Receptionist
The receptionist greets the patients, answers the phone, makes appointments, receives (and records) payment for treatment and files the record cards. She may also be involved in the administration of NHS claims, communicating with laboratories, maintenance personnel and suppliers.
It is very important to have a good relationship with the receptionist because you will have to have an agreement between you about the length of appointment times you will need and the provision for emergency appointments.
Furthermore, although all the jobs listed above are the receptionist's responsibility, you should also know how to do all of these tasks. Each practice has a different protocol but you must learn - how to make appointments, how to receive (and record) payments for treatment and how to retrieve the record cards from the filing system. You must learn these things because sooner or later, the receptionist may be off sick or busy or for whatever reason unable to help you. Life is a lot less stressful if you prepare in advance so try to learn all the important procedures in the practice.
Dental Nurse
Your relationship with your dental nurse will be the most important factor in deciding whether you will have a pleasant or unpleasant working environment.
You should have a nurse with you whenever you are working (to provide a chaperon and a responsible second person in case of medical collapse).
It is the nurse's responsibility to:
- Disinfect any contaminated surfaces between patients.
- Wash and sterilize the equipment.
- Assist you at chair-side, by mixing cements or aspirating.
Sometimes the period of 'turn-around' between patients will be very fast paced so it may be a good idea to help your nurse by placing all used equipment in the cleaning and sterilization area.
When you start work at a practice it is a good idea to have a discussion with your nurse and inform her of what you expect from her. Make sure your nurse knows that she must not leave you alone in the surgery with a patient (for their protection and yours). But at the same time, do not treat a nurse like a servant: this will only lead to resentment. Do not say, "Get….." or "Do …". It is better to say, "Could you get…" or, " Let's do…."
And remember, nurses (like all of us) respond well to positive encouragement. If your nurse has done something well be sure to complement her on her performance. (This is especially effective if you praise her in front of the other staff at lunchtime). If your nurse is doing something you do not like it is best to talk to her in private. Be direct and specific, tell her exactly what is bothering you and suggest exactly how you would like the task done.
Principal
The owner of the practice has the overall responsibility. He/she is in charge of equipment, supplies and staff. He is the one to talk to if you have a problem with any of these things. If you are an assistant he is also your boss. If you are unsure about any aspect of patient care you should immediately ask him for advice.
Hygienist
A hygienist performs periodontal treatments and gives oral hygiene advice. A patient must be seen by a dentist before the hygienist can begin treatment. The dentist must 'prescribe' treatment i.e. write down the treatment plan for the hygienist.
Many practices send all patients to the hygienist. Some NHS practices try to get the patients to see the hygienist privately, but really, if the patient is treated under the NHS, they should be offered NHS scaling and polishing.
There are various financial arrangements relating to hygienists. In some practices, each dentist pays a percentage of the hygienist's salary and then uses her to carry out scaling and polishing and root planning on their patients. Other practices have other arrangements.
Hygienists can give infiltration local anaesthetic injections and some can give IDBs.
Hygienists can also place fissure sealants
Therapist
Therapists have a greater range of skills than hygienists; they can also do simple fillings, in addition to the treatments offered by the hygienist. You are unlikely to work in a practice with a therapist as most work in the community dental service.
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