Job Title, Grade Code

Dental Nurse

(Grade Code: 6437)

Campaign Reference

CHW026-DNCHW-2023

Closing Date

5th April 2023 at 12 noon

Proposed Interview Date (s)

Proposed interview dates will be indicated at a later stage. Please note you may be called forward for interview at short notice.

Taking up Appointment

A start date will be indicated at job offer stage.

Location of Post

Community Healthcare West

The following vacancy is currently available:

There is currently one 0.8 WTE Permanent position available in the Dental Department Mayo /Roscommon.

A supplementary panel may be formed as a result of this campaign for Primary Care Dental Services , Galway , Mayo/Roscommon- Community Healthcare West from which current and future, permanent and specified purpose vacancies of full or part-time duration may be filled.

Informal Enquiries

Mayo/Roscommon

Anne Mc Keon, Principal Dental Surgeon

Tel: 094 9042595

Email

Details of Service

HSE Dental Service provides oral health... care, emergency and routine dental services to the eligible population of children under 16 years and adults with special needs. These services include emergency and routine dental care, oral health promotion, dental care to special needs groups, and public dental health services.

The post holder will work as a part of a team of dentists, dental nurses, dental hygienists and administration staff and will liaise closely with medical, nursing and support staff in the organisation and delivery of primary dental care services including support vital functions such as infection control, dental care under General Anaesthetic and conscious sedation ( Relative Analgesia).

Reporting Relationship

The post holder will report to the Principal Dental Surgeon or other Senior Department Personnel as directed by the PDS. At the chairside, the Dental Nurse will report to the clinician in charge of the clinic .

Purpose of the Post

The Dental Nurse will support the clinical work of dentists, dental hygienists or other clinicians at the chairside and will assist in maintaining high standards of health and safety in the workplace

Principle Duties and Responsibilities

The Dental Nurse will:

Professional / Surgery Duties

· To support the work of the dental surgeons/ orthodontists, hygienists at chairside by preparation and layout of instruments for all /dental procedures.

· To manage appointments for the clinic and record/chart notes as directed by the dental surgeons and hygienists.

· Deal with queries and give information to members of the public

· Maintain appropriate and accurate written and electronic nursing records and reports regarding patient care in accordance with local/ national/ professional guidelines

· To provide a welcoming point of first contact for members of the public, particularly when greeting parents and children in the waiting room and deal with any queries.

· To take part in ongoing appropriate training programmes at the direction of the Dental service.

· To take part in oral health promotion activities at the direction of the Principal Dental Surgeon.

· Provide appropriate and timely education and information to the patient/ their family as appropriate.

· Maintain a high standard of professional behaviour and be accountable for their practice.

· Respect and maintain the privacy, dignity and confidentiality of the patient.

· Report and consult with senior clinical staff on clinical issues as appropriate.

· Be flexible in relation to working as required to meet dental nursing resource needs and the requirements of the service.

· Ensure that the dental surgery is maintained in good order using appropriate models, that supplies are adequate and that all equipment is clean and in good working order and ready for immediate use.

· Ensure that equipment is safe to use and report any malfunctions in a timely manner.

· To be aware of their responsibilities to their own and others health and safety at work.

· Participate in the implementation of infection prevention and control guidelines.

· Adhere to national, regional and local Health Service Executive (HSE) guidelines, policies, protocols and legislation.

· Work within their scope of practice and take measures to develop and maintain the competence necessary for professional practice.

· Be aware of ethical policies and procedures which pertain to their area of practice.

· Ensure that records are safeguarded and managed as per HSE / local policy and in accordance with relevant legislation.

· Contribute to ongoing monitoring, audit and evaluation of the service as appropriate and required.

· Participate in the development of policies, procedures and guidelines to support compliance with current legal requirements, where existing, for safe storage and administration of medicines and other clinical products.

· Report and consult with senior orthodontic/ dental staff on clinical issues as appropriate

· To be an active participant in staff meetings and all aspects of service delivery.

· Accurately record and report all complaints to appropriate personnel according to local service policy.

· Observe, report and take appropriate action on any matter which may be detrimental to patient care or well-being.

· Be aware of, and comply with, the principles of clinical governance including quality, risk and health and safety and be individually responsible for clinical governance, risk management / health and safety issues in their area of work.

· Adhere to organisational dress code.

