Dental Therapist (Ministry of Health and Medical Services)

The position is to provide Oral Health care services to patients in the clinic, special schools, Prisons, Senior Citizen Home and communities. The incumbent is expected to perform Preventive, Conservative and Curative services as per Dental Therapist scope of Practice.

Key Responsibilities

1. To provide clinical dental assessment, diagnosis and provide treatments to patients needing preventive, conservative and curative care and may refer oral pathology and complex surgical cases to the Oral Surgery Department as per clinical practice and infection control guidelines;

2. Prepare and deliver Oral Health Promotion Community outreach programs in special institutions, schools and the general community.

3. Work as an effective and professional member of the oral health team.

4. Participate in monitoring and evaluation activities of all oral health programs implemented.

5. Maintain clinic and resources stores (equipment, materials and consumables) to agreed standard to provide expected services (check stores weekly and submit request monthly).

6. Provide relevant and timely submission of data and reports on the type and number of standard and specialised services provided to monitor demand and service output (from the dental clinic and outreach/community, schools, prisons or specialist health clinics).

7. Actively participate in the corporate activities of the Ministry.

Knowledge & Experience

1. 1. Post graduate qualification in relevant field such as public health (desirable).
2. 2. Familiar with the Fiji Medical & Dental Practitioners Act 2017 and other relevant legislation.
3. 3. Familiar with relevant dental prosthetic Clinical Practice Guidelines, Infections Control protocols and procedures, and Occupational & Health Safety Policies as applicable to dental technology practice.
4. 4. Maintain privacy and confidentiality of all patient or staff information and data.

Skills & Abilities

1. 1. Demonstrate accountability for all actions and use approved clinical practice guidelines and evidence-base data in providing dental therapy services.
2. 2. Demonstrate technical competence in line with the recognised scope of practice for dental therapists and effective capacity to carry out oral health promotion activities and programs.
3. 3. Work effectively, cooperatively as a team player and meet agreed targets to the expected standards
4. 4. Demonstrated ability to communicate respectfully, effectively and positively with all patients / their families, colleagues and other stakeholders.
5. 5. Ability to identify and refer any Risk Management Issues;
6. 6. Service oriented approach with the commitment to supporting the corporate environment of the organization.

Additional Information

Key Performance Indicators

Performance will be measured through the following indicators:

1. All dental services are provided and targets met as per the Oral Health Business Plan, dental clinical practice, infection control procedures and guidelines to maintain patient safety and comfort.

2. Ensure clinical and other resource stores are maintained in a timely manner.

3. Participate in collation and submission of monthly data reports including : biannual clinical audit of oral health services and patient satisfaction survey

4. Active participation in the corporate activities of the Ministry as and when required.

Contact Information

For any enquires please contact Ms Melaia Tamani on email melaia.tamani@health.gov.fj on telephone 3306177 ext 340229 / 340173