NHS Scotland is committed to encouraging equality and diversity among our workforce and eliminating unlawful discrimination. The aim is for our workforce to be truly representative and for each employee to feel respected and able to give their best. To this end, NHS Scotland welcomes applications from all sections of society.
NHS Ayrshire and Arran are one of 14 territorial NHS Boards within NHS Scotland.
In support of our core purpose of Working together to achieve the healthiest life possible for everyone in Ayrshire and Arran, we are committed to a culture that is Caring, Safe, and Respectful. You will be required to work collaboratively in a safe, caring and respectful way.
An exciting opportunity has arisen within NHS Ayrshire & Arran HB, Public Dental Service to be part of our Out of Hours Emergency Dental Service. We are looking to recruit 5 x GDC Registered Dental Nurses. Posts are based at Ayrshire Central Hospital, Irvine.
Dental Nurses participate in a 1:8 shift pattern covering a Saturday and Sunday – 4.45 hrs per day (9.5 hrs in total for weekend).
These posts are offered on a permanent basis.
From 1 April 2026, the working week for NHS Agenda for Change staff in Scotland will be reduced. Full‑time hours will reduce from 37 to 36 hours (pro rata for part‑time staff) without loss of earnings.
A UK driving licence is essential for this role.
The post holder will be required to provide full chair side assistance to the clinician, dental reception duties and carry out decontamination of the dental surgery and instruments within the Local Decontamination Unit (LDU).
Current and relevant chair side experience is essential.
The Public Dental Service is busy and can be challenging at times, therefore applicants should have excellent organisational skills as well as highly developed communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to work on own initiative and as part of a team, should be motivated.
The post holder must be registered with the General Dental Council and hold the National Certificate in Dental Nursing or Oral Health Care Dental Nursing SVQ level 3 or equivalent.
For further information on the requirements for the role please view the person specification.
If you want to find out more about the role, please contact Diane Walker Dental Nurse Team Leader – 07584480953, diane.walker@aapct.scot.nhs.uk
To work in the United Kingdom, there is a legal requirement for an individual to demonstrate that they have the relevant permission to work in the country. This permission is, without exception, granted by the UK Visa and Immigrations Service. Further information on what NHS Scotland Boards are required to do to check this as well as what your responsibilities include can be found within the attached Candidate Information Pack.
It is essential that you have checked that you either already have an appropriate right to work in the UK or that the post would be eligible to be sponsored before submitting your application form.
NHS Ayrshire & Arran may be able to offer visa sponsorship for certain roles, provided the post meets the minimum salary threshold and any other required criteria. When considering if a post meets the salary threshold for sponsorship, please note the salary advertised is based on a full‑time contract and must be pro‑rated for part‑time positions. Sponsorship is not guaranteed and is assessed on a case‑by‑case basis following interview and at the commencement of pre‑employment checks.
Please visit here for further information.
We are unable to provide sponsorship for Band 2 posts or bank contracts.