Dental Therapist

NHS; Ipswich; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 38,000

Job description

The post holder will work as a dental team member in a periodontal team providing specialist periodontal care or strengthening the existing dental therapy input. This may also develop into working with other teams providing therapy and hygiene care to a wide range of service users. To be part of a wider dental team providing dental therapy/hygiene support and work alongside dentists, dental nurses, receptionists in the care of service users. This will include assisting in the full range of dental care (within the scope of practice) provided to service users of the dental service from supporting with routine examinations to specialist treatments.

Main duties of the job

Main Duties and Responsibilities Clinical:

To develop ‘team dentistry’ by applying appropriate skills to a wide range of cases.

To provide a wide range of dental treatment, appropriate to a registered dental therapist and hygienist at the request of dentists.

The additional duties of a dental therapist will include the following:

1. obtain a detailed dental history from service users and evaluate their medical history
2. carry out a clinical examination within their competence
3. complete periodontal examination and charting and use indices to screen and monitor periodontal disease
4. diagnose a treatment plan within their competence
5. prescribe radiographs
6. take, process and interpret various film views used in general dental practice
7. plan the delivery of care for service users
8. give appropriate service users advice
9. provide preventive oral care to service users and liaise with dentists over the treatment of caries, periodontal disease and tooth wear
10. undertake supragingival and subgingival scaling and root surface debridement using manual and powered instruments
11. use appropriate anti-microbial therapy to manage plaque related diseases
12. adjust restored surfaces in relation to periodontal treatment
13. apply topical treatments and fissure sealants
14. give service users advice on how to stop smoking
15. take intra and extra-oral photographs
16. place temporary dressings and re-cement crowns with temporary cement
17. take impressions
18. care of implants and treatment of peri-implant tissues
19. carry out direct restorations on primary and secondary teeth
20. carry out pulpotomies on primary teeth
21. extract primary teeth
22. place pre-formed crowns on primary teeth
23. identify anatomical features, recognise abnormalities and interpret common pathology
24. carry out oral cancer screening
25. if necessary, refer service users to other healthcare professionals
26. keep full, accurate and contemporaneous service user records
27. if working on prescription, vary the detail but not the direction of the prescription according to service user needs.
28. To develop good communication with all members of the dental teams and referring practitioners. Ensure information reaches all team members and relevant professionals in cases where treatment is “shared“.
29. Produce and maintain accurate records of dental care, using computer systems were used within the service, complete appropriate NHS forms (e.g., FP17s forms) and assist with the data collection for service monitoring.
30. To assist in the management and maintenance of stock and equipment to ensure dental therapy services are maintained.
31. To develop information for service users on relevant subjects.
32. To assist in organisational duties to ensure the smooth running of the dental services, including:
33. to ensure that the appointment diary is used efficiently in planning a session’s clinical activity
34. collect and receipt service users’ charges in accordance with NHS Regulations and ensure safe keeping of monies through banking in accordance with SDC Standing Financial Instructions.

The post is clinic based. The post holder may be asked to undertake duties in other settings when required for holiday or sickness relief or temporary redeployment.

Professionalism, Leadership and Management:

1. To be responsible for promoting the Organisation’s values and high-performance standards both individually and as a team, in the achievement of our strategic objectives and priorities
2. To build a strong external image of clinical excellence for the organisation and create opportunities to enhance the profile of the social enterprise and its services, ensuring high social responsibility.
3. Act within other professional laws and systems including Health and Safety, Freedom of Information Act and Data Protection Legislation.
4. Observe all policies and procedures and maintain the Staff Confidentiality Code of Conduct at all times.
5. Follow and implement operational and clinical policies and procedures to comply with legislation.
6. Apply safe working practices and take responsibility for own actions.
7. Support other members of the dental and wider healthcare team in the interest of service users.
8. Demonstrate a commitment to lifelong learning through education, training, and practice against agreed occupational standards.
9. Apply an evidence-based approach to learning, practice and decision making and utilise critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
10. Active participation in clinical audit programmes, peer review and clinical governance initiatives.
11. Provide training for dental nurses / staff as required by the service.
12. Take responsibility for personal development planning and reflective practice.
13. Maintain professional behaviour and appearance, including being punctual and polite.
14. Effectively manage own time and resources.
15. The duties of this post may vary from time to time as a result of new legislation, changes in technology or policy changes. In this case, appropriate training may be given to the post holder to undertake this new varied work.

