthodontic Treatment as delegated by Clinicians. Overseeing the completion of
written consent forms as part of the medico- legal records required at the start of
Orthodontic Treatment.

Attending Orthodontic Departmental meetings and actively contributing and
implementing any changes involving the department.

Liasing with the Oral Facial laboratory in the construction of Orthodontic appliances
requiring technician involvement to ensure appliances are ready for the patients when
attending clinic appointments.
MANAGEMENT
Supervisory Responsibilities within the Orthodontic Department:
D7 (26 September 2012)
11
Delegation of duties to Auxiliary for patient care.
Allocation of workload to Auxiliary.
Training of new/inexperienced Nurses within the department.
Training and supervision of auxiliaries within the department
Budgetary Responsibilities within the Orthodontic Department:
Clinical Stock Control
Participating in product trials.
Checking of invoices for incoming stock and materials.
Collection and proper handling of patient payments for Oral Health Products.
 Promote, encourage and adhere to all Patient Services policies and procedures.
 Maintain knowledge of current local and national guidelines.

Report all incidents as per policy

Support all members of the team in the provision of safe and effective programmes of
care.
Ensure all effective use of all service resources.
D7 (26 September 2012)
12
7a. EQUIPMENT AND MACHINERY
Equipment used by Orthodontic Nurse in the clinical environment are:
Familiar with all instruments in use in department.
Dental Chair and Overhead light: ensure safe use of equipment and it's maintenance and
disinfection.
Compressor: necessary for functioning of dental chairs and units. (Responsibility for
maintenance and ensuring the safe function of the compressor at the Arran clinic.
Dental handpieces and associated motors: daily maintenance required complying with
manufacturer guidelines on cleaning and sterilisation.
L.E.D Curing Light: The nurse ensures safe and correct operation of curing light to set
Orthodontic adhesive in the patient's mouth.
Aspirating units (mobile and fixed) used by the nurse to remove moisture and contaminants
during clinical procedures.
Sonic-flex Scaler &Tips responsible for correct assembly, care and maintenance.
Instrument Trays- Responsibility for 76 individual orthodontic instruments on each of 16
types of tray. This represents accountability for over 4448 individual items of equipment.
Set up of Surgical Drills
Defibrillator
Criticare : Monitor blood pressure, pulse rate
Emergency Trolley
Oxygen Cylinders
BI- Polar: Electro surgical equipment
Non- Clinical
Computer
Fax Machine
Word Processor
Photocopier
Printer
Telephone / Answering machine
D7 (26 September 2012)
13
7b. SYSTEMS
TOPAZ: To view booked clinics and print out as required.
To book, cancel and reschedule patient appointments.
To view patient appointment histories to ensure patients have continuity of care.
COMPASS: Patient hospital system. Used to view patient details etc
WORD
EXCEL
E-MAIL
INTRANET
MANUAL RECORDS: Record patient treatment activity to be used for external audits.
LABORATORY CARDS: Nurses must ensure the clinician has filled out the prescription for
relevant appliances. Nurse must ensure the relevant details are logged to guarantee
laboratory work is present at the patient’s next appointment
LABORATORY DIARIES: To liase with the laboratory ensuring patients appliances and
necessary records are ready on time.
WAITING LIST CARDS FOR THEATRE: patient details logged as well as what type of
operation required.
INDEX CARDS STORING INFORMATION ON ORTHOGNATHIC PATIENTS: To be used
for audit purposes if required.
MANUAL LOG OF TREATMENT PATIENTS: to maintain control of patients currently under
our care to ensure they are all seen at the required intervals.
MANUAL LOG OF PATIENTS WEARING TMJ SPLINTS AND ANTI SNORING
APPLIANCES: information stored to facilitate internal audit.
8. ASSIGNMENT AND REVIEW OF WORK
The post holder will be responsible to the Departmental Manager or Senior Orthodontic
Nurse and professional management.
Workload is generated by clinical activity within the department.
Workload will be assigned by the Departmental Manager/Senior Orthodontic Nurse.
However the post holder will have responsibility for managing within defined guidelines.
Self direct within own limitations, being able to recognise these and seek appropriate
guidance.
The post holder will participate in work review, appraisals and objective settings as part of
the Personal Development Plan process.
The orthodontic nurse is also responsible for the delegation of duties to the orthodontic
auxiliaries.
D7 (26 September 2012)
14
9. DECISIONS AND JUDGEMENTS
Typical judgements are prioritising patient appointment needs e.g. when a patient has a
particular problem with the Orthodontic appliance it must be dealt with as quickly as
possible to prevent any damage or relapse of treatment.
Being able to assess and initiate appropriate action when appliances are damaged or
broken.
Liasing with multi disciplinary teams on giving and receiving of advice pertinent to patient
care.
Anticipating the Clinician's need for instruments and materials and ensuring they are readily