· Complete all mandatory training as deemed necessary by the line manager.

· Participate in performance evaluation / review with their line manager, identifying areas for improvement and appropriate plans / measures to achieve them.

· Work closely with colleagues across services in order to provide a seamless service delivery to the client.

· Undertake other duties as required by the Principal Dental Surgeon/Senior Dental Surgeon/ / Senior Dental Nurse.

· Have a working knowledge of the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) Standards as they apply to the role for example, Standards for Healthcare, National Standards for the Prevention and Control of Healthcare Associated Infections, Hygiene Standards etc and comply with associated HSE protocols for implementing and maintaining these standards as appropriate to the role.

· To support, promote and actively participate in sustainable energy, water and waste initiatives to create a more sustainable, low carbon and efficient health service.

· Ensure that records are safeguarded and managed as per HSE/ local policy and in accordance to relevant legislation.

· Participate in clinical audit and review

· Maintain professional standards including patient and data confidentiality.

· Assist with ordering of supplies as required and ensure the appropriate and efficient use of supplies is made and exercise economy in the use of consumables.

· As a mandated person under the Children First Act 2015 you will have a legal obligation to report child protection concerns at or above a defined threshold to TUSLA & to assist Tusla, if requested, in assessing a concern which has been the subject of a mandated report.

· As this post is one of those designated under the Protection for Persons Reporting Child Abuse Act 1998, appointment to this post appoints one as a Designated Officer in accordance with Section 2 of the Act. You will remain a Designated Officer for the duration of your appointment to your current post or for the duration of your appointment to such other post as is included in the categories specified in the Ministerial Direction. You will receive full information on your responsibilities under the Act on appointment.

Education & Training

· Assist on the ongoing training and development of trainee / dental nurses including induction.

· Participate in appropriate training and development relevant to the post of Dental Nurse.

Health & Safety

· Be aware of their responsibilities to their own and others' health and safety

Quality Assurance, Health and Safety/ Risk Management

· To cooperate and be fully involved in the establishment and maintenance of improved standards and quality initiatives.

· To initiate and participate in audit procedure and assist in the implementation of subsequent recommendations.

Special Needs

· To assist the dental surgeon in the delivery of all specific requirements of the special needs community, including treatment, organisation of clinics, arranging referrals and liaising with members of the dental team, medical, nursing and relevant support services, and carers/ service providers.

Oral Health Promotion

· To assist in delivering and evaluating health promotion activities relevant to dental services.

Administration

· To have responsibility and accountability for all administrative type duties in the context of the dental nurse role.

The above Job Specification is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all duties involved and consequently, the post holder may be required to perform other duties as appropriate to the post which may be assigned to him/her from time to time and to contribute to the development of the post while in office.

Eligibility Criteria

Qualifications and/ or experience

Candidates must have at the latest date of application: -

1. Professional Qualifications, Experience, etc.

i) Possess a Diploma in Dental Nursing from The University of Dublin/Dublin Dental University Hospital, or The University Dental School & Hospital Cork or NUI, Cork.

Or

ii) Possess the Higher Certificate in Science in Dental Nursing from Athlone Institute of Technology or Letterkenny Institute of Technology.

Or

iii) Holds a qualification in Dental Nursing awarded by National Examining Board of Dental Nursing (NEBDN) in the United Kingdom.

Or

iv) Be registered as a Dental Nurse with the Dental Council of Ireland or be entitled to be so registered.

Or

v) Hold a qualification in dental nursing which in the opinion of the Dental Council of Ireland is equivalent to (i), (ii) or (iii) above.

And

a) Candidates must have the clinical and administrative capacity to properly discharge the functions of the role.

(a)

2. Health

Candidates for and any person holding the office must be fully competent and capable of undertaking the duties attached to the office and be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service.

3. Character

Candidates for and any person holding the office must be of good character.

Post Specific Requirements

Demonstrate depth and breadth of primary care Dental Nursing experience as relevant to the role.

Other requirements specific to the post

· Have access to appropriate transport to fulfil the requirements of the role

· Participate in an on-call rota

Skills, competencies and/or knowledge

Knowledge / Experience Relevant to the Role

· Demonstrates depth and breadth of experience in dental nursing, as relevant to the role.

· Demonstrate knowledge of cross infection and control standards.

