DENTAL THERAPIST – oral health servicepage 1

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Position Title:Registered Dental Therapist

Reporting To:Manager, Oral Health Service

Clinical Direction:Clinical Director

Department:Oral Health Service

Position Sizeas per appointment letter

Functional Relationships:

Internal: / External:
Divisional Manager, Women and Children
Manager, Oral Health Service
Clinical Director, Oral Health Service
Professional Adviser, Dental Therapy
Dental Public Health Specialist
Dental Administrative Assistant
Other Dental Therapists & Dental Assistants
Oral Health Promoter
Dental Kaiawhina
Other Southern District Health Board staff / Patients
Families/Whanau
School staff
Other dental practitioners
Kindergartens
Kohanga Reo

Primary Objective:

To provide a high standard of dental and oral health care to an allocated patient group as per the provisions set under the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003.

Area of Responsibility

/

Expected Outcomes

Clinical Practice /
  • Be responsible for maintaining a high standard of oral health in a group of children, through oral health education, regular examination and treatment and application of preventive measures.
  • Recognise oral abnormalities and disease, and diagnose and treat dental caries and such other diseases as required as per the scope of practice, professional agreement and under the general guidance of a “named dentist”.
  • Refer appropriately, where there is indication that patient requirements are beyond the scope of practice
  • Comply with the policy of Informed Consent for all clients.

Dental Health Education /
  • Provide individual Dental Health Education to High Risk children as required.
  • Plan and deliver Dental Health Education to groups as required.
  • Act as a resource person for teaching staff, in order to provide up to date and accurate Dental Health information.

Provide culturally safe practice /
  • Observe cultural etiquette where appropriate
  • Practice influenced by cultural perspective and patient identity and needs
  • Demonstrate awareness and understanding of the Treaty of Waitangi and the incorporates principles in practice

Maintain patient records /
  • Maintain accurate records and correspondence relating to the patient group in conjunction with the Dental Assistant.

Supervision of Dental Assistant /
  • Provide day to day direction and supervision of the Dental Assistant.

Maintenance of equipment and use of resources /
  • Ensure equipment maintenance requirements are reported to the Manager, Oral Health Service.
  • Ensuring servicing of equipment according to School Dental Policy.
  • Ensure responsible use of consumables.

Infection Control and Safe Working Environment /
  • Ensure infection control procedures are carried out according to Dental Therapy policy.
  • Observe and practice safe work methods using safety equipment where it is provided, and report unsafe working conditions or equipment to the Manager, Oral Health Service as appropriate.
  • Report all incidents and accidents promptly, according to Southern District Health Board’s Health and Safety policies.

Maintain competence by continuously undertaking personal professional development /
  • Review own professional practice
  • Comply with Dental Council of New Zealand (DCNZ) Codes of Practice
  • Fulfil minimum recertification requirements of DCNZ

Participate in Quality Assurance Programs /
  • Work and actively participate in the Southern District Health Board Quality Improvement program, providing a vehicle and focus for continuing quality enhancement and excellence in practice and undertake quality assurance audits as required by the Manager.

Perform such other duties as may be reasonably required by the Manager, Oral Health Service /
  • Carry out duties as directed in an efficient and productive manner.
  • To work at other dental clinics as directed by management.
  • Undertake work overflow from other clinics as requested by the Manager.
  • Demonstrate individual responsibility and maintain accountability for own work practice.

Actively uphold Southern District Health Board’s philosophy, policies and procedures /
  • Ensure all policies, procedures and standards of practice of Southern District Health Board, relevant Acts, Regulations, Employment agreements and statutory obligations are adhered to, within the principles of Equal Employment Opportunity, the Treaty of Waitangi and recognition of Tangata Whenua.
  • Possess Southern District Health Board CPR certificates or undertake to attain them immediately following appointment.

Professional image and public relations /
  • Promote good public relations between patients, parent groups, boards of trustees, school staff and Southern District Health Board.

Be subject to the overall direction of Southern District Health Board /
  • Comply with Southern District Health Board policies and directives.

Effective time management /
  • Maintain sound organisation and work habits in order to maximise efficient use of time.

Personal Qualities, Qualifications And Experience:

Essential / Preferred
EDUCATION & QUALIFICATIONS /
  • Minimum of 6th form or equivalent
  • Registered with Dental Council of New Zealand as a Dental Therapist and hold a current annual practising certificate
  • Certificate of Dental Therapy or equivalent
  • Current Driver’s Licence

EXPERIENCE AND KNOWLEDGE /
  • Cultural awareness and understanding of the implications of the Treaty of Waitangi

SPECIFIC SKILLS /
  • Staff supervision and management ability
  • Problem solving
  • Strong interpersonal ability
  • Effective written and verbal communication skills
  • Conflict management skills
  • Good organisation and time management skills
  • Rapport with children

PERSONAL QUALITIES /
  • A commitment to the delivery of quality Health Services
  • Patient focus
  • Team focus
  • A sense of humour
/
  • Commitment towards ongoing education and professional development.

Remuneration Specification:

DHB/PSAAllied, Public HealthTechnicalCollective Employment Agreement

Allied Public Health Salary Scale

Agreed by:

______(Job Holder’s Signature)

______(Manager, Oral Health Service)

______Date