Dental Nurse (HTAC/DN 1) – St. Elizabeth Health Services

JOB PURPOSE

To 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. 

To plan and organize dental health interventions, and to coordinate the work of subordinates within a health district. 

QUALIFICATIONS

• MSc. In Dental Therapy 

OR 

• Certificate/Degree in Dental Nursing 
• Registration with the Dental Council 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Plan and organize oral health education / promotion programmes for schools and communities. 
• Instruct children and adults in the principle of preventive dentistry and the measures necessary to maintain optimal oral health. 
• Carry out routine and diagnostic oral examination on children. 
• Perform 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. 
• Keep accurate and up to date records of all treatment given to, and contact made with clients 
• Refer more complex dental problems to the dental surgeon. 
• Prepare and submit to parish supervisor, monthly, statistical reports.
• Prepare quarterly and half yearly status reports for a health district.
• Assist with the planning and implementation of oral health programmes within a parish or zone. 
• Assist with the supervision of dental staff, and the coordination of the dental programme within a health district. 
• Give advice, counsel and instructions to subordinates; hears and resolve complaints, and refers group grievances and unresolved complaints to higher supervisory authority. 
• Act as resource person at the local level in the dissemination of oral health information. 
• Attend and participate in meetings at clinic, health district, and parish level.
• Attend and participate in training sessions planned for dental staff.
• Liaise with other health care providers and non-government organizations.
• Perform other duties within competence, which may be assigned 

SPECIFIC KNOWLEDGE, REQUIRED SKILLS/COMPETENCIES

• Ability to communicate oral health messages to children and adults 
• Ability to deal tactfully with clients 
• Ability to work as part of a team 
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing 
• Knowledge of National Oral Health Policy 
• Knowledge of the Dental Health Services Policies and Procedures Manual
• Knowledge of equipment, instruments, materials, methods and procedures used in dentistry 
• Knowledge of Infection Control Procedures 
• Knowledge of pharmaceuticals used in Dentistry 
• Knowledge in Basic Life Support (BLS) and in Peadiatric Advance Life Support (PALS) 

NB. ONLY SHORTLISTED APPLICANTS WILL BE ACKNOWLEDGED.