· Has the clinical and administrative capacity to discharge the functions of the post.

· Demonstrates sufficient clinical knowledge to carry out the duties and responsibilities of the role.

· Demonstrates a willingness to inform self and to adhere to legislative requirements or other requirements specific to practice area.

· Demonstrates computer/keyboard skills.

· Demonstrates practitioner competence and professionalism in order to carry out the duties and responsibilities of the role.

· Demonstrates a good understanding and/or experience of dental services.

Planning and Organising Resources

· Demonstrates evidence of effective planning and organising skills including awareness of resource management and importance of value for money.

· Demonstrates the ability to work on own initiative

· Demonstrates the ability to manage deadlines and effectively handle multiple tasks.

Building and Maintaining Relationships

· Demonstrates ability to build and maintain relationships.

· Demonstrate the ability to work as part of a team.

Commitment to Providing a Quality Service

· Demonstrates awareness and appreciation of the service user

· Demonstrates a commitment to providing a quality service.

· Demonstrates a commitment to continuing professional development.

· Demonstrates evidence of ability to empathise with and treat patients, relatives and colleagues with dignity and respect.

Problem Solving & Decision Making Skills

· Demonstrates effective problem solving and decision making skills

Communication & Interpersonal Skills

· Have good communications and interpersonal skills, particularly in relation to placing patients at ease

Campaign Specific Selection Process

Ranking/Shortlisting / Interview

A ranking and or shortlisting exercise may be carried out on the basis of information supplied in your application form. The criteria for ranking and or shortlisting are based on the requirements of the post as outlined in the eligibility criteria and skills, competencies and/or knowledge section of this job specification. Therefore it is very important that you think about your experience in light of those requirements.

Failure to include information regarding these requirements may result in you not being called forward to the next stage of the selection process.

Those successful at the ranking stage of this process (where applied) will be placed on an order of merit and will be called to interview in 'bands' depending on the service needs of the organisation.

Code of Practice

The Health Service Executive will run this campaign in compliance with the Code of Practice prepared by the Commission for Public Service Appointments (CPSA). The Code of Practice sets out how the core principles of probity, merit, equity and fairness might be applied on a principle basis. The Code also specifies the responsibilities placed on candidates, facilities for feedback to applicants on matters relating to their application when requested, and outlines procedures in relation to requests for a review of the recruitment and selection process and review in relation to allegations of a breach of the Code of Practice. Additional information on the HSE's review process is available in the document posted with each vacancy entitled "Code of Practice, Information for Candidates".

Codes of practice are published by the CPSA and are available on in the document posted with each vacancy entitled "Code of Practice, Information for Candidates" or on .

The reform programme outlined for the Health Services may impact on this role and as structures change the Job Specification may be reviewed.

This Job Specification is a guide to the general range of duties assigned to the post holder. It is intended to be neither definitive nor restrictive and is subject to periodic review with the employee concerned.

Dental Nurse
Terms and Conditions of Employment

Tenure

The current vacancy available is a 0.8 WTE Permanent Dental Nurse post Mayo/Roscommon

The post is pensionable. A panel may be created from which permanent and specified purpose vacancies of full or part time duration may be filled. The tenure of these posts will be indicated at "expression of interest" stage.

Appointment as an employee of the Health Service Executive is governed by the Health Act 2004 and the Public Service Management (Recruitment and Appointments) Act 2004 and Public Service Management (Recruitment and Appointments) Amendment Act 2013.

Remuneration

The Salary Scale for the post is (as at 01/03/2023):

€27,507 - €29,066 - €29,909 - €31,114 - €32,118 - €33,116 - €34,540 - €35,525 - €36,395 - €37,319 - €38,918 - €39,518 - €39,856 - €40,653 - €42,075 - €44,229 - €46,776- €49,894 – LSI

New appointees to any grade start at the minimum point of the scale. Incremental credit will be applied for recognised relevant service in Ireland and abroad (Department of Health Circular 2/2011). Incremental credit is normally granted on appointment, in respect of previous experience in the Civil Service, Local Authorities, Health Service and other Public Service Bodies and Statutory Agencies.

Working Week

The standard working week applying to the post is to be confirmed at Job Offer stage.

