Director of Dental Education (DDE) in London

We are seeking an experienced senior clinical leader/Consultant to take on the role of Director of Dental Education (DDE) at the Eastman Dental Hospital, UCLH. The post provides senior leadership for Dental Education, supporting NHSE WTE-funded trainees as well as NIHR-funded and University learners. The DDE will lead the Dental Education Strategy, ensuring alignment with the wider UCLH education vision, and oversee the quality, delivery and continuous improvement of all dental training programmes. You will work closely with programme directors, educational supervisors and the Associate Director of Dental Education to ensure training meets regulatory standards, supports high-quality patient care and is fully integrated with clinical service needs. The role includes supporting Dental Care Professional education, collaborating with EDH senior leaders and ensuring governance standards are met. You will chair key educational groups, monitor education quality, respond to NHSE quality processes and provide assurance to the Medical Director.

Responsibilities

• The Director of Dental Education provides senior clinical leadership for Dental Education, ensuring it aligns with UCLH's vision for excellent patient care and high-quality training.
• The role ensures Dental Education is fully integrated within the Trust and Divisional education strategies, providing regular assurance to the Medical Director and close liaison with the Divisional Clinical Director.
• Lead the Dental Education Strategy and Local Faculty Groups.
• Represent UCLH at NHSE WTE and Trust-wide education forums.
• Oversee recruitment, governance and quality assurance.
• Line-manage key educational leads and support Educational Supervisors, trainees and trainers through guidance, pastoral care and effective resolution of issues.
• Oversee commissioned training places, ratify trainee and supervisor data, review exception reports and ensure all programmes meet quality standards.
• Work with staff development teams to deliver leadership training for Dental Healthcare Professionals.

Main duties

• Provide clinical leadership that supports the Trust's vision for excellent patient care and education; ensure Dental Education is reflected in corporate strategy; provide assurance to the Medical Director; ensure alignment between Dental Education and the Division's core business.
• Chair ESG and LFG meetings, support ORE delivery and provide regular updates to the Education Governance Committee.
• Ratify NHSE-required trainee and supervisor data, support supervisors and education leads, contribute to induction, and maintain regular engagement with trainee representatives.

Key result areas

• Leadership of the Dental Education agenda across EDH and UCLH.
• Ensure compliance with GDC standards and alignment with strategic goals of EDH, UCL and NHSE WTE.
• Assure quality and delivery of all dental training programmes and embed education within core business.
• Lead all NHSE-related quality visits, action plans and surveys.
• Support financial oversight of PGDE funding and uphold training and accreditation of supervisors and educators.

Person Specification – Knowledge and Qualifications

• Essential criteria: Practising at UCLH at a senior level within dentistry (including honorary UCLH contract): this will include dental consultants and dental care professionals in senior leadership roles.
• Desirable criteria: Educational research and publication in peer‑reviewed journals. Working knowledge and understanding of use of simulation and technology‑enhanced learning in Dental Education. Formal training in coaching skills.

Person Specification – Skills and Abilities

• Essential criteria: Evidence of theoretical and practical skills in Dental Education. Demonstrated commitment to multidisciplinary working with collaborative leadership and appropriate delegation. Able to work across organisational and professional boundaries.

Applicant Requirements

You must have appropriate UK professional registration. This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service. At UCLH we take equality of opportunity seriously and are committed to being a diverse and inclusive employer, with a culture that creates a real sense of belonging and trust. Applications are encouraged from candidates of all backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives.