Job overview
The Associate Dean (Dental Specialty Training) will provide strategic leadership, expert educational oversight and national influence for the planning, delivery and quality management of Dental Specialty Training (DST) across Wales. The role ensures that DST programmes are designed and delivered to meet regulatory standards, workforce priorities and service needs, supporting faculty and trainees to achieve successful educational outcomes and progress safely through training.
Working closely with the Postgraduate Dental Dean and Associate Deans for Dental Foundation and Dental Core Training, the post holder will help shape a coherent, future‑focused training pathway for the Welsh dental workforce. As a member of the Dental Deanery Senior Leadership Team, the Associate Dean contributes to the strategic direction of postgraduate dental education within HEIW and represents Wales at UK‑wide forums, including Committee of Postgraduate Dental Deans and Directors (COPDEND) and its subsidiary Dental Specialty Training Advisory Group (DSTAG). They will be an expert and authoritative voice on Dental Specialty Training and the system, rules and regulations governing it.
The ability to speak Welsh is desirable for this post; Welsh and/or English speakers are equally welcome to apply.
Main duties of the job
Provide strategic and operational leadership for the management, delivery and quality assurance of DST in Wales, ensuring alignment with curricula, national guidance and regulatory requirements.
Lead Wales's contribution to UK wide DST development, working with national bodies including COPDEND.
Build and sustain effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
Lead and oversee quality management processes for DST, ensuring robust governance and compliance with GDC Standards.
Chair Record of Competence Panels ensuring fair, evidence based decision making and appropriate management of outcomes and appeals.
Manage the delivery of DST across secondary care and community/salaried dental services, working with local education providers, Educational Supervisors and Training Programme Directors.
Act as the senior specialist for DST in Wales, demonstrating contemporary knowledge of local and national policy.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
You will be able to find a full Job description and Person Specification attached within the supporting documents or please click Apply now to view in Trac.
Applicant requirements
You must have appropriate UK professional registration.
Welsh language skills are desirable
Person specification
Other
Essential
- Flexible approach to work
Experience
Essential
- A minimum of 3 years’ experience working within the NHS at Consultant grade. This experience must have been acquired post Specialist Registration with the GDC.
- Previous experience in a formal educational role related to Dental Specialty Training e.g. Dental Training Programme Director /College Tutor/Dental Tutor and/or other relevant educational roles
- Considerable leadership experience and management experience at a senior level in the NHS with a demonstrable track record of delivery
- Ability to interpret and apply national guidance, specialty curricula, assessment frameworks and regulatory requirements in relation to Dental Specialty Training progression and completion
- A good academic record with evidence of involvement in the delivery and management of postgraduate dental education and training
- Understanding of assessment and workplace teaching in a postgraduate setting
- Knowledge of the structure and working of the NHS dental services in Wales, and experience of interpreting local and national policies
Desirable
- Ability to establish academic and professional credibility
- Experience and understanding of postgraduate dental education in both primary and secondary care settings
Skills & Attributes
Essential
- Advanced communication skills congruent with a high profile leadership role
- Ability to build trust and confidence and work collaboratively with both internal and external partners
- Able to communicate, negotiate and influence at a senior level with both internal and external stakeholders
- Demonstrate strategic thinking and proven management experience with proven track record of leading change in complex systems
- Demonstrate strong leadership skills reflecting the values of compassionate leadership
- Proven ability to implement, monitor and report on quality and outcomes of training and address areas of concern appropriately
Desirable
- Welsh Language Skills are desirable levels 1 to 5 in understanding, speaking, reading, and writing in Welsh
- Ability to establish academic and professional credibility
Qualifications & Knowledge
Essential
- Primary dental qualification
- Fully registered with the General Dental Council (GDC) as a specialist
- Excellent knowledge of the regulatory context and requirements for dental professionals
- Understanding of assessment and workplace teaching in a postgraduate setting.
- Relevant postgraduate dental qualification including Membership / Fellowship of a Royal College in the United Kingdom
Desirable
- A postgraduate qualification relevant to the role (e.g. education, leadership and management).
- Knowledge and understanding of the processes and future plans for the development of dental education and training locally and nationally
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Applying for this NHS job
This advert is for Associate Dean (Dental Specialty Training) with Health Education and Improvement Wales in Ty Dysgu. The advertised salary is £130,751 per annum pro rata. The contract type is Permanent. The application deadline is 14 Sep 2026.
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