Dental Therapist

The Methodist Church in Britain; Great Hatfield; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

Hertfordshire Community NHS Trust seeks a Dental Therapist to provide routine and complex therapy for patients with special care needs, including children and adults with disabilities. The role includes treatment under conscious sedation or general anaesthesia, outreach across Hertfordshire and support for public health initiatives in high‑deprivation areas.

Candidates must hold a BSc or Diploma in Dental Therapy, be GDC-registered, and have experience managing a caseload.

Qualifications

• BSc degree or Diploma in Dental Therapy, or equivalent qualification and training with experience

Responsibilities

• Provide routine and complex dental therapy for patients with special care needs
• Treat anxious children aged 8 and under
• Deliver treatment under conscious sedation and general anaesthesia
• Provide oral health care to priority groups, including homeless patients and others agreed with commissioners
• Carry out outreach work across Hertfordshire
• Support oral public health work, including pop-up clinics and toothbrushing initiatives in high-deprivation areas

Skills

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Organisation

Independent work

Empathy

Education

BSc degree or Diploma in Dental Therapy

Job description

A permanent post in the Special Care Community Dental Service at Hertfordshire Community NHS Trust, with some outreach across the county. Routine and complex therapy for children, young people and adults with disabilities, mental health needs or medical conditions, including care under sedation or general anaesthesia. Full time or part time at a minimum of 30 hours a week, with some oral public health work in deprived areas. GDC registration is needed, along with a driving licence and regular car access unless an Equality Act disability applies.

What the job involves

• Provide routine and complex dental therapy for patients with special care needs
• Treat anxious children aged 8 and under
• Deliver treatment under conscious sedation and general anaesthesia
• Provide oral health care to priority groups, including homeless patients and others agreed with commissioners
• Carry out outreach work across Hertfordshire
• Support oral public health work, including pop-up clinics and toothbrushing initiatives in high-deprivation areas

Qualifications

• BSc degree or Diploma in Dental Therapy, or equivalent qualification and training with experience

Registration & licences

• GDC registration

Experience

• Significant post-qualification experience as a dental therapist managing own caseload
• Experience planning and managing oral hygiene and dental care for a large group of adult patients
• Experience of special care dentistry or paediatrics, including treatment under conscious sedation and general anaesthesia

Skills & knowledge

• Knowledge of a wide range of restorative procedures
• Evidence of commitment to ongoing professional and personal development
• Experience of audit or research-based practice
• Good organisational skills and ability to manage own workload
• Ability to work independently, reliably and consistently
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with empathy

Checks & eligibility

• Eligible to live and work in the UK
• Full valid UK driving licence and access to a car for business use, unless disabled under the Equality Act 2010

Other

• Willingness to uphold the Trust's values

Nice to have

• Qualification or training in clinical supervision or leadership
• Experience devising, running and reviewing training for individuals and groups
• Ability to interpret and analyse complex data and findings