Job overview
This is a Fixed Term Orthodontic therapist position with 10 available PA which we anticipate will be split between two post holders. You will be part of the Dental and Maxillofacial Department, in the Sight & Sound Division,
The department provides maxillofacial surgery, orthodontic services and paediatric and restorative dentistry within the trust. Paediatric dental services are provided for children cared for by The North Thames Cleft Lip and Palate Service and the nationally commissioned Craniofacial, Beckwith-Weidermann and Epidermolysis Bullosa Services. In addition, care is provided for children and young people, usually already known to the Trust, who have complex medical needs that cannot be met outside a tertiary/quaternary children’s hospital. Over 5000 patients are seen annually as outpatients within the dental department. The inpatient workload is just under 300 episodes.
The department has approximately 5-6 half day operating lists per week shared between the specialities. Children having dental treatment under general anaesthesia are admitted under a relevant medical team that is responsible for the inpatient medical care. In addition, the department tries to accommodate requests for ad hoc treatments or piggyback procedures during general anaesthesia for other procedures.
End date of Fixed term contract January 2027
Main duties of the job
Provision of a full range of orthodontic treatment for patients within the orthodontic therapist’s scope of practice. The patient cohort consists of children with rare, complex or difficult to treat conditions, including those with a cleft lip and/or palate, craniosynostosis, craniofacial microsomia and Beckwith -Wiedemann syndrome.
This includes:
• Delivery of advanced orthodontic therapy with precision and care
• Communicating with clarity and compassion to patients
• Collection of relevant records for clinical audit and research
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to shape patient outcomes
• Contribute to clinical development and innovation
• Facilitating and participate in department meetings, audits, and quality assurance programmes, and promote evidence-based practice.
Working for our organisation
We are keen to make our workforce as diverse as the communities we serve, and we hope to attract applications from underrepresented groups, including people with Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic heritage, people with a disability, and people from LGBTQ+ communities. By growing an ever more diverse workforce, we’ll have a greater range of perspectives and knowledge, meaning that we can provide the children and young people at our hospital with even better care.
Our hospital is committed to creating an environment that is open and inclusive. Our staff are encouraged to engage with colleagues through the following networks: REACH (Race, Ethnicity and Cultural Heritage) ENABLED (Enhancing Abilities & Leveraging Disabilities Network), PRIDE and Women’s networks; all of which are sponsored by a member of our Executive Management Team.
We want to ensure that all of our people, regardless of their background, are seen and heard. We want to attract applicants that share our commitment to inclusion and that understand diversity is a strength that is embraced and valued.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
The full job description provides an overview of the key tasks and responsibilities of the role, and the person specification outlines the qualifications, skills, experience and knowledge required. For both documents please view the attachment/s below.
Person specification
GOSH Culture and Values
Essential criteria
* Our Always values
Academic/Professional qualification/Training
Essential criteria
* Full registration with the United Kingdom General Dental Council (GDC)
* Diploma In Orthodontic Therapy
* Dental Nursing Qualification (Diploma, NVQ or National certificate)
* Experience treating patients with learning difficulties
Desirable criteria
* Certificate in Oral Health Education
* Certificate in Dental Radiography (D)
Experience/Knowledge
Essential criteria
* Experience in working with patients with complex clinical needs, with learning difficulties and challenging behaviour
* Broad experience of General Dental Practice or Hospital Practice
* Experience of participating in clinical governance such as clinical audit, or quality improvement programmes
* Understanding of safeguarding
* Experience in undertaking intra-oral scans of patients
Desirable criteria
* Broad experience and General Dental Practice and Hospital Practice
* Level 3 safeguarding training
Skills/Abilities
Essential criteria
* Computer literate, experience of using Microsoft office.
* Excellent oral & written communication skills
* Ability to plan and manage own workload ensuring all tasks are completed in a timely and efficient manner
* CPR trained