At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide high-quality dental care and education to improve community oral health.
- Company: Join Hywel Dda University Health Board, a leading NHS provider in Wales.
- Benefits: Enjoy a full-time role with opportunities for professional growth and community impact.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and vulnerable populations through dental care.
- Qualifications: Must have recognised qualifications in dental therapy and strong communication skills.
- Other info: Welsh speakers are encouraged to apply; interviews scheduled for 3/9/2025.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
We are seeking a dedicated Community Dental Therapist to join our team in Carmarthenshire, providing high-quality dental care aimed at preventing and treating oral health issues, particularly among children, young people, and vulnerable populations. You will work closely with dentists, dental nurses to ensure comprehensive patient care. The ideal candidate will hold recognised professional qualifications in dental therapy, demonstrate strong communication skills, and be committed to improving oral health equity across the community. This is an excellent opportunity for a compassionate dental professional passionate about making a meaningful impact on community health through patient education and direct treatment. Interviews to be held on 10/10/2025
Main duties of the job
Apply knowledge and understanding of patient pathways to deliver best practice within the Community Dental Service.
Work under Direct Access arrangements and operate Health Board Patient Group Directives (PGDs).
Comply with the GDC code of conduct, standards of performance, ethics of the dental team and core CPD requirements.
Maintain accurate and relevant treatment plans in accordance with the GDC scope of practice.Assess the individual client intervention and adjust care plans to achieve the desirable outcome.
Exercise ongoing assessment including consent, medical and social history and update systems as appropriate. Exercise discretion bymodifying the treatment plan, such as carrying out additional treatment if necessary, providing it falls within the permitted scope ofpractice.
Provide preventative advice, dietary counselling and oral hygiene instructions
Maintain patients\’ records in accordance with Hywel Dda Health Board policies and the GDC scope of practice.
The ability to speak Welsh is desirable for this post; English and/or Welsh speakers are equally welcome to apply.
About us
Hywel Dda University Health Board plans and provides NHS healthcare services for people living in Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire, and bordering counties.
We have over 13,000 staff and together we provide primary, community, in-hospital, mental health and learning disabilities services.
We work in partnership with the three local authorities, as well as public, private and third sector colleagues, including our valued team of volunteers.
Our services are provided in:
- Four main hospitals: Bronglais Hospital in Aberystwyth; Glangwili Hospital in Carmarthen; Prince Philip Hospital in Llanelli; and Withybush Hospital in Haverfordwest
- Five community hospitals: Amman Valley and Llandovery hospitals in Carmarthenshire; Tregaron Hospital in Ceredigion; and Tenby and South Pembrokeshire hospitals in Pembrokeshire
- Two integrated care centres: Aberaeron and Cardigan in Ceredigion, and several other community settings
- 47 general practices (six of which are health board managed practices); dental practices (including four orthodontic); 97 community pharmacies; 43 general ophthalmic practices; and 8 ophthalmic domiciliary providers
- Numerous mental health and learning disabilities services
Job responsibilities
You will be able to find a full job description and person specification attached within the supporting documents.
The Health Board is committed to supporting its staff to fully embrace the need for bilingualism thereby enhancing patient and service user experiences. In our commitment to increase the number of staff who are able to communicate in Welsh with patients and professionals, we welcome applications from Welsh speakers.
The ability to communicate in Welsh is desirable for this post. If you do not meet the Welsh Language requirements specified, the Health Board offers a variety of learning options and staff support to help you meet these minimal desirable requirements during the course of your employment with us.
Person Specification
Experience
- Clinical experience in domiciliary, mobile dental unit or school setting environments
- Experience in prioritising clinical needs
- Evidence of working within a multi-agency team.
- Risk assessment in relation to patient management
- Experience of working within remit of Direct Access
- Experience in hospital dental service, Community Dental Service or General Dental Practice.
Qualifications and Knowledge
- Degree/Diploma in Dental Therapy & Hygiene
- Post Graduate certificate in at least one extended duty in dental therapy (e.g. Health promotion, special needs, radiography, sedation)
- GDC Registration
- Knowledge of specialist dental equipment and the associated legal responsibilities
- Knowledge of Clinical Governance and participation in Audit
- Conversant with basic life support, resuscitation techniques and management of medical emergencies.
- Understanding of national trends relevant to assessment and intervention within the clinical and oral health improvement.
- Awareness of the CDS client criteria and its role.
- Knowledge of GDP and Hospital Services.
- Competency to operate under Direct Access
- Knowledge of the oral health initiative programmes
- Able to complete post graduate training in inhalation sedation to enable the provision of dental care with sedation.
- Welsh Speaker (Level 1)
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.
£39,263 to £47,280 a yearper annum pro rata
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Community Dental Therapist employer: Hywel Dda University Health Board
Contact Detail:
Hywel Dda University Health Board Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Community Dental Therapist
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific community health needs in Carmarthenshire. Understanding local demographics and prevalent oral health issues will help you demonstrate your commitment to improving health equity during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current employees at Hywel Dda University Health Board. Engaging with them on platforms like LinkedIn can provide you with insider knowledge about the workplace culture and expectations, which can be invaluable during your interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with patient education and preventative care. Highlighting specific examples of how you've successfully engaged patients in their oral health can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
If you speak Welsh, make sure to mention this in your conversations. Even if it's not a requirement, showcasing your language skills can demonstrate your commitment to serving the local community effectively.
We think you need these skills to ace Community Dental Therapist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant qualifications and experiences specific to the Community Dental Therapist role. Emphasise any experience you have in working with children, young people, and vulnerable populations.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for community health and your commitment to improving oral health equity. Mention your professional qualifications and how they align with the job requirements.
Highlight Communication Skills: Since strong communication skills are essential for this role, provide examples in your application of how you've effectively communicated with patients or worked as part of a healthcare team.
Prepare for the Interview: Research common interview questions for dental therapists and prepare thoughtful responses. Be ready to discuss your approach to patient care and how you would handle specific scenarios related to the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hywel Dda University Health Board
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Community Dental Therapist. Familiarise yourself with patient pathways, treatment plans, and the importance of oral health equity, especially for vulnerable populations.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a dental therapist, strong communication is key. Be prepared to discuss how you would educate patients about oral hygiene and dietary choices, and demonstrate your ability to work collaboratively with dentists and dental nurses.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your clinical judgement and decision-making skills. Think about how you would handle specific patient situations, including consent and modifying treatment plans as necessary.
✨Highlight Your Commitment to Community Health
Express your passion for improving community health through dental care. Share any relevant experiences or initiatives you've been involved in that demonstrate your dedication to making a positive impact on oral health in the community.