Assignment 302 3k4k

Candidate name: Simona Camelia Sivu Date: 23/07/2016 College: South London Academy

ASSIGNMENT 302 1.1 Explan what the roles and responsabilities of a dental nurse are

Dental nurses work along-side dentists assisting in the care of patients including anything from a simple check up to advanced specialist treatment. It is an important responsibility of the dental nurse to put people at ease and help them feel comfortable and relaxed during their visit. Dental nurses also provide advice and give instruction to patients helping them to improve their oral hygiene. Other responsabilities include updating notes for the patients records, preparing a range of dental materials for fillings and impression taking, processing X-rays, sterilising instruments and providing chair side to the dentist and making sure health and safety standards in the surgery are maintained. The dental nurse needs to be able to communicate with: - patients in a polite and confident manner and make them feel at ease - careers who come with patients in a polite clear and confident manner and also disclose the information that only patient wants them know - colleagues in a professional and confident manner - visitors to the dental practice in a professional manner - other healthcare professionals, the receptionist regarding patients appointments and information, the lab and technicians regarding patients lab work and impressions and the date that the work will be back - the hygienist if they are working with them regarding patients oral hygiene instruction and treatment - with all the different types of communication with people the dental nurse will use various methods of communication emails, letters, verbal

communication, telephone conversations, text messages and in some cases social media and the internet. The dental nurse also need to maintain the dental records of the patients whether they are using a computerised system or the hand written paper notes. These must all be accurate when completing the patients charting or medical history, completed in black ink and be legible. There must be no personal reference to the patient and no judgements made about the patient and also must be donein line with the data protection act. No information regarding the patients must be disclosed to any person without the patients permission or consent. The dental nurse needs to: -ensure an adequate supply of stock in both the surgery and stock cupboard of materials, instruments, sundries and also X-rays - keep a stock control of dental burs and disposable items, all this itemsneed to have a stock control and a stock rotation system. The dental nurse must be able to work with others and have team work and work in a team (dental nurse, receptionist, dentist, laboratory technician, hygienist) and also with external agencies (health authorities, corporate dental practice, dental hospitals, community dentists, care homes, dental recruitment agencies and GDC) The dental nurse must apply safe working practices, comply with Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, RIDDOR and COSHH, Manual Handling, Fire Safety, Emergency First Aid, Radiation and X-rays. The dental nurse need to ensure safe transportation of instruments, sterilisation of all equipment, safe guarding of all vulnerable people, safe use of materials and all equipment, safe disposal of all types of waste. The dental nurse : -must take responsabilities for their own actions -need to be professional at all times - must be ed with the GDC or if they are in training they must be on a recognised and GDC approved training course.

The dental nurse must treat all patients and colleagues with dignity and respect. The qualified dental nurse must complete continuing professional development through their registration with the GDC and keep an accurate record of all D completed.

1.2 Explain the essential attributes of a dental nurse The attributes of the dental nurse are: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.

Ability to communicate Intelligence Ability to show initiative Friendliness Sense of loyalty and responsibility Awareness that the first priority in the dental practice is the patient Professional Trustworthy Appearance and manner of the dental nurse

The dental nurse should be smartly dressed in a clean pressed uniform, hair should be clean and short or tied up, must not wear jewellery, make up should be minimal and professional looking, nails should be short with no nail polish or any false nails, shoes should be leather and closed. The dental nurse should be calm and courteous and have a sympathetic manner, friendly and cheerful disposition, have an alert mind, good concentration and attention to detail. All dental nurses with their attitude to work need to: -put the patients interest first -respect patients dignity and choices -protect patients confidential information -co-operate with other of the dental team and other healthcare colleagues in the interest of patients -maintain their professional knowledge and competence -be trustworthy

1.3 You need to summarise the professional standards for dental care professionals (GDC) The GDC has developed a new set of standards that effect all dental professionals “The standards atate”. The document sets out the standards of conduct, performance and ethics that govern you as a dental professional. It specifies the principles, standards and guidance which apply to all of the dental team and it also sets out what patients can expect from their dental professionals. There are nine standards and these apply to all the dental team: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

Put patient interest first Communicate effectively with patients Obtain valid consent Maintain and protect patients information Have a clear and effective complaints procedure Work with colleagues is a way that is in patients best interests Maintain, develop and work within your professional knowledge and skills 8. Raise concerns if patients are at risk 9. Make sure your personal behaviour maintains patients confidence in you and the dental professional

1.4 What are the organisational and legal requirements which apply to the role of a dental nurse The organisational and legal requirements which apply to the role of the dental nurse is that you follow all the dental practices policies that they have on health and safety, cross infection, radiography and radiation, materials and equipment, equality and diversity, safeguarding vulnerable people and the care quality commission (CQC). The legal requirement are to abide by the dentist act, health and safety at work act, manual handling, emergency first aid, data protection.

