Senior Dental Technician (Prosthodontics) (Xr06)

Job summary Following the recent promotion of the previous post holder/s an opportunity has arisen for a highly experienced, resourceful Dental Technician to join team within our busy Prosthodontic Technology Department providing technical services to our clinical team.
This position requires appropriate post qualification experience in Prosthodontic technology, a recognised entry level qualification in dental technology plus an advanced / post graduate qualification in a relevant discipline.
Current GDC registration is essential.
You will need to demonstrate a high level of manual dexterity, specialised knowledge of Prosthodontic procedures, communication skills and a commitment to quality along with a keen interest in computer and information technology including digital production techniques.
Main duties of the job The post holder will be expected to produce a full range of Full and Partial removable dentures including chrome-based dentures, obturators, and implant retained dentures.
Within a hospital environment this often includes challenging cases for patients whose needs cannot readily be met in a primary care setting.
The more routine element of the workload includes bite raisers, splints and stents, relines, additions and repairs.
It also includes sets of study models, articulations with various articulators, special trays, check records etc.
As CadCam techniques are increasingly being incorporated within our workflows, a prior knowledge and experience of such technology would be advantageous.
Our Senior Technicians are expected to take a leading role in key areas of the work within their discipline providing support and advice in this respect to other members of the lab and clinical staff and occasional mentoring of trainee technicians Short-listed candidates will be invited to an interview which will also include an appropriate skills test (details to be confirmed).
About us Leeds Dental Institute is a dental teaching hospital providing training for dentists and all DCP groups including Dental Technicians.
Our in-house Dental Production Laboratory employs 27 staff including 23 GDC registered Dental Technicians to provide laboratory services for around 400 undergraduate and post graduate dental students in addition to many clinical staff of all grades and disciplines.
Leeds Teaching Hospitals is committed to our process of redeploying 'at risk' members of our existing workforce to new roles.
As such, all our job adverts are subject to this policy and we reserve the right to close, delay or remove adverts while this process is completed.
If you do experience a delay in the shortlisting stage of the recruitment cycle, please bear with us while this process is completed, and contact the named contact if you have any questions.
Job description Job responsibilities 1.
JOB DETAILS Job Title: Senior Specialist Dental Technician Reports to: Chief Technician Band: 6 Department: Dental Production Laboratories Location Leeds Dental Institute AfC Job No: 914c 2.
JOB PURPOSE/SUMMARY To provide technical support to a major specialised service, performing a range of work which is often highly complex, specialised work as required.
To provide occasional teaching / mentoring support to student Dental Technicians and also advice and support to clinical staff and students at the LDI, commensurate to the expertise and experience of the post holder Support the work of the relevant technical department in the effective and timely production of custom made medical devices and other technical work with a combination of conventional and digital work flows including: (Prosthodontic Posts) A broad range of Full and Partial removable dentures, Chrome based dentures, implant and precision attachment retained dentures, bite raisers, splints and stents, relines, additions and repairs.
It also includes sets of study models, articulations with various articulators, special trays, check records etc.
Customer base is approximately 470 undergraduate dental students and approximately 100 postgraduate students and clinical staff, within several clinical specialities including Conservation, Prosthodontics, Orthodontics, Periodontology, Childrens, Acute Care, and Sedation.
Workload and type may vary throughout the year depending upon academic and clinical requirements and trends, and a flexible approach will be required.
3.
ORGANISATIONAL CHART 4.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES & AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY To provide technical support in the laboratory and on clinic to major specialist services, performing highly complex, highly specialised work as required and providing advice and information to clinical staff and students and occasionally patients in respect of the design, function, fit and colour match of dental or surgical appliances.
This may also include clinical visits to record patients tooth shades in order to accurately match restorations to their requirements.
Produce a broad range of highly specialised bespoke dental -medical devices of the highest standard for the patients of Leeds Dental Institute, with a view to restoring and enhancing facial contours and smile, masticatory function, speech and often psychological well-being.
To provide occasional teaching / mentoring support to student Dental Technicians and also advice and support to clinical staff and students at the LDI, commensurate to the expertise and experience of the post holder.
Organise own work schedule to ensure all allocated work is completed in advance of agreed deadlines / appointments.
Attend appropriate departmental meetings as required Ensure the equipment used by the department is in safe working order, by reporting defects to the Technical Services Manager and / or LDI Workshop and by undertaking routine cleaning and maintenance of laboratory equipment according to manufacturers guidelines and local policies.
To ensure compliance with the Medical Devices Directive within the relevant laboratory, ensuring appropriate quality records are kept and procedures adhered to.
To follow health & safety standards in all areas of the dental laboratory, where all technical staff use a range of potentially hazardous materials and equipment and may encounter highly unpleasant fumes and body fluids.
To interpret highly complex clinical prescription forms, and where required to authorise amendments where clinical input is unavailable or unnecessary.
To participate in clinical audit / clinical governance where appropriate.
Where appropriate, to support and work with the departmental Chief Technician in achieving their objectives.
Contribute to or participate in research activity as appropriate, including the development or refinement of appliance designs or production procedures.
Occasional testing and evaluation of new materials, equipment and techniques for use in the laboratory.
To undertake appropriate training and participate in regular appraisals to: Maintain and develop skills and knowledge necessary for the job Ensure that all statutory requirements in respect of Continuing Professional Development are satisfied.
