Specialist Dental Nurse

South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust; Hebburn; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider in the UK is seeking an experienced Specialist Dental Nurse to join their team. The role involves supporting dentists in high-quality patient care across multiple locations, including homes and clinics. Candidates must have a valid GDC registration and experience in a dental setting, particularly with patients requiring complex treatments. Strong communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively within a multi-disciplinary team are essential. This position offers opportunities for professional development and a supportive work environment.

Benefits

Fitness Centre access

High-quality education and training

Flexible working options

Qualifications

• Registered Dental Nurse with current GDC registration.
• Experience in assisting patients with complex dental treatments.
• Excellent knowledge in caring for adults and children with additional needs.

Responsibilities

• Undertake triage and prioritise clinical need.
• Provide clinical treatment under the prescription of a dentist.
• Deliver CBT-based interventions for dental phobias.

Skills

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

Ability to prioritise and self-manage own caseload

Knowledge of special needs conditions

Evidence of working across multi-disciplinary teams

Experience of working in NHS dental environment

Education

Registered Dental Nurse with GDC registration

National examining board for dental nurse diploma or NVQ level 3

CBT qualification or willingness to complete

Topical fluoride application qualification or willingness to complete

Job description

Specialist Dental Nurse – South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust

The closing date is 08 January 2026

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a caring, dedicated, adaptable and self‑motivated Registered Dental Nurse who has excellent personal, communication and clinical skills to join our team of dental nurses working in our busy community clinics across South Tyneside, Sunderland and Gateshead.

As a specialist dental nurse, you will work collaboratively with dentists, dental therapists, hygienists and administration staff providing a high standard of care and the best possible experience for our diverse group of patients. The post holder would be expected to travel to different clinic sites, hospitals, care homes and patients' homes.

You will have experience of working as part of a dental team and be responsible for working in nurse‑led clinics as well as assisting the dental clinician with clinical treatment of children and adults, including medically compromised patients and patients with learning disabilities or dental phobia.

Main duties of the job

The postholder will undertake triaging of patients and prioritise clinical need, initiate investigations to support the patient journey through the dental clinical pathway liaising with multi‑professional teams, Clinical Lead and Clinical Team Manager.

They will provide clinical treatment, in a nurse‑led clinic, under the prescription of a dentist, which will include topical fluoride application and application of preventative therapies.

They will be involved in the development and delivery of CBT‑based interventions for dental phobias, in a nurse‑led clinic, which will support with anxiety management pathways as well as provide clinical nursing support within the department to support the clinical patient pathway.

The postholder will adhere to the Trust’s vision, values and behavioural compact within the working day.

This post is subject to enhanced DSB disclosure.

About us

Please add your telephone number to your application form so we can contact you quickly if required.

One Team One Trust – There are many reasons to work at our Trust. From our commitment to putting people first to our accessible services and award‑winning teams. We have a passion for research, innovation and tackling inequalities. We are committed to respect, fairness and civility and promote a compassionate, caring and positive culture / working environment.

We welcome all applications irrespective of peoples race, disability, gender, sexual orientation, religion/belief, age, gender identity, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity and in particular those from under‑represented groups. Looking after our workforce’s health and wellbeing is a priority for us. We also provide access to high quality education, training, career progression and support. Flexible working is supported via our Flexible Working Policy.

The Trust employs around 8,746 people and provides a range of hospital services to a local community of around 430,000 residents. We also provide a range of more specialised services outside this area. We offer our staff outstanding benefits – Fitness Centre (SRH), libraries at both hospital sites, chaplaincy support and access to a Care Co‑ordinator to help staff with childcare arrangements.

Job responsibilities

• Undertake triage and prioritise clinical need, initiate investigations to support the patient journey through the dental clinical pathway liaising with multi‑professional teams, Clinical Lead and Clinical Team Manager.
• Provide clinical treatment, in a nurse‑led clinic, under the prescription of a dentist, which will include topical fluoride application and application of preventative therapies.
• Deliver CBT‑based interventions for dental phobias, in a nurse‑led clinic, to support with anxiety management pathways.
• Provide clinical nursing support within the department to support the clinical patient pathway.
• Adhere to the Trust’s vision, values and behavioural compact.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• Registered Dental Nurse with evidence of current GDC registration.
• National examining board for dental nurse diploma or NVQ level 3.
• Example: sedation, special care, radiology or oral health – level 4/5.
• CBT qualification or willingness to complete within 6 months of employment.
• Topical fluoride application qualification or willingness to complete within 6 months of employment.
• Teaching qualification.

Experience

• Excellent knowledge and training in caring for patients that require complex dental treatments.
• Experience of assisting with adults and paediatrics who have additional needs.
• Evidence of continuous professional development.
• Experience of leadership.

Skills and Knowledge

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with motivation and enthusiasm.
• Ability to prioritise and self‑manage own caseload.
• Demonstrate an organised way of working and having the ability to plan time effectively.
• Knowledge of special needs conditions and assisting with patients who are medically compromised, have behavioural problems or phobic patients.
• Evidence of working across multi‑disciplinary teams.
• Experience of working in NHS dental environment.
• Knowledge of R4.

Physical skills

• Car driver and valid driving licence.
• Ability to use electronic resources to input, save and provide data and information.

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.

South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust