The closing date is 28th Sep 2025
Job summary
We are looking for a dedicated and compassionate Dental Nurse to join our Out of Hours team within the Primary Care Dental Service, which offers high-quality dental care to individuals with Additional Needs through our Special and Occasional Care services, as well as this urgent care during weekends
In your Out of Hours role, you will be supporting dentists in providing dental care for any patient accessing the Out of Hours service for dental pain, including patients who may show challenging behaviour. Your compassionate communication skills will be key in supporting and communicating with these patients when anxious or distressed, their carers and relatives. This is a rewarding opportunity to make a real difference to patients when they need care the most.
Main duties, tasks & skills required
Based at our clinic in Bridgwater you'll enjoy working in a supportive and specialised environment.
You will be working alongside the dentist during Out of Hours clinics, often as their sole support in the clinical setting. This requires a high level of confidence, clinical competence within your scope of practice as a dental nurse, and the ability to be able to support with challenging situations.
Flexibility is essential, as you will be expected to work across various areas of dental care following appropriate training. If appropriately qualified, you will also be responsible for taking and processing dental radiographs, including OPTs, and maintaining the associated equipment
If you're committed to providing exceptional and compassionate dental care, we want to hear from you. This is your chance to make a meaningful impact to patients seeking urgent care and be part of a team that values your dedication and compassion.
About us
Primary Care Dental Service - We provide dental services in Somerset and Dorset for adults and children with additional needs. These may include people with learning disabilities and certain mental health, medical or physical health problems. People are usually referred to our services through a general dental practitioner or another health care professional.
Our Somerset service also provides treatment for people who have moderate to severe dental phobia, along with minor surgery under local anaesthetic for smaller operations such as removing wisdom teeth, impacted teeth and other procedures such as biopsies.
At Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, we're committed to supporting our employees with a range of benefits designed to enhance your professional and personal life. We offer:
* Flexible working options to help you balance work and life
* NHS pension scheme for long-term financial security
* A strong focus on career development to help you grow and achieve your potential
Additionally, you'll gain access to our Blue Light Card, unlocking exclusive discounts on shopping, dining, and leisure activities, as well as NHS-specific perks to support you both inside and outside of work.
We are proud to foster a diverse, skilled, and inclusive workforce, and we encourage applications from all backgrounds.
Job description
Please see our detailed job description for further information about this role and view the attached Bank Candidate Information Booklet.
In addition, our community dental video, link below, provides an overview of the service you will be part of.
Please feel free to get in touch prior to formal application if you would like to find out more about this post and your role within the Out of Hours team - contact Donna Chillingworth on or Erica Boulton on
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential
Full registration with GDC
National Certificate of Dental Nurses or equivalent NVQ
Experience
Essential
Significant Dental Nurse experience working within Primary Dental Care/Community Dental Service and/or General Dental Services.
Understanding of clinical governance
Desirable
Proven years post-qualification experience in dental nursing is desirable, though not essential if the candidate can demonstrate strong clinical capability and confidence in their practice
Additional Criteria
Essential
Able to demonstrate a good standard of the English language, with excellent communication skills.
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.
UK Professional Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website.
For help with your application, contact:
Erica Boulton
Pay scheme
Other
Band
Salary
£14.06 to £14.06 Hourly
Contract
Bank
Working pattern
Part-Time, Flexible Working
Reference number
184-OL-BA-3303
Job locations
Community Dental Bridgwater
2-4 Taunton Road
Bridgwater
Somerset
TA6 3LS