Job Description

The Digital Technical Specialist in 3D Cranio-Maxillofacial Reconstruction plays a key role in supporting complex surgical procedures through virtual planning, digital design, and the manufacture of patient-specific medical models and surgical guides. This role is integral to the Cranio-Maxillofacial Prosthetics Unit and operates within a multidisciplinary clinical setting, supporting services across Orthognathics, Craniofacial Trauma, Cleft, ENT, Plastics, and Head & Neck Surgery.



Support the clinical team by delivering 3D virtual surgical planning, including orthognathic, trauma, and cranioplasty cases.



Design and manufacture patient-specific surgical guides, splints, and anatomical models using advanced CAD/CAM software and 3D printing technologies.



Digitally process and manipulate clinical datasets (e.g., CT, MRI, intraoral scans) to support accurate and safe reconstructive outcomes.



Maintain, calibrate, and troubleshoot 3D printers and digital scanning equipment to ensure optimal functionality.



Attend multidisciplinary team (MDT) clinics and surgical planning meetings, liaising directly with surgeons, dental technicians, and medical staff.



Participate in teaching, training, and mentoring of junior staff and students, and contribute to ongoing research and innovation within the department.



Ensure compliance with health & safety, legal documentation standards, and quality management procedures in all technical and clinical activities.



King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is one of the UK's largest and busiest teaching Trusts with a turnover of 1.8 billion, 1.5 million patient contacts a year and more than 15,000 staff based across South East London. The Trust provides a full range of local and specialist services across its five sites. The trust-wide strategy of Strong Roots, Global Reach is our Vision to be BOLD, Brilliant people, Outstanding care, Leaders in Research, Innovation and Education, Diversity, Equality and Inclusion at the heart of everything we do. By being person-centred, digitally-enabled, and focused on sustainability, we aim to take Team King's to another level.



We are at a pivotal point in our history and we require individuals who are ready to join a highly professional team and make a real, lasting difference to our patients and our people.



King's is committed to delivering Sustainable Healthcare for All via our Green Plan. In line with national Greener NHS ambitions, we have set net zero carbon targets of 2040 for our NHS Carbon Footprint and 2045 for our NHS Carbon Footprint Plus. Everyone's contribution is required in order to meet the goals set out in our Green Plan and we encourage all staff to work responsibly, minimising their contributions to the Trust's carbon emissions, waste and pollution wherever possible.



Digital Surgical Planning and Design



Convert and manipulate clinical datasets (CT, CBCT, MRI) into virtual models for surgical planning.



Design patient-specific implants, guides, and splints using specialist CAD software (e.g., Materialise, Blender, Meshmixer).



Collaborate with clinical teams in MDTs to plan orthognathic, trauma, and craniofacial reconstruction procedures.



Support the design of nasal, orbital, auricular, and bone-anchored hearing aid (BAHA) implants.



3D Printing and Model Production



Set up and operate 3D printers for the manufacture of anatomical models, splints, and guides.



Ensure models are printed accurately and cleaned/finished to clinical standards.



Perform routine maintenance, calibration, and troubleshooting of all 3D printing equipment.



Ensure the correct storage, documentation, and handover of finished 3D products.



Digital Data Acquisition and Scanning



Capture digital impressions and scans using handheld, intraoral, and desktop model scanners.



Digitise physical models where required and ensure accurate integration into the planning software.



Manage digital files securely and maintain accurate records in line with governance protocols.



Clinical and Multidisciplinary Support



Attend and contribute to MDTs (orthognathic, trauma, cleft, TMJ, H&N, ophthalmology, dermatology, etc.).



Provide technical input during case planning and surgical planning clinics.



Liaise with consultants and theatre staff to ensure smooth delivery of surgical guides and models.



Quality and Compliance



Maintain and update Quality Management System (QMS) documentation for equipment, cleaning, and maintenance.



Monitor H&S compliance across the digital lab and escalate any management concerns.



Ensure legal documentation is maintained within the Cranio-Maxillofacial Prosthetics Information System.



Teaching, Training and Research



Support the delivery of MPT training programmes and in-house digital skills workshops for dental technicians and junior staff.



Mentor trainees and provide guidance on digital workflows and best practices.



Contribute to departmental research and innovation projects, including service evaluation and audit.



Assist in the organisation of development meetings and CPD events



Service Delivery and Administration



Manage day-to-day caseloads independently, prioritising urgent requests and coordinating with clinical leads.



Monitor turnaround times and contribute to service performance targets.



Liaise with external suppliers and software providers as needed for technical support and procurement.



Deputise for the Head of Service when required and support business continuity planning.