available.
Ensuring all clinics are managed within Guidelines set by the Orthodontic Department.
The Orthodontic Nurse works on a one to one basis with the Orthodontic Consultant and
without supervision and any judgements and decisions are made independently using
acquired knowledge, skills and experience.
D7 (26 September 2012)
15
10. MOST CHALLENGING/DIFFICULT PARTS OF THE JOB
Accurate identification of all instruments and orthodontic components used during clinical
procedures and ensuring proper handling of sterile instruments and contaminated
instruments for return to TSSU.
Dealing with upset nervous and concerned patients and families face to face and by
telephone.
Reassuring patients at all times even if not visibly upset and supporting disabled patients
e.g. blindness, deafness, physical and mental disabilities.
Maintaining at all times a professional, sympathetic and tactful approach when dealing with
patients who are upset, awkward and sometimes verbally abusive either face to face or by
telephone.
Maintaining the same professional sympathetic and tactful approach when helping nervous
and/or upset patients and supporting them during clinical procedures.
Prioritising the appointment of patients identified by Consultant as Urgent when there are
conflicting demands (e.g. clinic spaces full and patient must be seen without inconvenience
to any other patient on clinic.
Coping with the intensity of the operating clinics -- in excess of 30 patients are seen in one
day.This quantity of patients exceeds Consultant Orthodontic targets and is significantly
greater than other departmental clinic lists.
Challenge of having to ensure clinic runs efficiently and effectively to the benefit of the
patient even if demands such as overbooking occurs.
Dealing with unexpected emergency patients requires the nurse to be mentally alert due to
unpredictability of problem.
Interruptions by clinical staff requiring nurse to leave the clinic to deal with arising problems
regarding patients either by telephone or face to face.
Difficulties encountered by fellow members of staff requiring assistance.
Using acquired skills and knowledge to identify and solve problems, which can arise out
with or during the progress of the clinic.
The recent project initiated by T.S.S.U and the Scottish Office Audit Department has
demanded extensive changes being made in the department. This has required a lot of
extra time and effort to
ensure the transition went smoothly and efficiently.
11. COMMUNICATIONS AND RELATIONSHIPS
D7 (26 September 2012)
16
INTERNAL
Communicate and liase with Consultants and other members of the clinical team including
Department Manager/Senior Specialist Dental Nurse and nursing staff.
Delegation of duties to Auxilliary for patient care.
Allocation of workload to Auxilliary.
Communication with other relevant departments within all hospitals visited e.g. medical
records,
Secretarial staff, laboratory staff, maxillo facial staff, x-ray staff, E.N.T theatres, day
surgery, Estates, Stores/Supplies, Personnel, Infection Control, portering staff, domestic
staff, T.S.S.U staff, cashier, security.
EXTERNAL
Patients, parents, General dental practitioners, General medical practitioners.
External agencies regarding patient care e.g. CLEFTSiS managed clinical network for cleft
lip and palate patients. Glasgow Dental Hospital relevant advice.
Educational institutions
Social workers and carers.
D7 (26 September 2012)
17
12. PHYSICAL, MENTAL, EMOTIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS OF THE
JOB
PHYSICAL
On a daily basis:
Combination of walking and standing for periods of up to 3.5 hours at one time.
Frequent requirement for standing in restricted position throughout Clinical procedures.
Assisting and handling patients with special needs.
Lifting and transfer of instrument trays from preparation room to surgery and return to
containers for safe dispatch to T.S.S.U.
Unloading of instrument containers and stacking the instrument trays some of which are
above head height.
Collection and return of x-rays from clinics to x-ray department. (Required at all Clinical
sessions).
Collection and return of model boxes from store to clinic. (Required at all Treatment
sessions).
Transferring bulky patient case-notes from office to clinic and on to secretary’s office.
Driving between clinic venues and transporting clinical diaries, casenotes, x-rays and
laboratory work.
Disinfection of aspirator and surrounding dental unit and all work surfaces.
Draining the compressor at the clinic on Arran.
On a weekly basis:
Maintenance of dental chair and unit, (unit must be stripped down and all relevant parts
cleaned and disinfected).
D7 (26 September 2012)
18
MENTAL
On a daily basis the nurse must be mentally alert at all times when handling patient casenotes, clinical reports and x-rays to ensure no errors have been made which would
compromise patient care.
Ensure patient laboratory work is clearly and accurately labelled before dispatch.
Concentration is essential due to the complexity of the work involved. The Orthodontist
relies on the accuracy and speed of the Orthodontic Nurse in the correct selection of
components, instruments and materials to place fixed appliances timeously.
