Important Job Application Information
Thank you for your interest in NHS Tayside vacancies
Please find attached the full job pack:
Vacancy Advertisement
Application Form/Equal Opportunity Form
Job Description
General Conditions of Service
Personal Specification
Your Application Form must be completed in full. Please note copies of Curriculum Vitae,
Qualifications and Course Certificates will not be accepted at this stage.
Please return your completed Application Form to recruitment.tayside@nhs.net (quoting the vacancy
reference number in the subject box) or to the postal address given on the General Conditions of
Service.
All completed applications are held in Workforce Services until the closing date. After the
closing date a panel will meet to prepare an interview shortlist. Once this decision has been
made, all shortlisted applicants will be emailed to invite them to attend for interview. It is
important that you check your emails regularly.
This process takes approximately 6 weeks. Therefore, if you have not been contacted
regarding interview within 6 weeks of the closing date, your application has been unsuccessful
and you will receive no further correspondence from Workforce Services
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:Current vacancies may be viewed on-line at www.jobs.scot.nhs.uk
Find out more about living and working in Tayside at:
www.dundeecity.gov.uk
www.angus.gov.uk
www.pkc.gov.uk
1
NHS TAYSIDE – AGENDA FOR CHANGE
JOB DESCRIPTION
1. JOB IDENTIFICATION
Job Title
Dental Nurse, Band 4
Department(s)/
Location
Tayside Community Dental Service
Springfield Medical Centre, Arbroath
Number of job holders
10+
2. JOB PURPOSE
The post holder will work as part of a team of qualified Dental Nurses and provide full surgery
and administrative support to Clinicians, which includes Dentists, Senior Dentists, Salaried
General Dental Practitioners, Orthodontists, Training Grade Dentists, Dental Hygienist and
Therapists and Outreach students. The post will include all the duties normally expected of a
qualified Dental Nurse in terms of chair/bed side, surgery and theatre clinical and
administrative assistance.
3.
ORGANISATIONAL CHART
Clinical Dental Director
Deputy Dental Director
Senior Dental Officer
Admin team
Technicians
Hygienist / Therapist
Clinical team
Dentist
DAP team
Senior Dental Nurse
Deputy SDN
Dental Nurse
4. SCOPE AND RANGE
This service of 150 employees covers 10 clinics throughout Tayside and the surrounding area.
Care is provided in clinics in Health Centres, Hospitals, Prisons and Mobile Dental Units. In
addition to working in clinics, domiciliary visits are also undertaken. The post holder is given a
main base on appointment but will be expected to work in any clinic within Tayside and with any
clinician with any type of patient undergoing a wide variety of treatment. There may be a
requirement to work on public holidays as part of providing emergency clinical cover.
2
The role of the Public Dental Service is to:

Promote Oral Health

Monitor the oral health of the population of Tayside

Provide dental care for patients from priority groups

Provide dental care for those unable to access care in a general practice setting and
referred patients.
Referrals are mostly received from local General Dental Practitioners and are primarily for patients
with special needs or dental anxiety.
Patients unable to obtain registration with a General Dental Practitioner (GDP) may be offered
emergency and continuing care, under GDS Regulations.
5. MAIN DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES
The comprehensive list of dental nurse duties are performed on a daily basis, with the
exception of some clerical duties.
