1.5 Explain how a dental nurse must work within professional boundaries

The dental nurse should work within the professional boundaries by practicing safely and effectively and making the quality of patients care first concern. It is also important to keep the patient information confidential and to respect their dignity. As well is important to work effectively with other team in the dental team, to be trustworthy and to maintain appropriate boundaries in relationships with patients.

1.6 Explain the responsibilities of a dental nurse to safeguarding patients The dental nurse must take the appropriate action if necessary if concerns are raised over the abuse of children and vulnerable adults; they should the relevant authorities concern (social services, police, child line); they must also know the correct way to refer their concerns because appropriate training is given to all of staff.

1.7 Explain the potential consequences of unprofessional behaviour on: a) The professional status of dental nurse b) The public c) The reputation of the employer

a) The ed professional status of a dental nurse could be taken away by the GDC because of unprofessional behaviour. This could consist of fraud, alchol abuse, drug abuse, theft, unprofessional behaviour towards patients, not renewing the registration and still working. The dental nurse will be reported to the GDC for investigation of conduct and fitness to practice, a hearing will take place then and the final result would include deregistration or suspension for a period of time. b) The dental nurse needs to accept thet inappropriate behaviour with patients is inacceptable. There are set boundaries that should not be crossed. Publishing

anything that effects the public or patient on social media sites should not be under taken and not to friend any of patients on social media websites. c) The dental nurse must not make any disparaging remarks about another member of the dental teamwith patients or other of staff and should also not write any articles for magazines or papers if it will cause a conflict of interest or embarrassment to the employer.

1.8 Explain the procedure for raising concerns and whistleblowing in the workplace. The dental nurse has a duty to protect patients and the publics safety. All dental professionals have a professional responsibility to speak up if they witness treatment or behaviour which poses a risk to patients or colleagues. The dental nurse should take immediate or prompt action, protect patient confidentiality, keep an accurate record of concerns and actions taken. The dental nurse should follow the workplaces whistle blowing policy or local safeguarding procedures, raise the concern internally keeping a clear wrriten record of the concerns and any steps which it has taken, escalating the concern internally, escalating the concern to a regulator, raising or escalating the concern externally- going public.

2.1 Summarise the staffing model within the dental practice The staff model in a dental practice will vary in the different types of dental practice whether they are a corporate chain of dental practices or a small dental practice that is either a private or NHS dental practice or a combination of the two.

Corporate Managing director : 1) HR Department Finance Department 2) Marketing Department Department

1) HR Department and Finance Department : a) Principal Dentist Specialist Dentist Asociate Dentists b) Practice Manager Secretary 2) Marketing Department and Department - Head Dental Nurse - Qualified Dental Nurse - Trainee Dental Nurse - Cleaners

NHS or Private Dental Practice Principle dentist, Asociate Dentist, Vocational Trainee: 1) Practice Manager - Head Dental Nurse -Qualified Dental Nurse

2) Receptionist – Trainee Dental Nurse

2.2 Explain the types of funding for dental practices The types of funding in dental practice are private or NHS funding The private dental practice will have health plans that patients purchase to cover treatment and each plan will vary according to the cost of the cover that patients want to purchse. Few companies that supply these plans are BUPA, Denplan, Boots, AXA PPP.

The NHS funding is drawn down form the government these are called Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGS). The three bands of funding for NHS treatment are: 1) Band 1 – covers examination, diagnosis, x-rays, advice on how to prevent, scale and polish, application of fluoride 2) Band 2 – covers Band 1 plus further treatment such as fillings, root canal work or removal teeth 3) Band 3 – everything in Band 1 and 2 plus crowns, dentures and bridges.

Each dentist will have Universal Dental Activity (UDA). These are allocated to catchment areas for the dentist to complete treatments for patients and these are purchased of the Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGS)

2.3 Explain the legal and ethical issues associated with managing a dental practice The practice must be managed according to the GDC standards, the dentist Act, health and safety legislation, cross infection legislation, radiography legislation, CQC visits.