About us

The University of Suffolk Dental Community Interest Company (CIC) is an exciting and innovative collaboration between the University of Suffolk and the Suffolk and North-East Essex Integrated Care Board, seeking to provide high-quality NHS dental services to the population of Suffolk through the brand new, state of the art clinical facilities situated on the scenic Ipswich Waterfront. Embracing the latest technology and innovation, the facility will offer fully equipped surgeries, intraoral cameras, digital radiography, and access to CBCT diagnostics. As a new provider of NHS dental care in the region the CIC is wellplaced to offer ordinary dental care delivered with extraordinary care. Our ethos is all about enabling dental care, improving oral health by increasing access to dental services and at the same time providing opportunities for those starting or continuing a dental career in the East of England. In line with current good practice and optimum care, an opportunity to deliver person-centred care with a focus on prevention, stabilisation, and disease management.

Date posted

18 March 2025

Pay scheme

Other

Salary

£35,392 to £37,350 a year

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

AH1270011IpsDT

Job locations

James Hehir Building

University Avenue

Ipswich

Suffolk

IP3 0FS

Job description

Job responsibilities

About Us

“If you are always trying to be normal, you will never know how amazing you can be”

We want you to be amazing!

Would you like to make a difference and fulfil your greatest potential? We have exciting opportunities to advance your career and expand your skills in a supportive and progressive environment.

Come and join our amazing team in our brand new state-of-the-art dental facility and truly make a difference to the local people in Suffolk and North East Essex.

We are a new and innovative Dental Social Enterprise and unique partnership with the University of Suffolk and Suffolk and North East Essex Integrated Care Board that truly wants to make a difference to people through the delivery of accessible NHS dental care. We are a purpose-led and values driven organisation. Our mission is clear, we are here to deliver ‘ordinary dental care delivered with extraordinary care.’

The University of Suffolk Dental CIC represents a step-change in dental care in Suffolk and North East Essex and we are looking for passionate, talented people to join us.

Work for a social enterprise with a people-first culture. We care about the wellbeing of our people and know you have lives beyond the workplace, we offer a flexible suite of benefits, these include:

• Competitive salary
• Generous Annual Leave entitlement
• Workplace Pension
• Continuous Professional Development & Training Opportunities
• Family Friendly Policies
• Flu vaccinations for staff
• Uniform
• State-of-the art dental facilities
• DBS check fully funded

We celebrate and promote equity, diversity & inclusion and encourage the unique contributions of all our dental team that drive our success.

The post holder will work as a dental team member in a periodontal team providing specialist periodontal care or strengthening the existing dental therapy input. This may also develop into working with other teams providing therapy and hygiene care to a wide range of service users.

To be part of a wider dental team providing dental therapy/hygiene support and work alongside dentists, dental nurses, receptionists in the care of service users. This will include assisting in the full range of dental care (within the scope of practice) provided to service users of the dental service from supporting with routine examinations to specialist treatments.

Please see the Job Description for a list of main duties and responsibilities.

Part time and Full time applications will be considered.

About You

• Experience of full remit of work as per GDC guidelines
• Excellent Communication Skills
• Personable, highly motivated, flexible, reliable, and organised
• Ability to keep calm and professional in a fast-paced environment
• Modern skills of dental therapy/hygiene
• Must be fully immunised
• Must maintain professional indemnity and registration with the GDC

Join us in building a Dental Social Enterprise that is transforming dental care so it’s fit for a changing and modern world. Be a part of a team that positively impacts the lives of local people and communities through collaboration and innovation – APPLY TODAY!!