NHSCT Temporary Community Dental Officer - Maternity Cover

Job details

• Branch: Northern HSC Trust Area
• Location: Northern Trust Area
• Salary: (See job details)
• Contract Type: Temporary
• Opening Date: 08/05/26
• Closes: Fri, 29 May 2026 @ 4:00 PM
• Interview Dates: Interviews will be held on Wednesday 17th June 2026

Notes

NHSCT Area - Location to be determined / agreed A Trust-wide waiting list may be compiled for similar temporary, full/part time posts which may arise within the next 12 months.

Job Description

Job Title

Job Description

Temporary Community

Dental Officer - Maternity

Cover

Job Description

Temporary Community

Dental Officer - Maternity

Cover

Job Description

The Northern Health and Social Care Trust (NHSCT) is responsible for the delivery of safe and effective health and social care (HSC) services to the population of the Northern Trust area in Northern Ireland.

We provide compassionate care with our community in our community. In order to do this we require the commitment of a highly skilled and professional workforce that meets the need of the service.

The diagram below outlines our values and our objectives which support the delivery of compassionate care within our community.

The below diagram details the values and associated behaviours that we expect staff working within Health and Social Care (HSC) to display at all times;

HSC Value

What does this mean?

What does this look like in practice? - Behaviours

Working Together

We work together for the best outcome for people we care for and support. We work across Health and Social Care and with other external organisations and agencies, recognising that leadership is the responsibility of all.

I work with others and value everyone’s contribution

I treat people with respect and dignity

I work as part of a team looking for opportunities to support and help people in both my own and other teams

I actively engage people on issues that affect them

I look for feedback and examples of good practice, aiming to improve where possible

Compassion

We are sensitive, caring, respectful and understanding towards those we care for and support and our colleagues. We listen carefully to others to better understand and take action to help them and ourselves.

I am sensitive to the different needs and feelings of others and treat people with kindness

I learn from others by listening carefully to them

I look after my own health and well-being so that I can care for and support others

Excellence

We commit to being the best we can be in our work, aiming to improve and develop services to achieve positive changes. We deliver safe, high-quality, compassionate care and support.

I put the people I care for and support at the centre of all I do to make a difference

I take responsibility for my decisions and actions

I commit to best practice and sharing learning, while continually learning and developing

I try to improve by asking ‘could we do this better?’

Openness & Honesty

We are open and honest with each other and act with integrity and candour.

I am open and honest in order to develop trusting relationships

I ask someone for help when needed

I speak up if I have concerns

I challenge inappropriate or unacceptable behaviour and practice

JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE: Temporary Maternity Cover Community Dental Officer

DIRECTORATE/DIVISION: Surgical & Clinical Services

LOCATION: To be Determined / Agreed

REPORTS TO: Senior Dental Officer

ACCOUNTABLE TO: Clinical Director Dental Services

FLEXIBLE WORKING

All employees have the opportunity to request Flexible Working from the first day of their employment, regardless of their role, band or service they work in.

Successful applicants are encouraged to discuss with their manager what Flexible Working provisions may be available in the role they are taking up, prior to commencing employment, to help them achieve a positive Work/Life Balance.

JOB SUMMARY

To provide a comprehensive range of Community Dental Services as set out in the Departments Scope of Practice Community Dental Services to include screening/oral assessments, domiciliary care and treatment of priority groups as directed by the Trust and Commissioners. The post holder may be required to undertake General Anaesthetic assessments and assist with General Anaesthetic extraction sessions as required. The post holder will be required to participate in service cover for annual leave in collaboration with community dentists and senior dentists. Where necessary the post holder will be required to take part in any out of hour’s Rota or arrangement that the Trust puts in place

KEY RESULT AREAS / MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

The maintenance of high standards of conduct in relation to patients, colleagues and the general public.

To have responsibility for the smooth running of the clinic including the health and safety of staff, patients and general public at all times.

To provide dental care for all people with special needs and those members of the community who are unable to receive regular dental care from General Dental Services as described in NHSCT CDS referral criteria.

To carry out as required, General Anaesthetic Assessments for children referred in from General Dental Practice and provide alternative treatments where appropriate.

To provide Inhalation Sedation (IHS) for anxious / phobic patients.

To undertake General Anaesthetic extraction sessions as required.

To participate in annual leave cover arrangements to ensure acceptable and equitable levels of service provision to ensure safe and effective patient care.

To provide special care dental support to General Dental Services throughout the Trust area as described in NHSCT CDS referral criteria.

To liaise with General Dental Practitioners and colleagues in other Health and Social Care professions, voluntary and private organisations, in order to promote oral health as part of overall health and well-being.

To monitor the oral health of people with learning disability, physical disability, mental health problems, elderly people and other priority groups as specified by Strategic Planning and Performance Group (SPPG) by means of regular screening/oral assessment programmes.

To assess the need for oral health promotion projects and be involved in oral health programmes, where appropriate.

To participate in activities relating to the promotion of a quality service, including clinic audit, peer review, risk assessment, extended duties dental nurse and other initiatives as may be required.

To actively involve users in service improvements through mechanisms such as complaints, comments, user satisfaction surveys and user groups.

