Dental Officer for Prisons

Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust; Eastchurch; On-site; GBP 52,000 - 79,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider in the UK seeks a Dental Officer for Prisons to provide comprehensive dental care to patients detained in HMP sites across Kent. Responsibilities include leading the dental team, monitoring clinical governance, and supporting patients' oral health. Candidates must possess a dental degree and relevant experience, with a salary range from £52,532 to £78,798 annually, pro-rata. The position requires right to work in the UK and includes a DBS check.

Qualifications

• Experience in salaried service and/or special care dentistry.
• Maintains professional knowledge, competence and CPD.
• Willingness to participate in clinical research and audit.

Responsibilities

• Provide dental care for patients detained at HMP sites across Kent.
• Involve patients in their care by offering support regarding oral health.
• Monitor clinical governance including staff and infection control standards.

Skills

Experience of providing treatment under general anaesthesia

Professional clinical approach

Ability to work well within a multidisciplinary team

Knowledge of the dental system or similar computerised dental charging system

Education

Dental degree (BDS, BChd or recognised equivalent)

Completion of Dental Foundation Training year

Other qualification registered with the General Dental Council MFDS, MJDF

Job description

Dental Officer for Prisons

The closing date is 02 January 2026

To provide comprehensive dental care for patients within Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust and to provide care for patients that are currently detained by Her Majesty. Provide clinical leadership for the dental team, act as an ambassador for the service, promoting the highest standards of excellence.

Access to this vacancy requires right to work in the UK; applicants unable to provide documentary evidence of right to work will not be considered.

Eligibility

At this stage, the role is open only to colleagues currently employed within Kent and Medway NHS Trusts and the Kent and Medway Integrated Care Board (ICB). Nursing vacancies are open to Student Nurses and Newly Qualified Nurses.

Main duties

• Provide dental care for patients currently being detained by Her Majesty at HMP sites across Kent.
• Involve patients in their care and treatment, offering support and motivation regarding oral health, diet and smoking.
• Work with other healthcare professionals and stakeholders to provide seamless care for KCHFT dental patients.
• Monitor clinical governance practice including dental nurse standards, infection control and cross infection.
• Participate in audits as directed by senior management or the DentalStrategic Business Unit Quality Group (DSBUQG).
• Comply with Dental Practice Inspections organised through the Area teams and ensure delivery of all CQC outcomes.
• Comply with all KCHFT clinical and non‑clinical policies.
• Act as an ambassador for the dental service, lead and motivate teams, focus on patient outcomes and key performance indicators.
• Attend and chair meetings as directed by senior management.

About us

Rated ‘outstanding’ by the CQC, we deliver high standards of patient care and excellent services to improve the health of our communities. We are passionate about equity, diversity and inclusion, and welcome applications from people with varied backgrounds.

Qualifications

• Dental degree (BDS, BChd or recognised equivalent).
• Satisfactory completion of Dental Foundation Training year.
• Experience of salaried service and/or special care dentistry.
• Experience of providing treatment under general anaesthesia.
• Other qualification registered with the General Dental Council MFDS, MJDF.

Experience

• Maintains professional knowledge, competence and CPD.
• Professional clinical approach including appraisal, peer review, audit and CPD activities.
• Knowledge of the dental system or similar computerised dental charging system.
• Knowledge of wider dental environment.

Knowledge & Personal Attributes

• Willingness to participate in clinical research and audit, potential to lead projects.
• Ability to work well within a multidisciplinary team.
• Ability to travel to all HMP sites when required.
• Willingness to participate in 360‑degree appraisal process.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and requires a DBS check.

Salary: £52,532 to £78,798 a year pro‑rate, per annum.