HSE Circular 003-2009 "Matching Working Patterns to Service Needs (Extended Working Day / Week Arrangements); Framework for Implementation of Clause 30.4 of Towards 2016" applies. Under the terms of this circular, all new entrants and staff appointed to promotional posts from Dec 16th, 2008 will be required to work agreed roster / on call arrangements as advised by their line manager. Contracted hours of work are liable to change between the hours of 8am-8pm over seven days to meet the requirements for extended day services in accordance with the terms of the Framework Agreement (Implementation of Clause 30.4 of Towards 2016).

Annual Leave

The annual leave associated with the post will be confirmed at Contracting stage.

Superannuation

This is a pensionable position with the HSE. The successful candidate will upon appointment become a member of the appropriate pension scheme. Pension scheme membership will be notified within the contract of employment. Members of pre-existing pension schemes who transferred to the HSE on the 01st January 2005 pursuant to Section 60 of the Health Act 2004 are entitled to superannuation benefit terms under the HSE Scheme which are no less favourable to those which they were entitled to at 31st December 2004

Age

The Public Service Superannuation (Age of Retirement) Act, 2018* set 70 years as the compulsory retirement age for public servants.
• Public Servants not affected by this legislation:

Public servants joining the public service or re-joining the public service with a 26 week break in service, between 1 April 2004 and 31 December 2012 (new entrants) have no compulsory retirement age.

Public servants, joining the public service or re-joining the public service after a 26 week break, after 1 January 2013 are members of the Single Pension Scheme and have a compulsory retirement age of 70.

Probation

Every appointment of a person who is not already a permanent officer of the Health Service Executive or of a Local Authority shall be subject to a probationary period of 12 months as stipulated in the Department of Health Circular No.10/71.

Protection for Persons Reporting Child Abuse Act 1998

As this post is one of those designated under the Protection for Persons Reporting Child Abuse Act 1998, appointment to this post appoints one as a designated officer in accordance with Section 2 of the Act. You will remain a designated officer for the duration of your appointment to your current post or for the duration of your appointment to such other post as is included in the categories specified in the Ministerial Direction. You will receive full information on your responsibilities under the Act on appointment.

Mandated Person Children First Act 2015

As a mandated person under the Children First Act 2015 you will have a legal obligation:

· To report child protection concerns at or above a defined threshold to TUSLA.

· To assist Tusla, if requested, in assessing a concern which has been the subject of a mandated report.

You will remain a mandated person for the duration of your appointment to your current post or for the duration of your appointment to such other post as is included in the categories specified in the Ministerial Direction. You will receive full information on your responsibilities under the Act on appointment.

Infection Control

Have a working knowledge of Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) Standards as they apply to the role for example, Standards for Healthcare, National Standards for the Prevention and Control of Healthcare Associated Infections, Hygiene Standards etc. and comply with associated HSE protocols for implementing and maintaining these standards as appropriate to the role.

Health & Safety

It is the responsibility of line managers to ensure that the management of safety, health and welfare is successfully integrated into all activities undertaken within their area of responsibility, so far as is reasonably practicable. Line managers are named and roles and responsibilities detailed in the relevant Site Specific Safety Statement (SSSS).

Key responsibilities include:

· Developing a SSSS for the department/service [1] , as applicable, based on the identification of hazards and the assessment of risks, and reviewing/updating same on a regular basis (at least annually) and in the event of any significant change in the work activity or place of work.

· Ensuring that Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) is integrated into day-to-day business, providing Systems Of Work (SOW) that are planned, organised, performed, maintained, and revised as appropriate, and ensuring that all safety related records are maintained and available for inspection.

· Consulting and communicating with staff and safety representatives on OSH matters.

· Ensuring a training needs assessment (TNA) is undertaken for employees, facilitating their attendance at statutory OSH training, and ensuring records are maintained for each employee.

· Ensuring that all incidents occurring within the relevant department/service are appropriately managed and investigated in accordance with HSE procedures [2] .

· Seeking advice from health and safety professionals through the National Health and Safety Function Helpdesk as appropriate.

· Reviewing the health and safety performance of the ward/department/service and staff through, respectively, local audit and performance achievement meetings for example.

Note : Detailed roles and responsibilities of Line Managers are outlined in local SSSS.

[1] A template SSSS and guidelines are available on the National Health and Safety Function, here:

2 See link on health and safety web-pages to latest Incident Management Policy
Ireland

Salary Criteria