The Head Dental Nurse is responsible for leading and developing the full dental nursing team, ensuring the delivery of exceptional patient care, maintaining the highest standards of clinical governance, and supporting the smooth day to day operation of the practice.
As a key member of the senior leadership team, the Head Nurse will oversee nurse training, compliance, radiography standards, infection prevention and control, and workforce management, whilst acting as a role model for professionalism, teamwork, and patient centred care.
Key Responsibilities; Leadership and Team Management
- Lead, support and motivate the dental nursing team
- Directly manage trainee dental nurses and support their development
- Conduct regular nurse updates/meetings and contribute to team development initiatives, write up meeting minutes and share with team members not present.
- Assist with recruitment, induction and on boarding of new nursing team members
- Manage nurse rotas in collaboration with the Lead Administrator and Clinic Manager
- Support performance management and 1-1 training reviews with each nurse throughout the year.
- Promote a positive workplace culture and encourage continuous improvement
Clinical Excellence
- Ensure high standards of chairside nursing across all specialties and general dentistry
- Support clinicians to deliver outstanding patient care
- Maintain compliance with GDC Standards and practice policies
- Act as a clinical role model for the nursing team
- Assist in the implementation of new/updated clinical protocols and procedures
Compliance and Governance
- Monitor compliance with CQC requirements and internal policies
- Ensure Lead Audit Nurse, audits and governance documentation are maintained appropriately
- Ensure Lead Radiography Nurse, audits and governance documentation are maintained appropriately
- Ensure Lead Compliance Nurse, audits and governance documentation are maintained appropriately
- Ensure Lead Clinical Nurse, stock and governance documentation are maintained appropriately
- Work closely with the CQC Manager to maintain regulatory compliance
Training and Development
- Mentor trainee and qualified dental nurses
- Identify training needs within the nursing team utilising our Nurse Training Handbook
- Support nurses undertaking qualifications and competency development, join their meetings/calls.
- Assist with clinical audits and quality improvement projects
- Promote continuous professional development throughout the team
Operational Responsibilities
- Support stock control and equipment management processes
- Monitor clinical standards and support practice efficiency
- Assist with implementing new systems and processes
- Work collaboratively with the Treatment Coordinator, Lead Nurses, Reception Team and Senior Management Team
Health and Safety
- Act as a First Aider
- Act as a Fire Marshal
- Promote a safe working environment for patients and staff
- Support emergency preparedness and practice risk assessments
Person Specification; Essential
- GDC registered Dental Nurse
- Minimum 1 year post qualification experience
- Strong leadership and communication skills
- Excellent organisational and time management skills
- Experience mentoring or supervising staff
- Knowledge of CQC regulations and compliance requirements
- Knowledge of infection prevention and control procedures
- IT literate with experience using dental practice management software
Desirable
- Previous experience as a Senior Nurse
- Experience of practice audits
- Experience of training and developing team members
- Knowledge of Information Governance and GDPR
- Experience working within a mixed NHS and private dental practice
Key Attributes
- Professional and approachable
- Positive and supportive leader
- Highly organised and proactive
- Strong attention to detail
- Patient focused
- Solution orientated
- Able to work independently and as part of a team
- Committed to continuous improvement and excellence
Join us as our Head Nurse and be part of a forward-thinking practice dedicated to delivering outstanding dental care in a vibrant, supportive environment!
Pay: £30,758.00-£34,054.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company events
- Company pension
- Employee discount
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
