Dental Nurse

Cambridgeshire Community Services NHS Trust; Huntingdon; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 31,000; Full time

Job summary

A renowned NHS trust in the UK is seeking a qualified Dental Nurse to join their team. This permanent role involves providing chair-side assistance, preparing treatment materials, and offering support to patients, including vulnerable groups. The ideal candidate will possess a National Certificate for Dental Nurses and communicate effectively within a busy NHS environment. The position offers a salary range of £27,485 to £30,162 per year with a working pattern on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Qualifications

• Qualified or newly qualified Dental Nurse necessary.
• Experience in a Busy NHS Practice/Service required.
• Ability to remain calm under pressure is mandatory.
• Awareness of safeguarding for children and adults.

Responsibilities

• Assist dentists with chair-side work continuously.
• Preparation of materials, managing stock levels.
• Maintain clinical standards and patient confidentiality.
• Provide comprehensive care to vulnerable groups.

Skills

Communication skills

Team-working ability

Prioritization skills

IT proficiency (Word, Excel)

Education

National Certificate for Dental Nurses

GCSE English and Maths grade C/4

Registered with the General Dental Council

Qualification in Radiography

Qualification in Dental Sedation

Tools

Dentally clinical system

Job description

Dental Nurse

The closing date is 19 January 2026

Are you a qualified or newly qualified Dental Nurse? Looking for a challenging role, and to work with Dentists at the top of their game in the NHS? In a role where each day brings new opportunities to help patients either in an emergency, or from vulnerable groups? And want the opportunity to enhance your knowledge and qualifications? Then this is the role for you!

About us

Rated 'Outstanding' by the Care Quality Commission, we are proud to provide high quality innovative services across most of the east of England that enable people to receive care closer to home and live healthier lives. There is one reason why our services are outstanding – our amazing staff, who, for the seventh year running, rate us incredibly highly in the national staff survey. If you share our passion for innovative and high‑quality care delivery, then please submit your application and join us on our exciting journey as a leading‑edge specialist community provider. All are welcome to apply and our promise to you is a culture which prioritises staff engagement and development.

Main duties of the job

• Chair‑side assistance for the dentist with speed and accuracy.
• Preparation of filling/impression materials, anticipating requirements of clinician and patient.
• Observing and supporting the patient during treatment, acting as a witness.
• Follow Trust/Local infection control procedures; maintain health and safety knowledge (e.g., COSHH, RIDDOR, sharps injuries).
• Assist the dentist during the taking of x‑rays and participate in quality assurance.
• Advise patients on principles of oral hygiene as directed by the dental officer.
• Follow medicine management procedures; adhere to Trust policy.
• Maintain clinical and professional standards within the practice, working productively within a team.
• Provide comprehensive treatment for vulnerable groups, including children with social/behavioural problems, adults with physical/learning disabilities, and may involve sedation or general anaesthesia.
• Provide Emergency Service, IV sedation and Minor Oral Surgery where available.
• Cover sickness/holiday at other locations within a reasonable distance as required.
• Plan and organise efficient day‑to‑day running of the surgery – mixing of materials, handling of instruments.
• Maintain stock levels and re‑order as necessary.
• Maintain and understand dental equipment, decon & sterilisation procedures (HTM01‑05).
• Provide administrative and nursing support – organising surveys, reception cover, etc.
• Support patient privacy and confidentiality; maintain data protection compliance.
• Contribute to internal and external communication strategies; liaise with external organisations.
• Adhere to all Trust/local policies and procedures, including risk assessment, infection control and safeguarding duties.
• Support colleagues, trainees and agency staff; provide induction and mentoring.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• National Certificate for Dental Nurses (or equivalent).
• GCSE English and Maths grade C/4 or above.
• Registered with the General Dental Council.
• Qualification in Radiography.
• Qualification in Dental Sedation.

Experience

• Experience dealing with difficult situations/patients under pressure within a very busy service.
• Sound knowledge and experience of working within an NHS Practice/Service.

Knowledge & Skills

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Effective prioritisation and coordination of own work.
• Team‑working ability; flexible working.
• Advanced keyboard skills; proficiency in IT systems (Word, Excel, Dentally clinical system).

Other Requirements

Other duties may be assigned by the Team Lead / Practice Manager or management team.

General

Safeguarding of children and adults at risk of abuse or neglect is a collective responsibility. Employees are expected to develop and maintain safeguarding competencies and comply with local safeguarding partnerships. All staff must adhere to the Cambridgeshire Community Services NHS Trust Equal Opportunities Policy and the code of conduct regarding confidentiality and safe environment.

Salary

£27,485 to £30,162 a year, pro‑rata

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Tues & Thurs 08:30am to 16:45pm (subject to variation)

Job locations

Clinic 5, Treatment Centre, Hinchingbrooke Hospital

Reference number

448-AMB-7679724

To apply, please read the attached job description. We look forward to your application, and then joining us!

Should we receive a high number of applications we reserve the right to close this vacancy at any point after the 5th January 2026.