Job Summary
Plymouth Community Dental Services (PCDS), subsidiary of Livewell Southwest, is a leading provider of specialist NHS dental care in Plymouth. We have a vacancy for up to 37.5 hours a week (part‑time applications welcome) to work alongside our call handlers on the unscheduled care helpline to respond to dental patients by providing clinical assessment to those wanting to access unscheduled dental care appointments and advice over the phone.
The service has a dedicated, compassionate and highly skilled team delivering specialist dental care to a wide range of patients, including some of the most vulnerable in our community. During the working week, PCDS also provides the helpline for patients with no access to a regular dentist to contact for an unscheduled dental care appointment.
This post will identify patients, based on clinical need, to book for the unscheduled dental care appointments in the city and/or provide advice where appropriate and liaise closely with other high‑street dental practices in the area.
If you are a qualified dental nurse wanting to make a change to your career and support this high‑demand helpline service, we would be delighted to hear from you.
Job Responsibilities
* Respond to dental patient calls coming into the Plymouth helpline in a professional and timely manner.
* Provide evidence‑based clinical assessment, prioritisation and advice over the telephone (or other communication channels where necessary) working within your GDC scope of practice.
* Identify patients who meet the criteria for an unscheduled dental care appointment and book them appropriately according to priority, whilst considering patient circumstances and preferences where feasible.
* Ensure that patients are given correct information relating to NHS patient charges including exemptions.
* Ensure that patients who do not meet criteria are provided with relevant information regarding self‑care and/or finding a regular dentist using the NHS find‑a‑dentist website.
* Strive to improve performance and quality as needed, in line with PCDS clinical governance and performance review policies and procedures.
* Work a 7‑day service as required.
* Assist with audit and data survey of dental appointments booked via triage process.
* Work where required on a flexible basis to support service delivery.
Person Specification
Personal Attributes – Essential
* Good assessment and decision‑making skills
* Patient‑focused and enthusiastic
* Calm and empathetic manner
* Effective communication skills: verbal, written and non‑verbal
* Able to work independently and as part of a wider team
* Maintain a good working relationship with colleagues
* Uphold professional standards
* Able to manage time effectively
* Able to work under pressure and prioritise workload
* Kind and compassionate
* Appreciation of cultural and ethnic diversity
* Ability to appraise and reflect on own practice
* Adaptable to change
Qualifications – Essential
* NEBDN qualification / City & Guilds NVQ3 or equivalent in Dental Nursing
* Current Dental Nurse GDC registration without restrictions
* Basic Life Support
* Evidence of CPD and a current Personal Development Plan
Qualifications – Desirable
* Additional Dental Nurse qualification
* Immediate Life Support trained
Experience – Essential
* Experience of working in a primary or secondary dental care setting
* Relevant experience in post‑qualification dental nursing care
* Competent in recognising and dealing with medical emergencies
* Computer and IT literate / Good PC skills
Experience – Desirable
* Evidence of providing NHS urgent care
* Experience of working in the salaried community dental service
* Experience of treating children and adults with additional needs
* Experience of minor oral surgery
* Previous use of Dentally software
* Management or leadership experience
Additional Information
* Disclosure and Barring Service Check – subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975.
* Certificate of Sponsorship – applications from job seekers who require current Skilled Worker sponsorship will be considered alongside all other applications.
* UK Registration – Applicants must have current UK professional registration.
Other Details
Salary: £27,485 to £30,162 a year, pro rata
Contract: Fixed term, 6 months
Working pattern: Full‑time, Part‑time, Job share, Flexible working
Location: The Dental Access Centre, Baring Street, Plymouth, PL4 8NF
Reference number: B9832‑2026‑D30‑1
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