Dental Nurse

NHS Shetland; Lerwick; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 34,000; Part time

Job summary

NHS Shetland is recruiting for a Qualified or Student Dental Nurse to join the Public Dental Service in Lerwick or Brae. The post is part‑time (35 hours per week) with Band 4 pay (£31,537–£34,303 per annum pro rata) and training arrangements as you work towards qualification.

Qualified applicants must be registered with the General Dental Council and have NHS dentistry experience with an up‑to‑date CPD portfolio.

Qualifications

• Registered Dental Nurse with NHS dentistry experience and an up‑to‑date CPD portfolio.
• Student Dental Nurse: commitment to National Diploma in Dental Nursing with self‑directed study and tutorials.

Responsibilities

• Carry out chair‑side duties with Dentists, Therapists and Hygienists.
• Work as part of the Public Dental Service in Lerwick or Brae, with potential cover in other locations.
• Demonstrate a flexible approach, good communication and teamwork under pressure.

Skills

Communication

Teamwork

Calm under pressure

Flexibility

Education

General Dental Council registration

National Diploma in Dental Nursing (for trainees)

Job description

Job reference: 262028
Salary: Band 4 (£31,537 - £34,303)
Job closing date: 01/11/2026
Job Type: Dental Support
Location: Montfield Dental Unit
Employment type: Permanent
Hours Per Week: Various
Job posted date: 09/10/2026
Employer (NHS Board): NHS Shetland
Department: Dental

Job Advert
Qualified/Student Dental Nurse (Ref: 262028)
Substantive post
Part Time – 35 hours per week
Band 4 - Salary Range £31,537 – £34,303 per annum (pro rata) (Once qualified)
(Payment as per Annex 21 pay whilst training)
Distant Islands Allowance of £2,578 per annum (pro rata)

NHS Shetland is committed to ensuring that everyone in Shetlandcan access high quality, affordable, safe and effective NHS oral health care services.We currently have an opportunity for either a Qualified Dental Nurse or Student Dental Nurse, to join the Public Dental Service, working in modern and well equipped surgeries. Working with friendly and supportive colleagues, you will also carry out chair‑side duties with Dentists, Therapists and Hygienists. Based in Lerwick or Brae, there may also be opportunity to provide cover in other locations, and on occasions to work in Consultant led clinics in the hospital setting.

We are looking for a qualified Dental Nurse who is registered with the General Dental Council, experienced in NHS dentistry and who has an up to date CPD portfolio. You will need to demonstrate a flexible approach to work, good communication and team working skills, and the ability to work and remain calm under pressure.

We ask the Student Dental Nurse to make a commitment to work towards their National Diploma in Dental Nursing. This will involve self‑directed study in your own time as well as dedicated tutorials outside of normal working hours. During the training period, you will be paid as per Annex 21 guidance from Agenda for Change T&C’s on Arrangements for pay and banding of trainees Once you have qualified as a Registered Dental Nurse, your salary band will increase to Band 4 (current salary range £31,537 - £34,303 per annum). We expect Students to sit their examinations to become qualified within three years.

Please note that these posts are not eligible for sponsorship in line with current Gov.uk guidance. It is ESSENTIAL that you have checked that you either already have an appropriate right to work in the UK without the need for sponsorship BEFORE submitting any applications. Further information can be found

For an informal discussion, please contact Gwen Farmer, Clinical Dental Manager on 01595 743235.

Closing date: 01/11/26
Interview date: week commencing 09/11/26

*Please note this is a local advertisement and no relocation or interview expenses are applicable.

If you require assistance or encounter any technical issues with your application, please visit our support centre: or call 0161 850 2004.

Preferred candidates will be required to join the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme or undergo a PVG Scheme update prior to a formal offer of employment being made.

In promoting equal opportunities, we welcome applications from all sections of the community.