- Patient autonomy- the right to make their own decisions regarding treatment - Nonmaleficience- a dentist must not cause unnecessary harm to patient -a dentist must carry through all treatment till the end - protect de health of the patient - Staff must avoid interpersonal relationship - Beneficience – promoting or doing good - Offer free or discounted treatment to the needy - Report investigative findings to promote or safeguard the health of the general public - Reporting systems of any errors and abnomalitie

2.4 Explain the ergonomics within a dental practice Dentistry is a social interaction between helper and recipient in their limited job setting and with personal characteristics. A healthy dentist is one of the most important component in a successful dental practice. The problems can be avoided by increasing awareness of the postures used during work, redeg the workstation to promote neutral positions, examining the impact of instrument use on upper extremity pain, and following healthy work practices to reduce the stress of dental work on the practitioner’s body. Recently, “Ergonomics” has become a popular term. The term has been used with most professions but increasingly in the dental profession. It is a discipline that studies workers and their relationship to their occupational environment. This includes many different concepts such as, how dentists position themselves and their patients, how they utilize equipment, how work areas are designed and how all of this impact the health of dentists. Importance of working posture: The elements of an improper workstation setup force the dental practitioner to assume many harmful postures when performing various procedures on the patient. These positions put pressure on nerves and blood vessels, cause excessive strain on muscles, decrease circulation and cause wear and tear on the t structures.

Working With Good Posture : (1) Maintain an erect posture: by positioning chair close to the patient, one can minimize forward bending or excessive leaning over the patient. Place feet flat on the floor to promote a neutral or anterior tilt to your pelvis, which keeps back aligned and promotes the natural curvatures of back. (2) Use an adjustable chair with lumbar, thoracic and arm . A good chair is essential for maintaining good posture. A chair should have important features like, adjustable height, width, tilt, backrest, seat pan and armrests, because in most dental offices, many people of different sizes use the same workstation. (3) Work close to your body: Position the chair close to the patient and position the instrument tray close to the chair. This way, dentist does not have to overextend himself to reach the patient or instruments, putting excessive stress on back, shoulders and arms. (4) Minimize excessive wrist movements: Try to keep them in a neutral position palms facing each other, shoulder width apart with wrists straight, which puts wrist muscles and tendons in a much better relationship to perform the work. (5) Avoid excessive finger movements: When one can combine the excessive forces needed to hold the instruments with the amount of repetitions that he/she can perform each day, one can see the tremendous toll that this takes on the small muscles of fingers. Retraining of shoulders and arms to position hands rather than making the small, forceful movements with fingers. (6) Alternate work positions between sitting, standing and side of patient: Switching positions allows certain muscles to relax while shifting the stress onto other muscles and increasing your circulation. Allow each side of your body to share the stress rather than performing the same motion in the same way which causes cumulative trauma in the overused side. (7) Adjust the height of the chair and the patient’s chair to a comfortable level: If dentists chair is too low and the patient’s chair is too high, this causes elevation of shoulders and can lead to neck problems and can pinch nerves. Alternately, if dentists chair is too high and the patient’s chair is too low, flexion of neck down and bend wrists back to compensate can lead to neck and hand problems.

(8) Consider horizontal patient positioning: If workstation allows the patient to recline into a horizontal position, it will allow a dentist to sit above the patient’s head with good ergonomic posture and he can use each arm equally in more natural position. (9) Check the placement of the adjustable light: Position the adjustable light to avoid strain on the neck (10) Check the temperature in the room: Temperature of workspace should not be too cold because this will decrease the circulation and blood flow of extremities.

2.5 Explain the role of the dental team The role of the dental team is to make sure the patient is safe and well care for during their treatment and everything goes as it should. In dental practice is very important the professional appearance of the dental team, their attitude, and their ion for being an outstanding caregiver to the patients they serve. The receptionist will make sure the appointment is booked correctly. The dental nurse to greet the patient and make them feel at ease and make their treatment go smoothly. The dentist to provide the correct treatment.

2.6 Explain how safe, high quality care can be achieved by a) the contribution of team b) team work c) observing the operator Good dental care is delivered by a dental team. The quality of teamwork is closely linked to the quality of care the team provides. All of the

dental team contribute to the patient’s experience of dental treatment, and all have a role to play in making the best possible contribution to patient care. The dental team is the group of people who together provide care for a patient. Teamwork means working together to provide good-quality dental care. Dental teams can take many different forms, depending on the needs of the patient. The dental team is not just limited to dental professionals working together in the same practice.