Clinical Skills Support Assistant
Department/School: School of Clinical Dentistry
Contract type: Permanent / Flexible options considered
Advertising length (weeks): 2 weeks
Overview
Based in the School of Clinical Dentistry, you will provide hands‑on practical help and support in the preparation of materials for use by our students in our recently upgraded and refurbished Clinical Skills Learning Environment (CSLE). You will support the Manager of our CSLE to ensure students have the necessary equipment and materials to undertake the various clinical skills courses which run from this facility.
You will be a point of contact for students, be friendly, enthusiastic, motivated and approachable, with a remit to provide a supportive and inclusive environment that enhances our students’ experience.
Your role will include supporting both undergraduate and postgraduate students in their teaching sessions, dental model preparation, maintaining dental instruments and handpieces and carrying out simple repairs on dental units and handpieces.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
* To prepare all relevant student resources for all teaching courses which take place within the CSLE and for any clinical skills training which may take place in the Charles Clifford Dental Hospital (CCDH).
* To prepare, rebuild and repaint dental models ready for use in our CSLE.
* To maintain dental instruments and handpieces to be used both in the CSLE and for use with the portable phantom heads when used in the clinics of the CCDH.
* To carry out simple repairs on the units in the CSLE and on handpieces.
* To adhere to waste management procedures and provide a safe working environment for staff and students.
* To maintain adequate stock of materials and liaise with the CSLE Manager regarding ordering of materials needed for the teaching sessions.
* To support students in assessments and in Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCE).
* To help clean and maintain general cleanliness of the phantom heads and the facilities of the CSLE.
* To be the ‘hand wash champion’ for the CSLE, which involves demonstrating the correct hand washing technique to students, maintaining hand washing standards during sessions and assessing this during examinations.
* To demonstrate to groups of students various aspects of equipment or materials usage as required for the CSLE, such as minor maintenance of equipment or mixing of dental materials.
* To ensure all health and safety guidance is followed appropriately and as instructed.
* To be a Fire Marshall and support the safe evacuation of the CSLE in the event of a fire or exercise.
* To be a First Aider for the CSLE and undertake any necessary training if required.
* Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post.
Person Specification
Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and is respected. Even if your past experience doesn't match perfectly with this role's criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.
Essential Criteria
* GCSE English and Maths at a grade C (4) or above (or relevant equivalent qualification or demonstrable level of ability).
* Practical hands‑on experience of the preparation of dental models or equivalent.
* Knowledge of dental materials including mixing and equipment.
* Understanding of the importance of confidentiality.
* Knowledge of dentistry.
* The ability to follow instructions.
* To undertake training and development where relevant to the role.
* Basic knowledge of cross‑infection and waste management and an understanding of its importance in a clinical setting.
* Good communication skills and the confidence to provide demonstrations to groups of students.
Desirable Criteria
* To be friendly and approachable with a professional attitude.
* Basic knowledge of cross‑infection and waste management and an understanding of its importance in a clinical setting.
* Good communication skills and confidence to provide demonstrations to groups of students.
Other Details
Grade: 4
Salary: £25,249 – £26,707 with potential to progress to £28,778 per annum through sustained exceptional contribution.
Work arrangement: Full‑time
Line manager: Manager of the Clinical Skills Learning Environment
Direct reports: None
Our website: https://sheffield.ac.uk/dentalschool
For informal enquiries about this job contact Emma Peckett, Manager of the Clinical Skills Learning Environment: e.peckett@sheffield.ac.uk or telephone 0114 22217926.
Next Steps in the Recruitment Process
It is anticipated that the selection process will take place around 17th November 2025. This will consist of an interview. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage on the week commencing 10th November 2025. Contact the Dental School Operations Team dental.ops@sheffield.ac.uk if you require any reasonable adjustments.
What We Offer
* A minimum of 38 days annual leave including bank holiday and closure days (pro rata) with the ability to purchase more.
* Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles.
* Generous pension scheme.
* A wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel.
* A variety of staff networks, providing opportunities for social interaction, peer support and personal development (for example, Race Equality, LGBT+, Women’s and Parent’s networks).
* Recognition Awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role.
* A commitment to your development – access to learning and mentoring schemes; Professional Services Shared Skills Framework.
* A range of generous family‑friendly policies:
o Paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies
o Support for those going through the menopause
o Paid time off and support for fertility treatment
o and more
We are a Disability Confident Employer. If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this job you will be invited to take part in the next stage of the selection process.
We are a research university with a global reputation for excellence. Our ideas and expertise change the world for the better, making a real difference to society. We know that when people come together with different views, approaches and insights it can lead to richer, more creative and innovative teaching and research and the highest levels of student experience. Our University Vision (www.sheffield.ac.uk/vision) outlines our commitment to building a diverse community of staff and students that recognises and values the abilities, backgrounds, beliefs and ways of living for everyone.
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