Band 4 Civilian Dental Nurse
Closing date: 24 March 2026
Are you looking to work in a modern, patient-focused dental practice that prioritises quality care and professional development? At Defence Primary Healthcare (DPHC), we aim to provide excellent care in a friendly and encouraging environment. Our motivated dental nurses make a difference in delivering outstanding patient care. Join the team at Defence Dental Centre Lyneham.
This role offers 37.5 hours per week with flexible working requests considered to suit business needs and reviewed annually. The salary is pro-rata for part-time hours.
Main duties of the job
DPHC is a vibrant, fast-paced organisation delivering primary healthcare to members of the Armed Forces and other entitled personnel. The clinical service is delivered in accordance with NHS Standards and MoD policies. The successful candidate will provide clinical and administrative support for the provision of dental care in Defence Primary Healthcare dental centres to enhance force generation, operational capability and minimise dental morbidity on operations.
About us
Our success depends on our people — regulars and reservists, civil servants and contractors — all working as one to deliver for Defence. Our civil servants are a central part of the Whole Force, developing strategy, policy, and supporting ministerial decisions and parliamentary processes. With over 2,000 roles across 650 sites worldwide, this is an excellent time to join one of the largest government departments.
The Ministry of Defence is committed to attracting and retaining people from diverse backgrounds and enabling flexible working. We offer parental leave, and flexible arrangements as the norm. In return, you can expect a department that helps you learn and develop, recognising your expertise and contribution as an individual and as part of a team.
If you’ve ever wanted to do more, see more, go further or be better, we have roles in many professions. Let’s see where your future will take you, together.
Job responsibilities
* Access to learning and development tailored to your role
* A working culture that encourages inclusion and diversity
* Dental Nurse Recruitment and Retention Allowance (RRA) £1,500 per annum (pro-rata)
* Access to the NHS pension scheme
* On-call allowance if applicable
* Opportunity for Reward and Recognition (£250–£5,000 per year)
* General Dental Council (GDC) annual fees reimbursed
* On-site free laundry for clinical clothing and free clinical footwear
* Defence Discount Card for discounts in many shops and online
* Free parking
* Discounted access to on-site fitness facilities, where available
* Paid holiday entitlement
Please note: the department is reviewing pay-related allowances which could impact those currently advertised.
Please read the attached job description and person specification to understand all duties for the Civilian Dental Nurse within DPHC.
Selection process
The sift will be completed within 10 working days of the vacancy closing date. Interviews will be scheduled on a date to be confirmed.
The selection at the sift stage will be based on your CV/application copied and pasted onto your application. Ensure you demonstrate the required skills, knowledge, experience, qualifications and memberships in your CV (max 3 pages).
At interview you will be assessed against the NHS Knowledge and Skills Framework (KSF):
* NHS Core NHSC1: Communication
* NHS Core NHSC2: Personal & People Development
* NHS Core NHSC5: Quality
* NHS Core NHSC6: Equality and Diversity
Copy and paste the following link to our YouTube advice on preparing responses for behaviour-based questions: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YEpdNWKQSRI
Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application; all statements must be truthful and based on your own experience. Plagiarism or AI-generated content presented as your own may lead to withdrawal of the application. See our candidate guidance for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use: https://www.civil-service-careers.gov.uk/artificial-intelligence-and-recruitment/
Additional information
* There is no reimbursement for travel expenses for the interview.
* All new Civil Service employees are subject to a 6-month probationary period unless advised otherwise.
* Feedback is provided only if you attend an interview or assessment.
This role does not currently have line management responsibilities; any changes will be discussed with the employee.
The Civil Service Code sets the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/civil-service-code/the-civil-service-code
Successful candidates must meet security requirements before appointment (security check).
Access to the NHS pension scheme is available to the successful candidate.
If successful, you will be required to provide evidence of immunity to Hepatitis B (serology levels required). Evidence of vaccination alone is not sufficient.
Candidates who hold qualifications but are not yet registered with the General Dental Council (GDC) may apply; if successful, you must be registered with the GDC prior to starting.
This post does not require deployment with uniformed personnel, but you will help maintain continuity of care when based at home.
This vacancy does not offer relocation allowances.
Note: if a candidate cannot attend an interview date/time, we will try to accommodate, but changes are not always possible.
Due to immigration rules, MOD will only sponsor visas for skilled workers deemed business critical. This role does not meet that category, and sponsorship will not be offered. Applications requiring sponsorship will be rejected.
This vacancy is part of the A Great Place to Work for Veterans initiative: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/making-the-civil-service-a-great-place-to-work-for-veterans
The Civil Service supports diversity and equality of opportunity, including a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.
If you need adjustments for the recruitment process, please contact dbscivperssgdmsresourcing@mod.gov.uk.
The Ministry of Defence requires successful interviewees to declare any outside interests. Declarations will be discussed with successful candidates before a formal offer of employment is made, as some outside interests may not be compatible with MOD civilian roles. This helps manage potential conflicts of interest from day one.
MOD adopts a zero-tolerance approach to unacceptable behaviours (bullying, harassment, discrimination, etc.). You will not be eligible if you have been dismissed for such behaviours in the last five years. Pre-employment checks will be carried out.
MOD is committed to a safe and healthy working environment, including a Smoke-Free Working Environment policy.
Person Specification
Qualifications
* NEBDN Certificate or National Vocational Qualification in Oral Healthcare Dental Nursing Level 3
Registrations and Memberships
* Provide your General Dental Council (GDC) membership number
* State if you are nearing completion of your qualification and understand you must obtain GDC membership prior to starting
* Include details of any current, spent or impending restrictions to practice
Provide a CV
* Copy and paste your full CV as your response; you will not be able to upload a CV as an attachment
* Refer to the essential criteria where applicable; insufficient information may lead to rejection
* Use double spacing where possible
Behaviour statement
* Answer Yes/No to past disciplinary actions and provide details as appropriate
* A Full United Kingdom driving licence is required to enable working from other local military dental centres, if required
* Evidence of indemnity cover for general dental practice (personal professional indemnity encouraged)
* Evidence of currency with GDC Continued Professional Development requirements
* Be prepared to contribute to staff development
* Confidence in using Information Technology
* Prepared to cover out-of-hours duties when required
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act and will require a DBS disclosure.
Ministry of Defence (Defence Medical Services) | £27,485 to £30,162 a year, pro-rata for part-time.
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