Job Summary
University Hospitals of North Midlands is currently unable to provide sponsorship for this role. This is in accordance with UKVI guidelines and legislation, as these roles do not meet the skill or salary threshold for sponsorship. If you hold a graduate visa, you are welcome to apply for this role; however, UHNM will be unable to offer sponsorship at the end of your graduate visa. You must have at least six months until your graduate visa expires at the start of your employment for training and operational reasons.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a band 4 dental nurse to further their dental career by joining a friendly, highly skilled team in a multidisciplinary setting. The successful applicant will nurse in all disciplines within the department: Oral Maxillofacial, Orthodontics and Restorative. Flexibility to work across both Trust sites where necessary. Applicant should be highly motivated with a passion for personal and team development. The delivery of a high standard of patient care and teamwork in line with our Trust values will be expected.
Main Duties
* Pre and post clinic set up – cleaning, instrument & equipment preparation and paperwork
* Support clinic manager and team with daily running of the department
* Liaise with other departments, laboratory, GDP, GP
* Report all issues to Clinic Manager/Matron
* Provision of high standard of pre and post op care
* Provision of high standard of nursing skills
* Manage complex medical and physical conditions of patients
* Professional development and Trust training maintained
* Support and promote health education to patients
* Precise and timely records of patient care
* Excellent communication with patients and staff
* Safeguarding children and adults
* Aware of and observe Trust policies
* Attend training
About Us
University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust is one of the largest and most modern in the country. Based across two sites – Royal Stoke in Stoke-on-Trent and County Hospital in Stafford – we serve around three million people and are highly regarded for our facilities, teaching and research. We are the specialist centre for major trauma for the North Midlands and North Wales.
All of our employees make a valuable contribution regardless of role. We are proud of our wide range of development packages aimed at ensuring everyone has the opportunity to fulfil their true potential.
UHNM creates and encourages a culture of inclusion, providing equal opportunities for career development that are fair and transparent. We are committed to being a diverse and inclusive employer and foster a culture in which all staff feel valued and respected. We ask all employees to commit to the values co‑created by staff, patients and carers.
At UHNM we know that investing in, supporting and developing our staff has a direct impact on the quality of care that we deliver. Our employees are as important as our patients and the population that we serve.
Job Details
* Date posted: 25 November 2025
* Pay scheme: Agenda for change
* Band: Band 4
* Salary: £27,485 to £37,796 a year (dependent on experience and qualifications)
* Contract: Permanent
* Working pattern: Full‑time
* Reference number: 205-7620227
* Job locations: University Hospital North Midlands, Newcastle Road, Stoke on Trent, ST4 6QG
Responsibilities
Report departmental issues, attend regular staff meetings, develop good communications, and build fair and clear relationships with staff across the multidisciplinary team.
Communicate with all grades of staff regarding patient care. Provide and receive complex or sensitive information relating to planned or received treatment.
Liaise between clinician, technician, patient and external agencies to arrange appropriate appointments.
Effectively communicate with patients and relatives. Deliver information in a way that is easily understood, e.g. delivering pre and postoperative instructions and advice. Provide reassurance and show empathy to patients in situations which are frequently stressful.
Motivate patients to ensure compliance with complex and frequently lengthy courses of treatment.
Explain dental procedures to patients and answer any queries regarding their treatment. Receive information regarding patient conditions always ensuring confidentiality.
Participate in the development and maintenance of programmes of care in line with policies and procedures.
Provide a continuing high standard of nursing care through direct clinical practice.
The post holder must hold the national certificate in dental nursing or equivalent NVQ3 and be registered with the GDC.
In line with Trust policies, undertake further training in conflict and resolution, fire safety, basic life support, safeguarding, manual handling, infection control, health and safety, risk assessment and COSHH.
Achieve the Knowledge and Skills Framework (KSF) requirements of the post.
Be prepared to undertake any formal or informal training required to fulfil the needs of the post, including self‑study.
