Dental Therapist

Aspire Locums (Northwest) Limited; Dolgellau; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 63,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary and benefits

Flexible working hours

Professional development opportunities

Inclusive working environment

Job summary

NHS Dental Practice in Dolgellau, Wales is seeking an experienced Dental Therapist to join their team on a self-employed, locum basis. The post requires GDC registration, a BSc or Diploma in Dental Therapy, and compliance with NHS guidelines.

You will perform exams, radiography, restorations, and preventive care, with standard NHS Band 1/2 duties. Hours are 9.00am–5.30pm, Monday–Friday; start ASAP; salary negotiable.

Qualifications

• GDC registration in the UK is required.
• BSc or Diploma in Dental Therapy is essential.
• Own indemnity and DBS check are required.
• Right to work in the UK and provide two referees.
• Vaccinations history (Hep B, etc.)

Responsibilities

• Conduct examinations, diagnostics, and treatment planning within scope.
• Perform restorations (fillings) using composite and amalgam.
• Carry out pediatric extractions and pulpotomies.
• Provide preventive care and radiography per IRMER.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Infection control knowledge

Education

BSc or Diploma in Dental Therapy

BSc (Hons) in Oral Health Sciences

Job description

My Client is a NHS Dental Practice in Dolgellau, Wales.

We’re working together to recruit an experienced Dental Therapist who is self-motivated, patient focused and detail-oriented to join their existing Dental team on a Self-Employed, locum, ad-hoc basis.

The post holder should meet the following criteria, and personal specification:

Mandatory Requirements:

• Must be registered with the General Dental Council (UK)
• BSc or Diploma in Dental Therapy (Essential)
• BSc (Hons) in Oral Health Sciences (Desirable)
• Certified in Dental Radiography
• Must hold your own Indemnity
• Enhanced DBS check
• Right-to-Work in UK
• Provide two referees we can contact for a reference
• Vaccinations History (Hep B, etc.)

Contract Details:

• Contract: Self-Employed Locum
• Location: Dolgellau, Wales
• Start date: ASAP
• Salary: Negotiable
• Hours: 9.00am-17.30pm
• Monday to Fridays, No late evenings or weekends

Key Responsibilities & Clinical Duties:

• Exams & Diagnostics: Conduct clinical examinations, evaluate medical/dental histories, and formulate appropriate treatment plans within the designated scope of practice.
• Restorative Treatment: Perform routine direct restorations (fillings) on permanent and deciduous (baby) teeth using composite and amalgam materials.
• Paediatric Dentistry: Carry out primary tooth extractions and pulp therapy (pulpotomies) on deciduous teeth.
• Preventative & Periodontal Care: Perform professional mechanical plaque removal (scaling and polishing), periodontal debridement, and apply topical treatments like fluoride varnishes or fissure sealants.
• Cosmetic Procedures: Administer tooth whitening treatments following prescription guidelines.
• Radiography: Take, process, and interpret dental radiographs safely in compliance with IRMER regulations.

Direct Access & Clinical Diagnosis:

• Independent Triaging: Act as a first point of contact for patients seeking routine care, performing complete oral examinations and medical history assessments directly.
• Treatment Planning: Independently diagnose oral conditions and formulate comprehensive treatment plans without requiring a dentist’s prior prescription.
• Referral Management: Identify conditions outside the legal scope of dental therapy and smoothly refer patients onward to the appropriate dental practitioner.

NHS Restorative Care (Band 2):

• Direct Restorations: Prepare cavities and place direct fillings (amalgam and composite) in permanent and deciduous teeth for adults and children.
• Paediatric Care: Perform primary tooth extractions and pulp therapy (pulpotomies) under local anaesthesia.

Preventative & Periodontal Treatment (Band 1):

• Periodontal Management: Undertake scaling, root surface debridement, and advanced periodontal therapy.
• Preventative Therapies: Apply topical fluoride varnishes, fissure sealants, and provide targeted oral hygiene and smoking cessation guidance.

Diagnostics & Governance:

• Radiography: Take and interpret dental radiographs safely in accordance with current IRMER regulations.
• NHS Compliance: Maintain precise electronic clinical notes complying strictly with NHS business guidelines, clinical auditing, and HTM 01-05 cross-infection requirements.

Patient Education & Relationship Management:

• Anxiety Management: Put anxious, nervous, or young patients at ease using exceptional behavioural management and communication skills.
• Oral Health Education: Educate and motivate individuals or groups on dietary habits, smoking cessation, and home oral care routines.
• Consent: Clearly explain clinical findings, risk/benefits of procedures, and costs to obtain informed patient consent.

Surgery Preparation & Equipment Maintenance:

• Prepare the treatment room for patients by adhering strictly to prescribed procedures and protocols
• Select and maintain instrumentation by evaluating the patient’s oral health, and sharpening, sterilising, and selecting the appropriate instruments
• Ensure the operation of dental equipment by completing preventive maintenance, following manufacturer instructions, troubleshooting malfunctions, scheduling repairs, and evaluating new equipment
• Maintain dental supplies inventory by checking stock levels, anticipating supply needs, placing/expediting orders, and verifying receipts

Health, Safety, & Emergency Compliance:

• NHS-Aligned Framework: Built around GDC standards, HTM 01-05 cross-infection protocols, and IRMER radiography guidelines
• Protect patients and employees by adhering strictly to infection-control policies and protocols
• Maintain a safe and clean working environment by complying with all clinical procedures, rules, and regulations
• Maintain patient confidence by protecting private operations and keeping all medical information completely confidential
• Help manage dental and medical emergencies by maintaining active CPR certification, managing emergency drugs and oxygen supplies, and keeping an updated directory of emergency numbers
• Conserve dental resources by using equipment and supplies efficiently to accomplish job results

Skills & Qualifications:

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to explain complex treatments simply and put anxious patients at ease
• A proven ability to motivate and inspire clients of all ages to improve their personal dental hygiene
• Excellent eyesight and steady hands to carry out intricate clinical work, with the ability to maintain deep concentration for long periods
• Up‑to‑date knowledge of the Dental Practice Act and rigorous infection control regulations

Skills:

• Previous experience working in a UK Dental Practice is essential
• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• High attention to detail and accuracy
• Ability to work well in a team and under pressure
• A customer‑focused attitude and professional demeanour is essential

What We Offer:

• A supportive and inclusive working environment
• Opportunities for continued training and professional development
• Competitive salary and benefits package
• Flexible working hours (where possible)
• A chance to make a real difference in the health and wellbeing of the local community

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.