Triage Dental Nurse
| Posting date: | 08 December 2025 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £27,485 to £30,162 per year |
| Additional salary information: | £27485 - £30162 a year |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 29 December 2025 |
| Location: | Plymouth, PL4 8NF |
| Company: | NHS Jobs |
| Job type: | Contract |
| Job reference: | B9832-2025-D30 |
Summary
To book into an appropriate and timely dental appointment, considering individual patient circumstances where relevant. Document accurate and contemporaneous records of the triage process and any advice given. Utilise translation services where language barriers are present or other relevant means of communication for non-hearing patients. Utilise communication skills to negotiate with and provide support to patients who are non-compliant with the assessment outcome. Assess clinical risk on behalf of dental patients as part of an initial telephone-based assessment. Undertake an assessment using PCDS triage tools against national unscheduled dental care guidelines together with professional judgement. Identify promptly any patients with emergency medical need and advise to contact NHS 111or visit the Emergency Department as appropriate. Process calls whilst providing a professional, courteous and efficient telephone service consistent with professional practice. Triage calls based on clinical need effectively, giving appropriate self-care and worsening advice as necessary. Use critical thinking and effective communication skills to assess patient need, taking account of relevant cultural, social and economic factors in a respectful and non-judgemental manner. Identify and use evidence based to support and underpin clinical decision making. For patients not eligible for an unscheduled dental appointment, or where there is no appointment readily available, provide appropriate self-care advice as needed ensuring that patients have a safe and consistent outcome together with information on how to find a regular dentist if necessary. Prioritise contacting of patients based on clinical need. Booking dental appointments where required. Provide reliable clinical advice that is based on current evidence and best practice. Conclude the episode to the satisfaction of the patient or their representative. May be required to work chair side with a clinician on an ad hoc basis and adhere to all relevant clinical guidelines such as HTM 01-05. Accept responsibility and accountability for managing own workload, risk assessment and risk management, whilst also working effectively as a team member. Work as a member of the PCDS team to improve performance and quality. Participate in PCDS clinical governance and performance review procedures. At all times to carry out duties and responsibilities in line with PCDS and Livewell policies such as Confidentiality, Data Protection, Equal Opportunities and Health and Safety. This post involves working with children and vulnerable adults and will require an enhanced DBS check. Show evidence of effective decision making. Manage time and resources effectively and appropriately. To ensure that patients are given correct information relating to NHS patient charges including exemptions. Will be required to assist with audit and data survey of dental appointments booked via triage process. Communicate effectively with patients / their representatives and other agencies as required. Develop effective interpersonal relationships with others in the PCDS team. Demonstrate effective performance within a team environment. Develop own skills or competencies through education, training and development activities relating to current and future demands of the role or when requested to do so. Be prepared to work on a flexible basis as required to assist in service delivery. Provide a safe and effective triage service. Understand and observe professional and national guidelines on confidentiality. Use professional knowledge, skills and experience to the maximum benefit of the caller. Actively communicate with line manager, wider management team including Clinical Lead, plus other agencies as necessary, to assist service delivery. Attend mandatory / other relevant training courses and ensure ongoing awareness of relevant clinical or other service updates. Take responsibility and accountability for own professional development and performance, maintaining a portfolio in accordance with GDC registration requirements to demonstrate personal and professional development / achievements. Identify personal / professional developmental needs in line with service requirements and agree periodic objectives with line manager. Participate in regular performance review of progress / achievements and identify areas of need for professional development to meet service and personal objectives. To inform management of any factors affecting service delivery at the time that an issue is highlighted and take any necessary action as a result. To undertake any other duties, roles and responsibilities commensurate with the nature and grading of the post or as reasonably requested.