Dental Officer (Special Care)

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Main Duties and Responsibilities

1. To provide clinical dental care to clients of the Dental HealthCare Special Care Dental Service. Client groups include children, and adults with additional needs, vulnerable adults and looked after children with complex social care needs, and adults and children with moderate-severe anxiety. Full training will be given where required, and clinical work will include:

• Provision of care under inhalation sedation (as provider/operator)
• Provision of care to patients on a domiciliary basis

2. To carry epidemiological screening programmes in line with the Office for Health Improvement & disparities protocols
3. To supervise and support dental care professionals.

• Provision of clinical supervision
• Response to day-to-day queries and concerns

4. To assist with and participate in training and education.

• Support dental care professionals working towards postgraduate qualifications.
• Participate in peer review sessions.
• Demonstrate a commitment to continuing dental education.

5. To be an active member of the Dental Team in the monitoring, evaluation, and development of the Dental Service. This will include a contribution to:

• Quality of service – ensuring outstanding patient care is at the heart of service delivery.
• Service development – a willingness to share ideas.

6. To participate in Clinical Governance programmes e.g. audits, surveys.

Communication

1. Skilled communication with a range of patients and their families or carers will be required, as this role is primarily working with patients who have additional needs, some of whom will have communication barriers.
2. Communication of sometimes complex clinical information to patients of the service, sometimes in difficult circumstances and delivering difficult news.
3. Explaining risks and benefits of clinical care and treatment modalities to patients and their families or carers.
4. Excellent communication with clinical peers and leaders in a professional manner is essential to inspire confidence, motivation, and teamwork, and in the best interests of patients.
5. Communicates with other health and social care professionals on a range of issues relating to oral health.
6. Contributes to CCS’ internal communication strategies ensuring effective two-way communication and engagement within the organisation.

People Management

1. Responsible for day-to-day supervision of dental nurse working alongside
2. Maintaining own professional development and requirement to take part in appraisal and PDP proces

Clinical and Practice Governance

1. Observe and maintain strict confidentiality with regards to any patient/family/staff/records and information in line with the requirements of the Data Protection Act.
2. Any data that is taken/shared as part of a phone call or transported, faxed, or transferred electronically must be undertaken with regard to the Trust Information Governance and Information Security policies.
3. The post holder must adhere to the Trust risk assessment and risk management processes
4. The post holder must adhere to infection control policies and procedures
5. It is a condition of your employment that you are currently registered with the GDC, and on a relevant performers list, and it is your responsibility to maintain your professional registration.
6. Undertake mandatory training and any other training relevant to the role as required by Cambridgeshire Community Services NHS Trust.
7. The post holder must participate in clinical and safeguarding audits as required
8. Provide patients and their families /carers with information on standards they should expect from the team
9. Participate in clinical supervision on a regular basis

The post holder is required to participate in relevant emergency preparedness process for their team.