Dental Health Services (DHS)

DHS is the largest public dental service in Western Australia and is a department of North Metropolitan Health Service. The DHS provides oral health services to children aged five to 16 years through the statewide School Dental Service and general and urgent dental care to eligible adults, via public dental clinics throughout metropolitan and rural areas. In addition, DHS provides care to eligible clients of the Department of Communities, residents in metropolitan aged care and those in Corrective Services facilities.

Funded by the State Government, DHS’s vision is to improve the health of Western Australians through access to quality oral health services across our vast state, from Kununurra in the far north, to inland Kalgoorlie, and as far south as Albany.

North Metropolitan Health Service is one of the largest health services in WA, providing a comprehensive range of health services.

Key accountabilities (in order of importance)

1. Clinical

1.1 Provides dental care for enrolled children and where necessary refers patients according to the policies and procedures of the Dental Health Services (DHS).

1.2 Maintains patient records and centre management records in accordance with DHS instructions.

1.3 Supervises and gives guidance to Dental Clinic Assistants and student Dental Clinic Assistants.

1.4 Provides information and presentations on oral health to individuals, schools, community groups and health professionals and implements preventive programs in community groups.

1.5 Provides statistical documentation in accordance with DHS instructions.

1.6 Maintains instruments and equipment in accordance with DHS instructions.

1.7 Carries out other duties as required.

2. Education & Training

2.1 Engages in continuing professional development/education and ensures continuous eligibility for relevant dental practitioner registration.

2.2 Participates in regular peer review and case review meetings

3. NMHS Values: Care, Respect, Innovation, Teamwork, Integrity

3.1 Reflect the NMHS values in the way you work, behave and make decisions.

4. NMHS Governance, Safety and Quality Requirements

4.1 Participates in the maintenance of a safe work environment.Ensures, as far as practicable, the provision of a safe working environment in consultation with staff under their supervision.

4.2 Participates in an annual performance development review and undertakes performance development review of staff under their supervision.

4.3 Supports the delivery of safe patient care and the consumers’ experience including identifying, facilitating and participating in continuous safety and quality improvement activities, and ensuring services and practices align with the requirements of the National Safety and Quality Health Service Standards and other recognised health standards.

4.4 Has an understanding and fulfils National Safety and Quality Health Services Standards requirements including but not limited to:

• Participating in continuous safety and quality improvements actions, such as audits, reviews and drills that result in improvements to patient care, staff knowledge or the consumers experience that align with actions described within the standard.

• Participating with the development, implementation, reporting and monitoring of DHS activities.

• Ensuring records and statistics are kept in accordance with established procedures.

4.5 Completes mandatory training (including safety and quality training) as relevant to role.

4.6 Performs duties in accordance with Government, WA Health, North Metropolitan Health Service and Departmental / Program specific policies and procedures.

4.7 Abides by the WA Health Code of Conduct, Occupational Safety and Health legislation, the Disability Services Act and the Equal Opportunity Act.

5. Undertakes other duties as directed.

Work related requirements

The following criteria should be considered in the context of the NMHS Vision, Mission and Values.

Essential Selection Criteria

1. Eligible for registration by the Dental Board of Australia.

2. Demonstrated organisational ability.

3. Well-developed interpersonal and communication skills.

4. Demonstrated experience working within a small team environment.

5. Current knowledge of legislative obligations for Equal Opportunity, Disability Services and Occupational Safety and Health, and how these impact on employment and service delivery.

6. Current knowledge of legislative obligations for Equal Opportunity, Disability Services and Occupational Safety and Health, and how these impact on employment and service delivery.

Desirable Selection Criteria

1. Recent relevant experience working as a Dental Therapist.

2. Knowledge of the current Health Act and Health Practitioner Regulation National Laws as applicable.

Appointment Prerequisites

Appointment is subject to:

• Working with Children (WWC) Check, compulsory check for people who carry out child-related work in Western Australia.

• Evidence of registration by the Dental Board of Australia must be provided prior to commencement.

• Provision of the minimum identity proofing requirements.

• Successful Criminal Record Screening Clearance.

• Successful Pre-Employment Integrity Check.

• Successful Pre-Employment Health Assessment.