Dental Nurse

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIP

The Dental Nurse will report to the Dentist 

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
• Files and retrieves client records
• Reviews medical history with parent/guardian
• Determines treatment plan and schedules appointment as required
• Recognizes dental condition requiring special care and makes referral to dentist
• Gives oral injections (anesthetic) via infiltration or nerve block as required for filling/extraction
• Prepares teeth to be filled (deciduous and permanent teeth)
• Identifies materials best suited to meet need and type of filling required
• Performs oral prophylaxis and applies topical fluorides to teeth to prevent dental decay
• Extracts deciduous teeth under local anesthetic
• Gives post-operative instructions (fillings, florid applications extractions)
• Demonstrates brushing of teeth and flossing techniques in clinic and schools
• Prepares monthly/annual reports
• Keeps patient register and writes up dental treatments administered to patients
• Performs trouble-shooting of dental equipment (hand pieces, chairs)
• Prepares oral health education material for use in clinic and schools
• Travels to pre/primary schools to conduct oral health education lectures
• Consults with principals of primary and pre-schools for oral health education lectures, promotional programme, Dental Outreach Programme and set up appointments to screen children
• Checks stock level of dental material and prepare requisition for materials as needed
• Plan and execute Oral Health Promotion Activities/Programmes locally, ministerial and with corporate sponsors nationally
• Sterilizes dental instruments and equipments
• Renders cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and First Aid when necessary
• Performs 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
• 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
• Dental Nurse
• Transport Assistant
• Stores Clerk
• Clerk

External:

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