Job overview
This role is a 12 month Fixed Term Contract
A position has become available for a Senior Dental Nurse within our busy expanding Maxillofacial and Orthodontic Unit.
Prospective candidates would be applying for a position that offers a diverse range of roles within the area of Maxillofacial /Oral surgery and Orthodontics. Candidates looking to apply must have already gained a recognised radiography qualification.
Prospective candidates would be expected to participate in all areas of the department, including but not exhaustive: Orthodontic treatment planning and procedure clinics, Minor Oral Surgery, Pre-assessment clinics (prior to surgery), Xray and CBCT taking and attending to ambulatory trauma patients.
There is scope or development within the role with relevant competency based training available.
If this is the job you are looking for (or may not have known you were looking for) we would welcome a dynamic forward thinking individual to apply for this exciting position.
Main duties of the job
The post holder is responsible for the implementation and smooth running of clinical sessions within the department and outlying services related to the department such as work in a theatre / minor oral surgery setting or a help caring for a cohort of patients with learning difficulties.
The post holder :
- will assist oral surgeon/orthodontist with dental treatment
- will provide pre and post procedure dental hygiene advice to patients undergoing orthodontic, maxillofacial or oral surgery procedures
- will carry out dental radiographs and Cone Beam CT scanning
- will prepare materials, instruments and equipment for specialist practitioners
- will be expected to work as a member of the outpatient team, bringing dental expertise and guidance to our service
- will be expected to facilitate training and provide day to day training and clinical supervision to students, less experienced staff and other members of the team
- will at all times, adhere to the Guidance of Standards recommended by the GDC, whilst incorporating the trust core values within their daily working practice.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
The post holder will need to be flexible in their role, ranging from chaperoning clinics, assisting scrubbing all minor surgical procedures relating to the head and neck and procedures related to orthodontics.
You will also be required to help pre op assess patients for their theatre experience.
Working with children and nursing patients with learning difficulties are also part of the role.
If you want a varied interesting role within the maxillofacial and orthodontic sphere we are looking to invest in you.
Person specification
Skills
Essential
- Ability to work flexibly
- To show evidence of scope of practice and ability to adapt skill set to changing environment
- Ability to work on own initiative
- The ability to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team to ensure high quality nursing/midwifery service
- Effective communication skills / Able to deal with communication problems
- Able to deal with regular interruptions and demands
- Ability to cope with unpleasant bodily fluids and smells daily
- Organisational skills e.g. prioritising/delegating
- Ability to stand/be on feet for long periods of time
Desirable
- Has a working knowledge of an outpatient’s department
- Has had experience in a theatre/minor surgery setting
- Able to communicate sensitive information to patients / Dealing with distressed people
- Hand/eye co-ordination e.g. for preparation of dental appliances
Qualifications
Essential
- GDC Registered Dental Nurse
- Certificate of Competency/Qualification for Dental Radiography
- IRMER training is current and within 5 year cycle
Desirable
- Oral Health/Hygiene qualification
- Mentor Qualification
- Impression taking certification / competency
- Fluoride Application
Knowledge and Experience
Essential
- At least 1 year dental nursing experience
- Knowledge of IRMER and radiation protection
- Able to make judgements based on evidence-based practice
- Identification and assessment of patient needs
Desirable
- Previous Healthcare experience or experience in Maxillofacial /Orthodontics
- Commitment to continuing professional development; with an enthusiasm for learning
- The ability to develop a culture that improves quality
- Has had experience in a theatre/minor surgery setting
- Sound knowledge of current dental nursing issues
- Understanding of current developments in the NHS
Key Competencies/Personal Qualities and Attributes
Essential
- Passionate and committed to bring our Dedicated to Excellence values to life, improving the way we work with each other, particularly focusing on empowerment, equality diversity and inclusion of our staff, patients and service users
- Dental Radiography
- Up to date CPD
- Have excellent communication/interpersonal skills, in particular face to face, verbal, written and the use of the telephone and accurate message taking
- Aware of own skill set and own limitations
- Be able to deal tactfully, in a sensitive and caring manner, with patients often distressed with regard to their condition or with distressed relatives on a frequent basis, both in person and by telephone
Desirable
- Able to prioritise attention to patients
- Able to deal with difficult situations or complaints where the post holder may be exposed to verbal aggression, with relevant degree of sensitivity
WhatsApp job alerts
Get instant WhatsApp alerts for Band 5 Dental Nurse roles in Kettering
Create your Job Clerk account first. We'll collect your alert preferences during onboarding and help you turn on WhatsApp notifications for matching healthcare roles.
Applying for this NHS job
This advert is for Senior Dental Nurse with Kettering General Hospital NHS Foundation Trust in Kettering, Midlands, England. It is listed as a Band 5 Dental nurse role. The advertised salary is £32,073 - £39,043 per annum. The contract type is Fixed term: 12 months (FTC to replace a secondment post as will have to advertise externally). The application deadline is 24 Jul 2026.
Before you apply, compare the job description with the person specification and mirror the employer's essential criteria in your supporting information. Use the vacancy title, employer, location, salary, contract type, closing date and posted date (10 Jul 2026) to decide whether this role fits your current NHS job search. If the employer can close applications early, prepare the application before the stated deadline rather than waiting for the final day.
For more context, review related Job Clerk pages for the same profession, band or location where they exist, then use the application-support guides to tailor your statement and prepare for interview.