Community Dental Therapist

Integrated Care System; Llanelli; On-site; GBP 39,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare provider in Llanelli is looking for a dedicated Community Dental Therapist to improve oral health among children and vulnerable populations. This role involves collaborating with dental professionals, managing treatment plans, and providing patient education. Candidates should possess a Dental Therapy & Hygiene degree and GDC registration. Welsh language skills are desirable. Salary ranges from £39,263 to £47,280 per annum pro-rata.

Qualifications

• Strong communication skills to educate patients.
• Clinical experience in a dental service environment is preferred.
• Knowledge of legal responsibilities related to dental equipment.

Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality dental care in community settings.
• Work with dentists and dental nurses for comprehensive patient care.
• Maintain accurate treatment records and comply with standards.

Skills

Clinical experience in domiciliary or mobile dental units

Evidence of working within a multi-agency team

Prioritising clinical needs

Conversant with basic life support

Welsh Speaker (Level 1)

Education

Degree/Diploma in Dental Therapy & Hygiene

Post Graduate certificate in extended duty in dental therapy

GDC Registration

Tools

Specialist dental equipment knowledge

Job description

We are seeking a dedicated Community Dental Therapist to join our team in Carmarthenshire, providing high-quality dental care aimed at preventing and treating oral health issues, particularly among children, young people, and vulnerable populations. You will work closely with dentists, dental nurses to ensure comprehensive patient care. The ideal candidate will hold recognised professional qualifications in dental therapy, demonstrate strong communication skills, and be committed to improving oral health equity across the community. This is an excellent opportunity for a compassionate dental professional passionate about making a meaningful impact on community health through patient education and direct treatment. Interviews to be held on 3/9/2025

Main duties of the job

Apply knowledge and understanding of patient pathways to deliver best practice within the Community Dental Service.

Work under Direct Access arrangements and operate Health Board Patient Group Directives (PGDs).

Comply with the GDC code of conduct, standards of performance, ethics of the dental team and core CPD requirements.

Maintain accurate and relevant treatment plans in accordance with the GDC scope of practice.Assess the individual client intervention and adjust care plans to achieve the desirable outcome.

Exercise ongoing assessment including consent, medical and social history and update systems as appropriate. Exercise discretion bymodifying the treatment plan, such as carrying out additional treatment if necessary, providing it falls within the permitted scope ofpractice.

Provide preventative advice, dietary counselling and oral hygiene instructions

Maintain patients' records in accordance with Hywel Dda Health Board policies and the GDC scope of practice.

The ability to speak Welsh is desirable for this post; English and/or Welsh speakers are equally welcome to apply.

About us

Hywel Dda University Health Board plans and provides NHS healthcare services for people living in Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire, and bordering counties.

We have over 13,000 staff and together we provide primary, community, in-hospital, mental health and learning disabilities services.

We work in partnership with the three local authorities, as well as public, private and third sector colleagues, including our valued team of volunteers.

Our services are provided in:

• Four main hospitals: Bronglais Hospital in Aberystwyth; Glangwili Hospital in Carmarthen; Prince Philip Hospital in Llanelli; and Withybush Hospital in Haverfordwest
• Five community hospitals: Amman Valley and Llandovery hospitals in Carmarthenshire; Tregaron Hospital in Ceredigion; and Tenby and South Pembrokeshire hospitals in Pembrokeshire
• Two integrated care centres: Aberaeron and Cardigan in Ceredigion, and several other community settings
• 47 general practices (six of which are health board managed practices); dental practices (including four orthodontic); 97 community pharmacies; 43 general ophthalmic practices; and 8 ophthalmic domiciliary providers
• Numerous mental health and learning disabilities services

Job responsibilities

You will be able to find a full job description and person specification attached within the supporting documents.

The Health Board is committed to supporting its staff to fully embrace the need for bilingualism thereby enhancing patient and service user experiences. In our commitment to increase the number of staff who are able to communicate in Welsh with patients and professionals, we welcome applications from Welsh speakers.

The ability to communicate in Welsh is desirable for this post. If you do not meet the Welsh Language requirements specified, the Health Board offers a variety of learning options and staff support to help you meet these minimal desirable requirements during the course of your employment with us.

Person Specification

Experience

• Clinical experience in domiciliary, mobile dental unit or school setting environments
• Experience in prioritising clinical needs
• Evidence of working within a multi-agency team.
• Risk assessment in relation to patient management
• Experience of working within remit of Direct Access
• Experience in hospital dental service, Community Dental Service or General Dental Practice.

Qualifications and Knowledge

• Degree/Diploma in Dental Therapy & Hygiene
• Post Graduate certificate in at least one extended duty in dental therapy (e.g. Health promotion, special needs, radiography, sedation)
• GDC Registration
• Knowledge of specialist dental equipment and the associated legal responsibilities
• Knowledge of Clinical Governance and participation in Audit
• Conversant with basic life support, resuscitation techniques and management of medical emergencies.
• Understanding of national trends relevant to assessment and intervention within the clinical and oral health improvement.
• Awareness of the CDS client criteria and its role.
• Knowledge of GDP and Hospital Services.
• Competency to operate under Direct Access
• Knowledge of the oral health initiative programmes
• Able to complete post graduate training in inhalation sedation to enable the provision of dental care with sedation.
• Welsh Speaker (Level 1)

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

£39,263 to £47,280 a yearper annum pro rata