Dental Nurse

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIP

The Dental Nurse will report to the Dentist I.

NATURE & SCOPE

The Dental Nurse is required to examine children’s teeth (under the age of 12). Identifies and charts characteristics of dental lesions, diseases and anomalies and relating them to developing oral and pathological conditions to determine, develop and execute treatment plans on patients which may include oral hygiene instructions and demonstrations using dental materials, instruments and equipment. Applies medications to teeth, and prepares oral health education materials.

SPECIFIC ACCOUNTABILITIES

The Dental Nurse:

• Obtains medical and dental history from parents and guardians of children.
• Examines and charts dental conditions of patients.
• Determines treatment plan, diagnose dental problems, prescribes appropriate dental care/plan and schedules appointments as required.
• Recognizes dental condition quiring special care and makes referral to Dentist.
• Identifies materials best suited and type of filling required and prepares teeth to be filled (deciduous and permanent teeth).
• Gives oral injections (anesthetic) via infiltration or nerve block as required for filling/extraction.
• Extracts deciduous teeth under local anesthetic.
• Performs oral prophylaxis and applies topical fluorides to teeth to prevent dental decay.
• Gives post-operative instructions (fillings, florid applications extractions).
• Demonstrates brushing of teeth and flossing techniques in clinic and schools.
• Prepares monthly/annual reports as required.
• Maintains patient register and record dental treatments administered to patients.
• Performs trouble-shooting of dental equipment (hand pieces, chairs).
• Prepares and delivers oral health education material for use in clinic and schools.
• Collaborates with Principals of primary and pre-school to conduct oral health education lectures, promotional programme, Dental Outreach Programme and schedules appointments to screen children.
• Plans and executes Oral Health Promotion Activities/Programmes locally, ministerial and with corporate sponsors nationally.
• Sterilizes dental instruments and equipment.
• Renders cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and First Aid when necessary.
• Completes regular stock checks dental material and prepares requisition for materials to maintain appropriate stock levels.
• Performs any other related work as may be required by the appropriate Authority.

KEY KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of Dental Nursing theory and practice.
• Knowledge of the Dental Laws and Ethics of Trinidad and Tobago.
• Knowledge of First Aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
• Knowledge of dental materials and techniques.
• Skilled in the use and care of dental instruments and equipment.
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written.
• Ability to design and create Health education materials.
• Ability to prepare prophylactic and restorative materials.
• Ability to use Microsoft Office Suite.

MINIMUM TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelors of Science Degree in Dental Hygiene/Dental Therapy from an accredited institution.
• Registered with the Dental Council of Trinidad and Tobago.
• At least two (2) years’ experience in the field of Dentistry.
• Any equivalent combination of training and experience.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Dental Assistant
• Clerk I
• On-the-Job Trainee

COMMUNICATION AND WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

Internal:

• Primary Health Care Services Administrative Officer
• Primary Care Physician II
• District Health Visitor
• Dentist I
• Transport Assistant
• Stores Clerk
• Clerk

External:

• Patients
• Principals of Schools
• Dental supply companies
• Contractors