Provide chair-side encouragement with emotional and physical support to the patient and
assistance to clinicians so that the required high standard of treatment is maintained.
Preparation of the surgery, mobile dental unit, theatre as well as the domiciliary kit which
would include setting out instruments for required procedures. Knowledge and skills required
for mixing the materials for the dental procedure are also necessary.
Ensure adequate decontamination of instruments as well as proper maintenance and
storage. This will involve liaison with HSDU (Hospital Sterilisation Decontamination Unit) or
LDU (Local Decontamination Unit) for decontamination of instruments and to organise
decontamination, packaging and transporting of all dental laboratory work.
Assist with pre and postoperative care of patients and reinforce instructions given.
Under the direction of the clinician, provide oral health instruction, encouragement,
knowledge and skills to improve the patients’ dental health.
Assist the dentist with treatment provided under Inhalation Sedation, and monitor the patient
during treatment provided the postholder has the relevant training.
Assist the dentist with treatment provided under Intravenous Sedation, and monitor the
patient during treatment provided the postholder has the relevant training.
Under instruction from a clinician, take radiographs, providing the postholder has the relevant
training.
Monitor/order supplies, materials, drugs and domiciliary equipment. Knowledge and skills
required for storing materials according to COSHH (Control Of Substances Hazardous To
Health) guidelines.
Processing/saving and copying radiographs.
Ensure emergency equipment is regularly checked and maintained. Dealing with the
management of any medical emergency that may arise. Log faults of dental equipment and
report them to appropriate personnel.
Use of manual handling knowledge and skills to ensure safety of patients during treatment,
and equipment during transport.
Managing enquiries or complaints from patients and their carers/parents and other health
care Professionals. This includes responsibility for the triage of patients.
Assist with preparation for inspections of target populations including the transport and use of
a laptop computer and all equipment required facilitating this activity.
Assist in departmental audits.
Good organisational skills in order to maintain an efficient clerical and dministration system to
3




enable essential records, paperwork and data to be collated as well as patient appointments
to be coordinated (this would include logging all patient referrals), and for GP17 forms to be
completed and forwarded for processing.
Preparation of NHS patient treatment estimates and accounts which would involve arranging
and collecting payments from patients, including invoicing and receipting of patient payments.
Balancing of cashbooks, and paying cash into designated sites.
Dental Practice Board administration – filling out and ledgering of all documentation specific
to the DPB for every patient contact. Scheduling and checking of all claims sent to the DPB.
Participate with colleagues in cover arrangement to ensure emergency clinical services to
patients can be maintained on public holidays across Tayside.
6. COMMUNICATIONS AND RELATIONSHIPS
A dental nurse will constantly communicate and liase with patients, healthcare professionals and
others. The patients may have complex medical conditions and treatment plans as well as
physical/learning disabilities and/or mental health problems that can be a barrier to care therefore
excellent communication and interpersonal skills are essential.
Internal
 Dental team members – work related issues
 Reporting of equipment breakdown to estates department
 IT department – computer advice/queries
 Purchasing/stores – enquiries and ordering
 Voluntary organisations including hospital transport
 Other healthcare professionals, referrals and information gathering in an advisory capacity
External
 Purchasing stores and equipment – enquiries and ordering
 Patients and carers contact by telephone and mail regarding queries/referrals/appointments
 Patients (domiciliary visits), contact by phone and mail regarding
queries/referrals/appointments
 Other healthcare professionals (nursing homes), referrals and information gathering and
arranging visits
 Schools (to arrange dates/accommodation for visits)
 Scottish Dental Practice Division – queries over patients treatment, prior approval and costs
7.
KNOWLEDGE, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED TO DO THE JOB
Qualification
 National Certificate for Dental Nurses
or
 SVQ in Oral Healthcare – Dental Nursing level 3
or
 Dental Hospital qualification
Plus
Experience to diploma level