Dexterity in the correct manipulation of instruments and orientation of orthodontic
components at all times.
Accurate identification of instruments and Orthodontic components required for all
procedures.
Anticipating the Orthodontist’s work pattern to ensure all materials, instruments and
components are handled with precision.
Using training, acquired knowledge and skills accurately identify a wide range and different
gauges of archwires.
The need to be able to switch quickly from one problem area to another i.e. clinical to
clerical and vice versa requires the highest level of concentration.
Maintaining patient confidentiality at all times in the clinical area and in the department as
a whole.
EMOTIONAL
Supporting and dealing with anxious and upset patients during clinical procedures (e.g.
impression taking and fitting of Orthodontic Appliances and surgical procedures involving
extractions and/or exposure and bonding of unerupted teeth under local anaesthetic.
Dealing with and giving support to patients receiving an unfavourable diagnosis.
Dealing with cultural differences.
Dealing with concerned/emotional parents of Cleft Lip and Palate babies and small
children.
Dealing with patients post surgery who may be in pain or discomfort and are finding overall
changes to appearance difficult to cope with.
Dealing with patients who have learning difficulties.
As first point of contact either face to face or by telephone the Orthodontic nurse can be
subjected to verbal abuse or unreasonable behaviour or have to deal with distressed or
irrational patients and or relatives.
Dealing with prisoners from local prison adds to the emotional demands of the job.
ENVIRONMENTAL
Exposure to body fluids e.g. saliva, blood and pus on a daily basis.
Occasional exposure to vomit, urine and cleaning up of it.
Also exposed to oral bacteria, viruses such as herpes simplex, plaque gingivitis, oral
ulceration and mouth odour.
Occasional exposure to verbal aggression and unreasonable behaviour from upset and
anxious patients or from parents of patients who have learning or physical difficulties.
Driving and travelling in adverse weather conditions.
D7 (26 September 2012)
19
13. KNOWLEDGE, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED TO DO THE JOB
The post holder will be a registered qualified dental nurse with national certificate or
equivalent hospital qualification.
Post qualification experience in routine dental nursing.
Driving licence essential.
National Examining Board for Dental Nurses Certificate in Orthodontic Nursing.
Experience:
Oral Health Promotion Certificate.
Evidence of CPD e.g. attaining further relevant qualifications as approved by The Dental
Nurses Training Standards Board and attending short courses in development of further
skills.
CPR Training.
Advanced CPR & Defibrillator Training.
Nurse Therapist Course Stage II
Knowledge of Health and Safety Procedures.
Knowledge of Cross Infection/Barrier Control Procedures within a clinical area.
Knowledge of Trace Ability & Accountability concerning sterile and contaminated
instruments.
Knowledge of policy regarding contaminated / infected waste.
Medico- Legal legislation regarding all relevant Orthodontic Records.
Ability to develop an acquired knowledge of advice regarding Orthodontic Treatment & Oral
Health.
Datix Incident reporting Procedures.
Working knowledge of Microsoft software packages.
Team working skills with the ability to work using own initiative.
Effective listening skills & interpersonal.
Time management skills.
Working knowledge of Topaz & Compass (Hospital Computer Systems) to enable relevant
information to be accessed.
In depth knowledge of specialist area in order to enhance organisational and Clinical skills
in response to service demands.
Participation in Audit projects.
Strict maintenance of patient confidentiality at all times.
Keen and genuine interest in working with children.
D7 (26 September 2012)
20
NHS Ayrshire and Arran
Person Specification & Interview Rating Form
Post Title: Specialist Dental Nurse
Post Reference Number N/699/13
A = Excellent
B = Satisfactory
C = Unsatisfactory
Candidates Name:
Selection Factors
(Person Specification)
Criteria
Interview Panel Comments
Rating
A
QUALIFICATIONS &
TRAINING
Essential
B
C
National/Hospital Certificate or SVQ 3
Desirable
EXPERIENCE
KNOWLEDGE
COMPETENCIES &
SKILLS
Essential
Interest in speciality
Desirable
Orthodontic Nursing
Essential



Desirable

Essential
Understanding holistic care
Understanding of group dynamics
Awareness of evidence based practice
Demonstrates understanding of clinical
governance
Experience in Hospital Orthodontic Procedures

Ability to recognise own limitations
Influencing and persuasion skills
Ability to carry out monthly workload activity reports

Ability to communicate with all members of the
multi-disciplinary team
Able to communicate concerns in a timely manner
Desirable
D7 (26 September 2012)
21
PERSONAL
CHARACTERISTICS AND
OTHER
Essential
Desirable




Problem solving skills
Ability to prioritise
Planning skills
Ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary
team

Commitment to personal and professional
development
Flexible and responsive to change

Sense of humour

Shows initiative and thinks positively
D7 (26 September 2012)
22