The closing date is 5th Oct 2025
Anticipated Interview date(s) Thursday 16th October
Job summary
The Primary Care Dental Service is proud to deliver high-quality dental care tailored to individuals with Additional Needs through our dedicated Special and Occasional Care services.
In this rewarding role based at our clinics in Yeovil or Taunton, you will play a vital part in supporting dentists and dental therapists across a variety of settings - including dental clinics, residential and nursing homes, and domiciliary environments - ensuring patients receive compassionate and professional care wherever they are.
Working in alignment with Somerset NHS Foundation Trust and General Dental Council standards, you will be instrumental in upholding rigorous infection control measures and contributing to the smooth running of the service through essential administrative support. This is an excellent opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients while being part of a committed and collaborative team.
Main duties, tasks & skills required
In this busy and rewarding role, you'll be a key member of a multidisciplinary dental team, supporting the delivery of high-quality care across a range of settings. Following appropriate training, you'll assist Dental Officers in treating adults and children, including those with Additional Needs or complex medical conditions, while offering reassurance and clear communication to patients and their families - especially those who may be anxious or distressed. Where trained, you'll process dental radiographs, including OPTs, and maintain radiographic equipment. A sound understanding of medical emergencies is essential, including the preparation of emergency drugs under guidance.
You'll work in full compliance with Somerset NHS Foundation Trust policies and national legislation, including IRMER, Health & Safety, Infection Control, Safeguarding, and Information Governance. As a registered dental professional with the General Dental Council, you'll maintain CPD and participate in training, audits, and peer review. Additional responsibilities include handling patient charges, supporting stock control, managing referrals and appointments, maintaining accurate records, and liaising with dental laboratories - all while ensuring patient information is processed securely and efficiently.
About us
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
* Generous annual leave allowance to recharge and relax
* 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.
Why Somerset? Somerset offers the perfect blend of idyllic countryside, outstanding areas of natural beauty, and breathtaking coastlines, with vibrant cities like Bristol, Bath, and Exeter just a short drive away - and only two hours to London.
The region is home to excellent educational facilities, and with affordable housing compared to other parts of the country, it's a great place to build both your career and your future.
Somerset truly has it all - the peaceful countryside and cosmopolitan city life, with something for everyone to enjoy.
Job description
Please see the attached job description for detailed information about this role. We very much welcome informal discussions or visits prior to application so if you would like to find out more about how your skills and experience align with our dental nurse positions please get in touch with / or / to find out more.
In additional please take a look at our community dentistry video to get a flavour of what working for our service can look like for you:
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential
Full GDC registration
National Certificate of Dental Nurses or equivalent NVQ.
Experience
Essential
Significant Dental Nurse experience.
Experience of working within Primary Dental Care and/or Community Dental Service and/or General Dental Services.
Additional Criteria
Essential
Compassionate - exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate effectively with staff, patients, carers and relatives (as appropriate) remaining sensitive and empathetic.
Professional and patient focussed approach with inspirational skills, acting as a role model to colleagues and junior staff members.
Must be a car driver with a valid driving licence or have access to transport with appropriate business insurance in order to travel throughout the Trust, to meet the needs of the service.
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
Agenda for Change
Band
Band 4
Salary
£ to £ Yearly
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Part-Time, Full-Time
Reference number
184-OL-GR-3275
Job locations
Taunton Dental Access Centre
Parkgate House
Taunton
Somerset
TA1 3ES
Yeovil Dental Access centre
56 Preston Road
Yeovil
Somerset
BA20 2BX