Any other duties commensurate with the grade.
5.
THE LEEDS WAY VALUES Our values are part of what make us different from other trusts, so we see this as a strength, as well as a responsibility.
They have been developed by our staff and set out what they see as important to how we work.
Our five values are: Patient-centred Collaborative Fair Accountable Empowered All our actions and endeavours will be guided and evaluated through these values.
Additionally, the following are core values which relate specifically to this post: The post holder will be expected to actively participate in appraisals providing regular opportunities to determine any personal objectives appropriate for the development of themselves and of the service.
6.
WEST YORKSHIRE ASSOCIATION OF ACUTE TRUSTS (WYAAT) 7.
INFECTION CONTROL The jobholder must comply at all times with the Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust Infection Control policies, in particular by practising Universal Infection Control Precautions.
Hand hygiene must be performed before and after contact with patients and their environment.
8.
HEALTH AND SAFETY / RISK MANAGEMENT All staff are responsible for working with their colleagues to maintain and improve the quality of services provided to our patients and other service users.
This includes complying at all times with the Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust Policies, including Health and Safety policies, in particular by following agreed security and safer working procedures, and reporting incidents using the Trust Incident Reporting system 9.
EQUALITY AND DIVERSITY The jobholder must comply with all policies and procedures designed to ensure equality of employment and that services are delivered in ways that meet the individual needs of patients and their families.
No person whether they are staff, patient or visitor should receive less favourable treatment because of their gender, ethnic origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, religion etc.
10.
TRAINING AND PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT CONTINUOUS PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT The jobholder must take responsibility in agreement with his/her line manager for his/her own personal development by ensuring that Continuous Professional Development remains a priority.
The jobholder will undertake all mandatory training required for the role.
11.
COMMUNICATION & WORKING RELATIONSHIPS The post-holder can expect to liaise daily with all members of the dental laboratory staff group.
There will also be regular contact with dental clinical staff, students, tutors and nurses.
Occasionally there may be a requirement to communicate with other staff of the Dental Hospital such as maintenance staff, porters, domestic or admin staff.
Methods of communication will predominantly involve face to face discussion and written / printed documentation but may also include other media including e-mail, telephone, etc.
12.
SPECIAL WORKING CONDITIONS i) PHYSICAL EFFORT: The role involves a very high degree of manual dexterity and hand to eye co-ordination.
The post holder is responsible for producing custom- made dental appliances many of which are very intricate in their nature for example the carving of individual teeth in wax , working with delicate precision attachments and implant components or manipulating fine wires to make clasps and springs for dental appliances, all of which also requires a high degree of accuracy.
This element of the job will occur for several hours each day, usually whilst sitting which can have a detrimental effect in terms of neck and back discomfort or pain and other related postural problems.
Additionally the nature of this work often gives rise to eye strain and discomfort.
Other aspects of the role involve standing for up to an hour at a time whilst casting dental impressions and other plaster work.
ii) MENTAL EFFORT: The intricacy and accuracy of the work requires periods of intense concentration on a daily basis, usually for up to a half of the working day.
Many of the appliances made by the post holder are non-routine and require detailed planning and consideration with regards to the design.
The majority of appliances require discussion between the post holder and the dental clinician or clinical undergraduate, who, as a trainee dentist is reliant on the expertise and advice of the post holder to ensure that the appropriate information is recorded when the patient is present.
Regular interruptions to work from clinical staff, nurses and reception staff are the norm.
ii) EMOTIONAL EFFORT iii) WORKING CONDITIONS: a.
Frequent regular use of a range of potentially hazardous materials including acids, methyl methacrylate and other solvents and may encounter highly unpleasant dust and fumes.
b.
Also handles dental impressions and other components on a daily basis which may be contaminated with body fluids including blood and saliva.
c. Frequent regular use of high speed rotating cutting and grinding instruments and machinery and also metal melting and casting equipment.
All risks are minimised by strict Health and Safety procedures which includes the need to wear full face visors, dust masks and gloves often for several hours each day and occasionally ear defenders for up to half an hour at a time.
This prolonged use of PPE can be restrictive making working conditions less comfortable Person Specification Experience Essential Relevant post qualification experience in a dental laboratory, likely equivalent to a Masters Degree Competent in the production of a broad range of dental appliances within Prosthodontics Highly specialised knowledge of a wide range of technical procedures within Prosthodontics Desirable Majority of post qualification experience within an NHS dental laboratory.
Knowledge of the NHS, policies and procedures Cobalt chromium frameworks, Dental implant systems, obturators & surgical appliances Skills and Behaviours Essential Good organisational skills, ability to work under pressure, to prioritise work and to work to deadlines.
Self-motivation Attention to detail, Commitment to quality, ability to maintain prolonged or intense concentration Good inter-personal skills, Communication Skills including IT skills; MS Office etc.
Desirable Advanced IT skills including digital laboratory working methods Other Criteria Essential High level of manual dexterity.
Application of knowledge and innovation Qualifications Essential Entry level Dental Technology Qualification (OND / HND / BSc) Plus: Advanced / post graduate level relevant specialist Dental Technology Qualification Current registration with General Dental Council Evidence of appropriate continuous professional development.
Desirable Training in the use of dental CAD-CAM software and equipment.