To participate in epidemiological surveys and research projects as directed by the Trust, SPPG or Department.

To have professional responsibility for maintaining records and submission of statistical returns for designated clinic(s), e.g. General Anaesthetic Database and special needs screening and/or domiciliary returns.

To be aware of and carry out procedures in accordance with the Trust/Departmental guidelines in the following areas: - COSHH, Manual Handling, Radiation Protection, Control of Infection, Disposal of Waste and other related Health & Safety procedures and to be responsible for ensuring staff under his/her supervision comply with these.

To ensure incidents and untoward events are formally reported to the Clinical Director (Community Dental Services) immediately.

To supervise and direct auxiliary staff by delegating appropriate responsibility within his/her control consistent with effective decision making, whilst retaining overall responsibility and accountability for results.

The maintenance of confidentiality of personal health data, including patient records in accordance with established legal and professional procedures.

To participate in continuing postgraduate education or training as may be considered necessary for clinical governance, personal development and/or organisational needs.

To supervise student placements, e.g. final year students, student therapists, hygienists and trainee dental nurses.

Successful applicant will be based at one location but may be required to provide services including screenings and domiciliary care in other areas throughout the Trust as necessary.

To carry out any other duties as may be directed by the Senior Community Dentist.

To participate as required in the Relief of Dental Pain or Out of Hours cover as agreed by the Trust.

GENERAL MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES

Ensure the appropriate governance and risk management arrangements are in place for the services you are responsible for and take appropriate action to identify and manage risk and to maintain safety of users, staff and others in accordance with relevant regulations, policies and procedures;

It is essential to ensure that the highest standards of infection prevention and control are maintained to ensure patient and client safety and maintain confidence in the Trust. As a Manager, you must ensure that you implement all instructions/ policy in this area and that all staff are made aware of and fully comply with these;

Ensure the necessary arrangements are in place in regard to annual appraisal processes, and that you participate in your annual development and performance review, your personal development plan and that arrangements are in place to ensure that you have maximum opportunity to contribute effectively towards personal and corporate objectives;

Promote a culture of continuous service improvement amongst staff, encouraging their participation and that of service users in reviewing and modernising current services and in service development;

Make sure you are trained and competent in the relevant policies and procedures which apply to the management of staff and other resources and abide by these policies; seeking advice as necessary from senior management or specialist staff as necessary;

Communicate effectively with staff and maintain productive working relationships amongst your staff and with others;

Delegate appropriate responsibility and authority to staff in order to ensure optimum and effective service delivery and decision-making, whilst retaining overall accountability and responsibility for outcomes;

Promote a culture of learning and development and facilitate arrangements for and participate in training and development of staff as agreed for the performance of their duties. Where training is in accordance with relevant standards make sure you have the relevant competences in order to carry out this responsibility;

Promote equality of opportunity for all by personal action, both in the management of staff and in the provision of care to service users in accordance with the Trust’s Equality of Opportunity Policy and Equality Scheme;

Take responsibility for ensuring appropriate standards of environmental cleanliness and for encouraging staff to maintain standards in their work area. Have an awareness of environmental issues and take appropriate action, for example to ensure the efficient use of energy and other resources, recycling etc.;

Make sure that you are aware of Trust policies regarding the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018, the Freedom of Information Act 2000, the Environmental Information Regulations 2004 and Records Management and that they must not disclose, withhold, retain or dispose of any information unless legally authorised.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Employees of the Trust will be required to promote and support the mission and vision of the service for which they are responsible and:-

At all times provide a caring service and to treat those with whom they come into contact in a courteous and respectful manner;

At all times demonstrate practice the HSC values of Working Together, Excellence, Openness & Honesty and Compassion;

Carry out their duties and responsibilities in a manner which assures patient and client safety;

Comply with all instructions in regard to Infection Prevention and Control;

Demonstrate their commitment by their regular attendance and the efficient completion of all tasks allocated to them;

Comply with the Trust’s Smoke Free Policy;

Carry out their duties and responsibilities in compliance with health and safety policy and statutory regulations;

Adhere to equal opportunities policy throughout the course of their employment;

Ensure the ongoing confidence of the public in service provision;

Adhere to the Code of Conduct for HSC Employees which aims to guide staff, managers and employers in the work that they do and the decisions and choices they have to make. Professional staff are expected to follow the code of conduct for their own professions as well as this code.

RECORDS MANAGEMENT

All employees of the Northern Health & Social Care Trust are legally responsible for all records held, created or used as part of their business within the Northern Health and Social Care Trust, including patient/client, corporate and administrative records whether paper based or electronic and also including e-mails. All such records are public records and are accessible to the general public, with limited exceptions, under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, the Environment Regulations 2004, the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018. Employees are required to be conversant and to comply with the Northern Health and Social Care Trust policies on Information Governance including (for example) the ICT Security Policy, Data Quality and Data Protection Policy and Records Management Policy and to seek advice if in doubt.

SALARY

£52,536 - £78,798 per annum (pro rata for part-time) . Entry point to the pay scale will be based upon relevant post-registration clinical experience.

