Dental Assistant Nurse 90 views

SOS Children’s Villages in The Gambia is a non-governmental social development organisation that has been active in the field of children’s rights and committed to children’s needs and concerns since 1982. Focussing its work on children without parental care and children in families in difficult circumstances, the organisation has a wide range of programmes, which include: Children’s Villages, Youth Facilities, Family Strengthening Programmes, Kindergartens, Schools, a Mother and Child Clinic, Vocational Training Centres, Youth Empowerment projects, a Community Strengthening Through Green Economy and Education Project, a Monetising Waste Project and a Gender Equality Project

SOS Children’s Villages in The Gambia is looking for a suitably qualified candidate for the position of a Dental Assistant Nurse at the Mothers and Child Clinic (MCC) .

Position summary:

The Dental Assistant Nurse provides chairside assistance to the Dental Surgeon and supports the efficient operation of the dental unit through preparation of instruments, patient support, infection prevention, sterilization, and administrative assistance. The role is essential to ensuring a safe, clean, and welcoming environment for patients.
The Dental Assistant Nurse reports to the Dental Surgeon / Dental Hygienist and works as part of the dental team to deliver quality oral healthcare services.

General aim of the position

To provide clinical and administrative support to the dental team, ensuring smooth operations of the dental unit while maintaining high standards of infection prevention and patient care.
• Assist the Dental Surgeon during examinations, fillings, extractions, and minor procedures.
• Prepare dental instruments, materials, and procedure packs before treatments.
• Operate suction equipment and assist during chairside procedures.
• Prepare and position patients for treatment, ensuring their comfort and safety.
• Clean, disinfect, and sterilize dental instruments and equipment.
• Maintain infection prevention and control standards in the dental clinic.
• Ensure proper handling and disposal of sharps and medical waste.
• Welcome and prepare patients for consultation, reassuring anxious patients, especially children.
• Provide basic oral hygiene education to patients.
• Monitor patient comfort during procedures.
• Ensure dental materials and consumables are adequately stocked.
• Report damaged or malfunctioning equipment.

Qualifications/Competencies required:

• Certificate or Diploma in Dental Assisting, Dental Nursing, or a related field.
• Training in infection prevention and sterilization procedures.
• Experience in a clinical dental setting is an added advantage.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work under supervision in a busy clinical environment.
• Compassionate and patient-centered approach, particularly with children and anxious patients.
• Attention to detail and commitment to maintaining a clean, safe clinical environment.
• Basic knowledge of dental instruments, materials, and equipment.

We offer:

• Competitive salary and benefits package
• A supportive team working environment
• Opportunity to work for a well respected and recognised NGO
• A vital role supporting essential oral health services for mothers, children, and families

To apply, submit your letter of interest with Curriculum Vitae and certificates to: job.apply@sosgambia.org with the subject line: DENTALASSISTANTNURSE2026. Closing date for submission of application is the 19th of June, 2026. Only successful candidates will be contacted.

For more information on this project please visit our website at www.sosgambia.org

What We Stand For:
SOS Children’s Villages is committed to creating and maintaining a caring and protective environment, which promotes its core values, and prevents and addresses child abuse and exploitation. We strongly condemn all forms of child abuse and exploitation, be it within or outside of our organisation, and always respond to any case of proven, alleged or attempted abuse within our sphere of influence according to its nature. Efforts ensure that mechanisms are in place to raise awareness, aid prevention, encourage reporting and ease response. They range from human resource development actions such as training and counselling to measures such as suspension, dismissal, and legal action.