Dental Officer for Prisons

NHS; Sheerness; On-site; GBP 52,000 - 79,000; Part time

Job summary

A healthcare provider is seeking a Dental Care professional to deliver comprehensive care to patients, particularly those detained at HMP sites. The role involves clinical leadership, ensuring high standards of service, and engaging in ongoing professional development and audits. Candidates must possess a dental degree, complete Dental Foundation Training, and be registered in the UK. This part-time position offers a salary ranging from £52,532 to £78,798 annually, pro rata.

Qualifications

• Completion of Dental Foundation Training year is mandatory.
• Ability to participate in clinical research and audits.

Responsibilities

• Provide dental care for patients detained at HMP sites.
• Monitor the application of clinical governance practices for dental care.

Skills

Maintains professional knowledge

Ability to work within a multidisciplinary team

Participates in clinical audits

Knowledge of dental systems

Education

Dental degree (BDS, BChd or equivalent)

Completion of Dental Foundation Training year

Job description

Job Summary

To provide comprehensive dental care for patients within Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust and to provide care for patients currently detained by Her Majesty. To provide clinical leadership for the dental team. Act as an ambassador for the Service, promoting the highest standards of excellence in working practices.

Please note, this vacancy does not meet the criteria for skilled worker sponsorship and therefore, we are unable to accept applications from candidates that cannot provide documentary evidence of right to work in the United Kingdom.

Responsibilities

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

About Us

Rated 'outstanding' by the CQC, we are passionate about delivering high standards of patient care and excellent services to improve the health of our communities. We value compassion, aspiration, responsiveness and excellence.

We are committed to equity, diversity and inclusion, and we welcome applications from people with varied backgrounds, perspectives and experiences.

Qualifications

Essential

• Dental degree (BDS, BChd or recognised equivalent)
• Satisfactory completion of Dental Foundation Training year

Desirable

• 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

Essential

• Maintains professional knowledge, competence and continuing professional development.
• Professional clinical approach including participation in appraisal, peer review, clinical audit and continuing professional development activities.

Desirable

• Knowledge of Dentally dental system or similar computerised dental charging system.
• Knowledge of wider dental environment.

Knowledge

Essential

• Willingness to participate in clinical research and audit as directed, with the potential to take the lead in projects within their competence.

Personal Attributes

Essential

• 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 submission for Disclosure to the Disclosure and Barring Service.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration.

Job Details

• Date posted: 18 December 2025
• Pay scheme: Hospital medical and dental staff
• Grade: Doctor - other
• Salary: £52,532 to £78,798 a year pro rata, per annum
• Contract: Permanent
• Working pattern: Part‑time
• Reference number: 846‑7679231‑TS
• Job location: HMP Swaleside, Eastchurch, ME12 4AX

Employer

Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust

HMP Swaleside, Eastchurch, ME12 4AX

Website: https://www.kentcht.nhs.uk/