HOURS

Hours of duty are 22.5 hours per week, exclusive of meal times, between Monday and Friday. Opportunities for flexible working are available for all staff in line with the flexible working policy.

MEDICAL

Appointment will be subject to a successful pre-employment health assessment.

HOLIDAYS

We offer an attractive annual leave package* for dental staff as detailed below

27 days plus 10 statutory and public holiday’s on appointment,

Increasing to 29 days after 5 years

After 10 years, 33 days plus 10 statutory and public holidays.

*All entitlements are pro–rata for part time staff

TERMS AND CONDITIONS -

You will be employed under the terms and conditions of service for Community Dentists in Northern Ireland (2015)

PENSION

The post-holder can participate in the Health Social Care Pension Scheme.

NORTHERN TRUST BENEFITS

You can explore the benefits on offer to you in the Northern Trust by clicking here

WAITING LIST

A Trust-wide waiting list may be compiled for similar temporary, full/part time posts which may arise within the next 12 months.

PAY PROTECTION

Legacy Trust Staff who apply for a promotion after 1 April 2011 should be aware that they will lose their legacy protection arrangements and will be entitled to pay protection in accordance with circular HSS (JNF)(1) 2011.

This circular will also apply to legacy staff who are currently in receipt of protection and who move post on promotion.

RELOCATION /REMOVAL EXPENSES

Eligible staff can avail of our attractive relocation / removal package upon request.

CRIMINAL OFFENCES, INVESTIGATION AND CHARGES

Having a criminal record will not necessarily debar you from working with the Trust. This will depend on the nature of the position, together with the circumstances and background of your offences or other information contained on a disclosure certificate. Where it is necessary to obtain an Access NI disclosure the Trust operates in line with the Access NI Code of Practice (www.nidirect.gov.uk/publications/accessni-code-practice).

If you require further information or a copy of the policy on the recruitment of ex-offenders or the policy on the Secure Handling, Use, Storage and Retention of Disclosure Information, please contact the Trust Human Resources Department

CLOSING DATE

Completed application forms should be submitted via www.jobs.hscni.net or returned to Medical Resourcing, Holywell Hospital, 60 Steeple Road, Antrim, BT41 2RJ or medicalandseniorresourcing@northerntrust.hscni.net on or before the closing date.

Canvassing, either directly or indirectly, will be an absolute disqualification.

We will review this Job Description and it may include any other duties and responsibilities we determine in consultation with the jobholder. We do not intend it to be rigid and inflexible but rather to provide guidelines within which the jobholder works.

May 2026

PERSONNEL SPECIFICATION

Title of Post: Community Dental Officer

Band of Post: Dental Officer, M431

2015 Dental Contract pay and terms and conditions will apply.

Notes to applicants

You must clearly demonstrate on your application form under each question, how you meet the required criteria as failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted. You should clearly demonstrate this for both the essential and desirable criteria.

Shortlisting will be carried out on the basis of the essential criteria set out in Section 1 below, using the information provided by you on your application form.

Proof of qualifications and/or professional registration will be required if an offer of employment is made – if you are unable to provide this, the offer may be withdrawn.

Volunteering experience may be considered appropriate in particular for roles within the context of direct patient/client care.

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA

SECTION 1: The following are ESSENTIAL criteria which will initially be measured at shortlisting stage although may also be further explored during the interview/selection stage. You should therefore make it clear on your application form whether or not you meet these criteria. Failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted. The stage in the process when the criteria will be measured is stated below.

Factor

Criteria

Method of Assessment

Experience

Qualifications/ Registration

Have Three years post qualification clinical experience to include at least one year working within the NHS.

Registered with the General Dental Council (GDC number to be included in application form)

Registered dental qualification

Shortlisting by Application Form

Other

Hold a current full driving licence which is valid for use in the UK and have access to a car on appointment. This criteria will be waived in the case of applicants whose disability prohibits driving but who have access to a form of transport approved by the Trust which will permit them to carry out the duties of the post

Under service modernisation and reform, there may be requirement to work flexibly to provide an extended hours service.

The successful candidate will be expected to undertake a period of induction and mentoring, which will be tailored to meet their needs and experience. There will be an opportunity to gain experience in specific fields within Community Dentistry.

Induction/Mentoring will be provided by members of the Senior Dental Team.

Shortlisting by Application Form

SECTION 2: The following are ESSENTIAL criteria which will be measured during the interview/ selection stage:

Skills / Abilities

Excellent team working skills

Ability to work on their own initiative.

Good organisational skills.

Good interpersonal skills.

Good verbal and written communication skills

Interview / Test

Knowledge

Knowledge of Community Dental Service.

Knowledge of Professional Dental Standards.

Current Dental issues.

Interview / Test

Value Based Recruitment

Value Based Recruitment is a process adopted by the Northern Trust to attract and select employees on the basis that their individual values and behaviours align with those of the Trust.

It focuses on the ‘how’ and ‘why’ people do what they do.

Candidates who are short-listed for interview will need to demonstrate at interview that they have the required knowledge, skills, competencies and values to be effective in this new role.

In answering the value based questions you have the opportunity to share examples of when you have demonstrated values relevant to the Northern Trust.