Valid driver’s licence
Statutory Registration with GDC
Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate at all levels both written and
verbal
4
8a. EQUIPMENT AND MACHINERY
Specialised hand instruments required for every possible clinical procedure and operation
undertaken in the dental surgery e.g. conservation, prosthetics, periodontology, orthodontics,
minor oral surgery, preventive dentistry.
Daily use and maintenance of all dental equipment including:
 Dental chair, cart, operating light, aspirator, compressor, handpieces, syringes
 PC
 Preparation of instruments for sterilisation.
 Amalgamator
 Ultrasonic scaler
 Apex locator
Manoeuvring and decontamination of:
 Dental domiciliary/inspection kits
 X-ray machines, scanner and x-ray viewer
 Curing light
 Manual handling aids
 Inhalation sedation equipment
 Pulse oximeter
 Emergency equipment
 Sphygmomanometer
 Scavenging equipment
8b. SYSTEMS
 Management of a recall system
 Ordering of supplies
 Limited manual maintenance of patient records and keeping information in a secure
environment
 Storage and archive of patient records.
 Processing and reporting of patient complaints to appropriate department
 Entering information for inspection/screening programmes into database
 Completion of supplies non stock requisition for authorisation
 Completion of monthly data for statistics
 Reporting faulty equipment
RESPONSIBILITY FOR RECORDS MANAGEMENT
All records created in the course of the business of NHS Tayside are corporate records and are
public records under the terms of the Public Records (Scotland) Act 1937. This includes email
messages and other electronic records. It is your responsibility to ensure that you keep
appropriate records of your work in NHS Tayside and manage those records in keeping with the
NHS Tayside Records Management Policy and with any guidance produced by NHS Tayside
specific to your employment.
9. PHYSICAL, MENTAL, EMOTIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS OF THE JOB
PHYSICAL

Walking, sitting or standing for long periods of time in uncomfortable and difficult positions
5







Carrying and transporting heavy equipment (domiciliary kits, school inspection kits,
emergency equipment including oxygen cylinders)
Mobile Dental X-Ray unit
Setting up mobile dental units
Transferring of patients with mobility problems
Speed and accuracy (manipulation and mixing of materials to a trained format)
Keyboard skills
Lifting and renewing cylinders onto Relative Analgesia machines
MENTAL AND EMOTIONAL






Pressure from demanding workload including travel between various /unfamiliar clinics and
domiciliary destinations
Addressing the problems of working and dealing with patients in areas of social deprivation
especially where it is felt there may be child protection issues
100% concentration required when dealing with patient care
Being able to remain focused during prolonged clinical procedures
Dealing with the public and providing empathy and support
Pressure from working with patients who may be medically compromised or have special
needs and have severely challenging behaviour
ENVIRONMENTAL





Working in cramped and confined spaces in Mobile units or patient homes
Sharps injuries
Occasional chemical or blood spillage
Aggression from patients with unpredictable behaviour
Working with substances hazardous to health such as nitrous oxide
10. DECISIONS AND JUDGEMENTS








Arranging and organising the workload of the clinician
Working within clinics without immediate presence of a line manager
Ability to prioritise work load
Managing enquiries and complaints from patients, carers, and health care professionals which
includes the responsibility for the triage of patients.
Having the knowledge of when to refer to a senior member of staff for further advice.
Ability to anticipate the needs of patient and clinician and be able to respond promptly and
efficiently.
Problem solving
Ability to evaluate stock requirements.
11. MOST CHALLENGING/DIFFICULT PARTS OF THE JOB



