Band 5 Dental Hygienist

Ministry of Defence (Defence Medical Services); Bury St Edmunds; On-site; GBP 31,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job summary

A defense organization in Bury St Edmunds is seeking a Band 5 Dental Hygienist to deliver dental treatment and oral hygiene instruction in a patient-focused environment. The ideal candidate will have a GDC-approved qualification and current registration. This position offers a salary package including a Market Skills Supplement and various employee benefits, with an emphasis on professional development in a supportive setting.

Benefits

Access to NHS pension scheme

On-call allowance, if applicable

Inclusive working environment

GDC Annual Fees reimbursement

Free parking

Gym facilities

Paid holiday entitlement

Qualifications

• Full UK driving licence necessary for working from other military dental centres.
• Evidence of indemnity cover for general dental practice required.
• Currency with GDC Continuous Professional Development requirements.

Responsibilities

• Provide dental treatment and oral hygiene instruction.
• Assist in administration and clinical support.
• Contribute to force generation and operational capability.

Skills

Confidence in using Information Technology

Evidence of current practice as a registered dental hygienist

Prepared to cover out-of-hours dental duties when needed

Education

Completed GDC-approved certificate/diploma in Dental Hygiene

Current full GDC registration

Job description

Go back Ministry of Defence (Defence Medical Services)

Band 5 Dental Hygienist

The closing date is 17 December 2025

Are you looking to work in a modern, patient-focused dental practice that prioritises quality care and professional development? At Defence Primary Healthcare, we are intent on providing excellent care in a friendly and encouraging environment.

When it comes to delivering outstanding patient care, our motivated dental hygienists make all the difference. We recognise the value of your skills and invite you to join the wonderful team at our Dental Centre RAF Honington.

This role offers 37.5 hours per week and all requests to work flexibly will be considered, allowing for business needs, and reviewed annually. The salary will be pro‑rata where part‑time hours are undertaken.

• A Market Skills Supplement of £5,750 per annum (pro rata)
• As a valued member of the team, you will receive access to outstanding rewards and employee benefits, including:
• Access to the NHS pension scheme
• On‑call allowance, if applicable
• Inclusive working environment
• General Dental Council (GDC) Annual Fees are currently reimbursed
• Free parking
• Gym facilities, including a pool
• Small shop and Costa
• Paid holiday entitlement

Main duties of the job

Defence Primary Healthcare (DPHC) is a vibrant and fast‑paced organisation which aims to provide the absolute best primary healthcare to members of the Armed Forces and other entitled personnel.

DPHC delivers a clinical service in accordance with National Health Service (NHS) Standards and Ministry of Defence (MoD) policies.

You will primarily provide dental treatment, oral hygiene instruction and education, administration, enhancing force generation and operational capability and minimising dental morbidity on operations. You will also provide, if requested, clinical and administrative support for the provision of dental care in other local DPHC sites or health fairs.

About us

At Defence Primary Healthcare (DPHC), we are an inclusive and dedicated organisation working to provide excellent care to our entitled personnel.

Our success depends on our people – the Whole Force – regular and reservist military, civil servants, and contractors, all working together as one to deliver for us.

The Ministry of Defence is committed to attracting and retaining people from across the full range of backgrounds and enabling flexible ways of working as the norm.

Job responsibilities

Read the attached job description and person specification prior to applying to fully understand all duties required of a Civilian Dental Hygienist within DPHC.

Selection Process

The sift will be completed within 10 working days of the vacancy closing date. Interviews will be held on a date to be confirmed.

Selection at the sift stage will be based on your CV application, once copied and pasted into your application. Ensure you demonstrate the required skills, knowledge, experience, qualifications, and memberships in your CV (max 3 pages).

Artificial Intelligence (AI) can be useful to support your application, however all examples and statements provided must be truthful and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism is identified the application may be withdrawn.

During interview you will be assessed via the NHS Knowledge and Skills Framework (KSF):

• NHS Core NHSC1 Communication
• NHS Core NHSC2 Personal & People Development
• NHS Core NHSC3 Health, Safety & Security
• NHS Core NHSC4 Service Improvement
• NHS Core NHSC5 Quality
• NHS Core NHSC6 Equality and Diversity

There will be no reimbursement for any travel expenses for the interview.

The Civil Service Code sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

The post does NOT offer relocation expenses. Non‑standard move applicants will be eligible for the full package, subject to eligibility.

If successful you will need to provide evidence of immunity to Hepatitis B; vaccination evidence is not proof of immunity, and serology levels will be required.

Applicants who require visa sponsorship will have their application rejected, as the role does not meet the criteria for business‑critical sponsorship.

Person Specification

Behaviour Statement

• Have you been dismissed for gross misconduct relating to bullying, harassment, discrimination or victimisation in the past five years, or resigned or otherwise left a role but would have been dismissed for such gross misconduct because of a prior adverse decision?
• Please respond with a Yes or No as appropriate.

Provide a CV

• Ensure you demonstrate the required skills, knowledge, experience, qualifications, and memberships in the CV section of the application form.
• Copy and paste your full CV as your response to this question; maximum 3 pages.
• NOTE – you will not be able to upload your CV as an attachment.
• Refer to the essential criteria where applicable; insufficient information may result in rejection.
• Always use double‑spacing where possible.

Registrations & Memberships

• Please provide your membership registration number for the General Dental Council (GDC).
• Please state if you are nearing completion of your qualification and understand you will have to obtain GDC membership prior to starting in post.
• Include details on any current, spent, or impending restrictions to practice.

Qualifications

• Completed a GDC‑approved certificate/diploma in Dental Hygiene or BSc (Bachelor of Science) in Dental Therapy as outlined on the GDC website.
• Current full GDC registration; if not held, you must obtain it prior to commencing in post.

Experience

• A full United Kingdom driving licence to enable working from other local military dental centres.
• Evidence of current practice as a registered dental hygienist.
• Evidence of indemnity cover for general dental practice (personal professional indemnity encouraged).
• Evidence of currency with GDC Continuous Professional Development requirements.
• Be prepared to contribute to the development of staff skills and knowledge.
• Confidence in using Information Technology.
• Prepared to cover out‑of‑hours dental duties when needed.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

Applicants will undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975.

£31,049 to £36,483 a year pro‑rata for part‑time.