At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a supportive dental team and provide NHS dental care to diverse patients.
- Company: Plymouth Community Dental Services, known for its friendly and forward-thinking culture.
- Benefits: Fully funded training, mentorship in sedation, and career progression opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic role with tailored development support and a chance to work with specialists.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience while making a real difference in community dental care.
- Qualifications: Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) or equivalent, with current GDC registration.
The predicted salary is between 29970 - 36483 £ per year.
An exciting opportunity has arisen to join our friendly, supportive and forward thinking community dental team. This post is aimed at dentists looking to gain experience and skills within the CDS, while being fully supported by senior dentists and specialists. It is an informal development post which can be tailored to meet individual needs. We offer full support for education and training, including fully funded training and mentorship in sedation. Candidates wishing to pursue DCT1 or 2 may be supported through equivalence and submission of a portfolio of evidence. The role is offered as a 2 year fixed term. Previous holders have progressed to careers within the CDS, general practice or specialist training.
Public services provided by Plymouth Community Dental Services (PCDS) include Oral Surgery; Paediatric Dentistry – Routine and Special Care; Special Care Dentistry for Adults. Treatment is also offered under sedation and general anaesthesia in partnership with University Hospitals Plymouth.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will provide a full range of NHS dental care with support where required to Routine and Special Care Paediatrics, Special Care Adult patients. The post will also involve gaining experience in carrying out treatment under sedation and general anaesthesia.
Job responsibilities
- Carry out routine and special care dento‑paediatric treatments.
- Manage special care adult patient care.
- Assist or perform minor oral surgery.
- Develop skills under guidance of specialist clinicians in MOS, Special Care, and Paediatrics.
- Undertake conscious sedation and GA procedures within secondary care settings.
Person Specification
- Qualifications
- Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) or equivalent.
- Current GDC registration without restrictions.
- NHS performer number.
- Evidence of CPD and a current Personal Development Plan.
- MFDS (or equivalent) or working towards this.
- Personal Attributes
- Able to work independently and as part of a wider team.
- Maintain good working relationships with colleagues.
- Uphold professional standards.
- Work under pressure and prioritise workloads.
- Kind and compassionate.
- Appreciate cultural and ethnic diversity.
- Ability to appraise and reflect on own practice.
- Adaptable to change.
- Experience
- Experience in providing NHS dental care.
- Demonstrable excellent clinical skills.
- Computer and IT literate, familiar with dental software programmes and digital radiographs.
- Experience treating children and adults.
- Additional experience of minor oral surgery.
- Experience dealing with medically compromised patients.
- Participation in clinical audit.
- Previous use of Dentally software.
Livewell Southwest values diversity and encourages applications from all sections of the community, including those with armed forces experience, lived experience of mental health, neuro‑diverse conditions and learning disabilities.
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and requires a submission for Disclosure to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Community Dentist Developmental Trainee in Plymouth employer: Livewell Southwest
Plymouth Community Dental Services (PCDS) is an exceptional employer that prioritises the professional growth of its staff through tailored development opportunities and comprehensive mentorship. Our supportive work culture fosters collaboration among a diverse team, ensuring that you receive the guidance needed to excel in your dental career while making a meaningful impact on the community. With fully funded training and a commitment to diversity, PCDS offers a rewarding environment for those looking to advance their skills in a dynamic setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Community Dentist Developmental Trainee in Plymouth
✨Tap into University Networks
If you're on the hunt for a trainee position in dentistry, make sure you're getting involved with your university’s dental society or student associations. They often host events and have connections with local practices that are looking for trainees. Plus, it's a great way to meet seasoned pros who can give you a leg up.
✨Shadow and Gain Experience
Don’t underestimate the power of getting some hands-on experience. Reach out to local clinics or dental practices to see if you can shadow a dentist or even assist with basic tasks. This not only gives you practical insights but also helps you build relationships that could lead to a trainee role at some point.
✨Utilise Social Media Wisely
Follow dental professionals and organisations on platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn. Engage with their content and share your own experiences or learning journeys. You never know who might notice you and reach out with trainee opportunities!
✨Attend Local Dental Events
Keep an eye on local dental conventions and workshops. These events are goldmines for networking and learning about the field. They often feature practices looking to recruit trainees, so make sure you're out there meeting people and handing out your details. We’d even recommend applying through our website once you find a clinic you want to work with!
We think you need these skills to ace Community Dentist Developmental Trainee in Plymouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Dentistry:In your cover letter, don’t hold back on expressing why you’re passionate about dentistry. Talk about what sparked your interest, whether it’s helping people achieve a healthy smile, or your fascination with oral health. This enthusiasm can really set you apart from other applicants!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Even if you haven't worked in a dental practice yet, include any relevant experience you have—like volunteer work or shadowing dentists. If you've worked in customer service or health-related fields, mention those skills too! They show you're ready to interact with and comfort patients.
Get Specific with Your CV:When crafting your CV, make sure to list any relevant academic achievements, certifications, or coursework related to dental health. If you've taken any extra training or workshops, add those in. A clear and tailored CV helps us understand your journey in dentistry!
Let Your Personality Shine:As a trainee, we want to see the real you! Use your cover letter to share your personality and showcase your soft skills. Being a dentist is not just about knowing procedures; it’s also about building rapport with patients. Let us see how you connect with people and handle challenges!
How to prepare for a job interview at Livewell Southwest
✨Brush Up on Clinical Skills
You’ll likely face questions about your basic clinical skills – practice makes perfect! Be ready to discuss specific procedures you've learned, ideally with examples from your training. Think about how you’ve applied these skills in a practical setting, as this can help showcase your readiness for a trainee role.
✨Know Your Tools
Familiarise yourself with the dental tools you’ve been learning about. You might be asked to describe their uses or to even demonstrate knowledge about specific techniques. Use this opportunity to highlight any hands-on experience you’ve had during your training at Livewell Southwest.
✨Show Your Enthusiasm for Learning
As a trainee, your eagerness to learn is crucial! Be prepared to talk about what excites you about the field of dentistry. Share any recent trends or developments you’re following, as it shows you’re engaged and committed to your growth, particularly important at a place like Livewell Southwest.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
You might get asked how you've handled stress or difficult situations—this is important in the fast-paced dental environment! Think of examples that highlight your teamwork, problem-solving skills, and ability to cope in high-pressure scenarios. This will help the interviewers see you as a capable addition to their team!