Working within a changing environment
Working with adults and children who may have with severely challenging behaviour,
including
Prioritising your workload.
6
POST REF NO:
D/LB/73/15
JOB TITLE AND GRADE:
Dental Nurse, Band 4
LOCATION:
Public Dental Service
Based in Springfield Medical Centre but working in Angus,
Dundee and Perth
HOURS:
37.5 per week
CRITERIA
ESSENTIAL
DESIRABLE
EXPERIENCE:
Extensive chairside dental nurse
experience
PDS/GDS experience
Dealing with cash
QUALIFICATIONS:
(Training; Research;
Publications)
Recognised UK dental nurse
qualification
Full registration with GDC
KNOWLEDGE &
SKILLS:
Range of dental nurse knowledge
and skills
Computer literate
Good communication skills
Familiarity with R4
Able to demonstrate initiative
Familiarity with digital
imaging systems
Able to demonstrate judgement
Completion of GP17
PERSONAL QUALITIES:
Good team worker
Methodical
Flexible
OTHER:
(eg travel across Tayside)
Ability to travel across Tayside
7
Valid full UK driving licence
General Conditions of Service
POST REF NO:
D/LB/73/15
JOB TITLE/GRADE:
Dental Nurse, Band 4
LOCATION:
Springfield, Arbroath
Conditions of Service
Remuneration
Hours of Duty
Superannuation
The terms and conditions of service for this post are those
determined by the NHS Staff Council.
The current salary scale for the post is £19,502 to £22,458 per
annum (pro rata for part-time staff). Placing on the scale on
appointment is normally at the minimum but may be higher
subject to verification of previous relevant service.
Salary is paid monthly by Bank Credit Transfer.
The hours of the post are 37.5 per week.
Start and finish times will be determined by the needs of the
service.
Membership of the NHS Superannuation Scheme is not
compulsory but is open to all staff between the ages of 16 and
70 (65 in some instances).
The contributions paid are a percentage of superannuable pay,
which is essentially basic pay excluding, for example, overtime
or travelling expenses.
Contribution rates with effect from 01.04.15 are as follows:
Annual Pensionable Pay
(Full-time equivalent)
Up to £15,828
£15,829 to £21,601
£21,602 to £27,089
£27,090 to £49,967
£49,968 to £71,337
£71,338 to £111,376
£111,377 and over
Annual Leave
Contribution
5.2%
5.8%
7.3%
9.5%
12.7%
13.7%
14.7%
Contributions are subject to tax relief and reduced National
Insurance contributions. NHS Tayside also makes a substantial
contribution towards scheme benefits – currently around 14% of
basic pay.
On appointment = 27 days (pro rata for part-time Staff) or 5.4
weeks per year.
After 5 years aggregated service = 29 days (pro rata for part-time
staff) or 5.8 weeks per year
After 10 years aggregated service = 33 days (pro rata for parttime staff) or 6.6 weeks per year
8
References
Occupational Health
Clearance
Rehabilitation of
Offenders Act 1974
(Exclusions and
Exceptions) (Scotland)
Order 2003
Disclosure Scotland
Immigration, Asylum and
Nationality Act 2006
Public Holidays = 8 days (pro rata for part-time staff) or 1.6
weeks per year
All offers of appointment are subject to receipt of two
satisfactory references.
All offers of appointment to new entrants to the National
Health Service are subject to a medical examination.
Medical examinations are arranged and undertaken by the
Occupational Health and Safety Advisory Service (OHSAS).
All current or spent criminal convictions, cautions, warnings or
any case pending must be disclosed prior to commencing in
employment as detailed on the application form.
Please note that having a conviction will not automatically debar
you from obtaining employment with NHS Tayside. Careful
consideration will be given to the relevance of the offence to the
particular post in question. However, if you are appointed, and it
is found that you did not reveal a previous conviction your
employment may be terminated.
The successful applicant will be required to become a member of
the Protecting Vulnerable Groups Scheme (PVG) in respect of
regulated work with protected adults and regulated work with
children.
It is a criminal offence for an employer to employ anyone who does not
have permission to live or work in the UK.
Shortlisted applicants will be asked to produce specific original
documentation at interview e.g. Passport, or full birth certificate
together with an official document giving the applicants
permanent National Insurance Number and name issued by a
Government Agency or a previous employer, as well as
photocopies of these documents.
Professional Registration/ you should have current and continuing professional registration
Induction Standards &
with GDC and hold the appropriate qualification(s).
Code of Conduct
Smoking Policy
NHS Tayside operates a No Smoking Policy and smoking
is prohibited within NHS premises and grounds.
Applications
Completed forms should be returned to:
recruitment.tayside@nhs.net quoting the job reference in the
subject line
or
to Human Resources Directorate, NHS Tayside, Level 9,
Ninewells Hospital, Dundee DD1 9SY
By closing date of 25 August 2015
9