Act as a resource to other areas providing education and advice relevant to the speciality.
Keep abreast of clinical development and take every reasonable opportunity to maintain and improve professional knowledge and competence.
Participate in personal objective setting and review, including creation of a personal development plan.
Assist the Clinic Manager in the development of enhanced/advanced nursing specific to the speciality, developing own clinical skills as necessary.
Analytical & Judgemental Skills
Anticipate the needs of staff and prepare surgeries and instruments appropriately for complex dental procedures.
Monitor patients throughout their visit, observe for any changes, and respond to medical emergencies.
Analyse the working area regarding equipment security and assess if extra precautions are needed.
Use own judgement regarding health and safety to assess work area and report hazards immediately.
Diagnose equipment faults and liaise with engineering staff to ensure quick repairs.
Understand principles and importance of quality control and assurance and use appropriate measures.
Planning & Organisational Skills
Manage day‑to‑day activities such as planning and organising clinics, joint appointments with other departments and hospitals.
Plan and organise multi‑disciplinary activities with other professions and agencies.
Manage busy clinics, liaise with patients and staff and communicate any delays.
Liaise with laboratory regarding timescales for appliances; arrange patient appointments accordingly.
Plan in advance to ensure all results, medical records and instruments are available for each session.
Maintain adequate supplies, ensuring efficient and effective use.
Check clinics at the beginning of each session to maintain stock levels.
Ensure all equipment is in safe working order and regularly checked and maintained.
Physical Skills
Manipulate a wide range of dental materials, handle, transfer, assemble and dismantle all types of dental equipment.
Prepare surgical instrument kits using aseptic technique.
Assist surgeons in theatre for general anaesthetic patients.
Demands lengthy times of concentration, standing and static and precise instrument placements.
Handle sensitive hand‑eye coordination when assisting during four‑handed dentistry.
Mobilise patients in confined spaces using wheelchairs, trolleys and hoists.
Responsibility for Patient Care
Provide clinical verbal advice to patients, carers/relatives – pre/post‑operative instructions, tailored to each patient's unique situation.
Continuous monitoring of patients throughout treatment.
Provide care and reassurance to patients during treatment.
Manage medical and physical conditions of patients if retained in department for an unexpected length of time.
Advice via telephone if necessary.
Educate patient/carers in oral health and provide advice on symptoms.
Organise patient appointments and liaise with wards and other departments to ensure quality patient care.
Secure clinical areas and store emergency drugs safely.
Work at both Trust sites to provide continuous improved service.
Adhere to Trust policies – cross‑infection control, risk assessments, health and safety, data security & protection, COSHH, reporting accidents/incidents.
Follow infection control policy and sterilisation guidelines.
Ensure physical and radiation protection of all individuals.
Provide written information for patients and carers per Trust policies.
Work with clinic manager and team to ensure standards maintained.
Contribute to effective implementation of clinic risk management.
Person Specification
Professional Registration
* Essential: GDC registration
Qualification
* Essential: Certificate in Dental Nursing
* Desirable: Dental Radiography Certificate, Certificate in Oral Health Education, Orthodontic Nursing Certificate, Dental Sedation Nursing Certificate
Experience
* Essential: Relevant dental or hospital, community experience as a dental nurse
* Desirable: Understanding of policies and procedures; Knowledge of hospital/practice computer system
Skills & Knowledge
* Essential: Knowledge of confidentiality / Data Protection Act; Excellent communication skills (verbal and written); Ability to prioritise and work with minimal supervision
* Desirable: Computer literate
Aptitudes
* Essential: Self‑motivation; Flexible with working hours
Other Job Requirements
* Evidence of Continuing Professional Development; Ability to adapt to change; Flexibility to travel between Trust sites
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and requires a DBS check.
Certificate of Sponsorship
Applications from job seekers requiring skilled worker sponsorship will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website.
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