Dental Nurse (HTAC/DN 1) – Manchester Health Department

Job Purpose

Under the general supervision of the Dental Surgeon, the incumbent will organize and implement oral health education / promotion activities in health clinics, schools and communities and to carry out prescribed preventive, curative, diagnostic and rehabilitative dental work for children, as well as community members. He/She will plan and organize dental health interventions, and to coordinate the work of subordinates within a health district. 

Qualifications and Experience:

• Masters of Science in Dental Therapy 
• Current Registration with the Dental Council 

Specific Knowledge, Skills & Competencies:

Technical 

• Comprehensive knowledge of National Oral Health Policy 
• Comprehensive knowledge of Dental Health Services Policies and Procedures Manual. 
• Sound knowledge of Dental Act and Regulations and Public Health Act. 
• Sound knowledge of equipment. instruments, materials, methods, and procedures used in dentistry and pharmaceuticals used in dentistry. 
• Sound knowledge of Infection Control Policy 
• Sound knowledge of Socio-Cultural Practices and their impact on health 
• Sound knowledge of Staff Orders for the Public Service 
• Sound knowledge of Data Protection Act 
• Proficient in Teaching Methods and Oral Health Education/Promotion 
• Trained in BLS/PALS 
• Proficient in the use of relevant Computer Applications (Microsoft-Excel) 

Core 

• Good customer service skills 
• Good problem-solving and decision-making skills 
• Good team work skills 
• Good oral and written communication skills 

Key responsibilities will include:

• Planning and organizing oral health education / promotion programmes for schools and communities. 
• Carrying out routine and diagnostic oral examination on children. 
• Performing necessary preventive and rehabilitative oral health procedures on children, to include: scaling, prophylaxis, the application of fissure sealant restoration, extraction of deciduous teeth, pulpotomy, stainless steel crowns. 
• Keeping accurate and up to date records of all treatment given to, and contact made with clients. 
• Referring more complex dental problems to the dental surgeon. 
• Preparing and submitting to parish supervisor, monthly, statistical reports.
• Preparing quarterly and half yearly status reports for a health district.
• Assisting with the planning and implementation of oral health programmes within a parish or zone. 
• Assisting with the supervision of dental staff, and the coordination of the dental programme within a health district. 
• Giving advice, counselling and instructions to subordinates; hears and resolve complaints, and refers group grievances and unresolved complaints to higher supervisory authority.
• Acting as resource person at the local level in the dissemination of oral health information.
• Attending and participating in meetings at clinic, health district, and parish level.
• Attending and participating in training sessions planned for dental staff.
• Liaising with other health care providers and non-government organizations. 

NB. ONLY SHORTLISTED APPLICANTS WILL BE ACKNOWLEDGED