Job Description

The closing date is 19th Oct 2025

Job summary

---------------


We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate Out of Hours Dental Officer to join our Bank team within the Primary Care Dental Service. Based at Bridgwater Dental Access Centre, this clinical role focuses on delivering urgent dental care to adults and children during weekends and bank holidays across Somerset.


As a Bank Dentist, you will play a vital role in providing responsive and high-quality dental treatment to patients with urgent needs. You will be part of a multidisciplinary team to ensure seamless care delivery. The role demands a high level of clinical competence, professionalism, and the ability to remain calm and decisive in emergency situations.


You will be expected to maintain up-to-date clinical knowledge, comply with all relevant policies and legislation, and contribute to clinical governance activities, whilst maintaining accurate electronic patient records and supporting NHS dental claims processing.


This role is ideal for a qualified dentist registered with the General Dental Council, with experience in primary, community, or general dental services. You should be confident in managing challenging situations, committed to safeguarding and infection control, and capable of delivering care with empathy and respect.

Main duties, tasks & skills required

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The Out of Hours Dental Officer plays a vital role in delivering urgent dental care across Somerset, ensuring patients receive timely and effective treatment during evenings, weekends, and bank holidays.


The post holder is expected to maintain current clinical knowledge and skills, whilst adhering to the principles of antimicrobial stewardship. Demanding a high level of clinical responsibility, the role requires emotional resilience, and a commitment to delivering compassionate care.


Compliance with all relevant policies including IRMER, Health & Safety, Data Protection, is essential to ensure safe practice for both patients and staff. Ongoing training is required to meet Trust standards and maintain clinical excellence.


Strong interdisciplinary collaboration is key, with the dentist expected to maintain close working relationships with colleagues and link with other health and social care agencies to support patient-centred services.


A thorough understanding of medical emergency protocols is essential, including competence in the use of emergency drugs and the ability to remain calm, decisive, and purposeful in challenging situations.


Membership in a registered Professional Protection Society is recommended to support professional practice.

About us

------------


At

Somerset NHS Foundation Trust

, we're committed to supporting our employees with a range of benefits designed to enhance your professional and personal life. We offer:

Flexible working options

to help you balance work and life

NHS pension scheme

for long-term financial security

Generous annual leave allowance

to recharge and relax A strong focus on

career development

to help you grow and achieve your potential

Additionally, you'll gain access to our

Blue Light Card

, unlocking exclusive discounts on shopping, dining, and leisure activities, as well as NHS-specific perks to support you both inside and outside of work.


We are proud to foster a

diverse, skilled, and inclusive workforce

, and we encourage applications from all backgrounds.

Why Somerset?

Somerset offers the perfect blend of

idyllic countryside, outstanding areas of natural beauty

, and

breathtaking coastlines

, with vibrant cities like

Bristol

,

Bath

, and

Exeter

just a short drive away - and only two hours to

London

.


The region is home to excellent

educational facilities

, and with affordable housing compared to other parts of the country, it's a great place to build both your career and your future.

Somerset truly has it all

- the peaceful countryside and cosmopolitan city life, with something for everyone to enjoy.

Job description

-------------------


Please refer to our job description to find out more details on this role, and take a look at our community dentistry video (link below) to see the service you would be part of:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4q62-Vf0osQ


We welcome informal discussion or visits prior to application; should you wish to get in touch please contact Donna Chillingworth 07585 101817 -donna.chillingworth@somersetft.nhs.uk

Person specification

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Qualifications

#

Essential

Registration with General Dental Council (GDC)


BDS or equivalent


Full registration with the GDC


Vocational training or equivalent


To be on NHS England's National Primary Care Performers List

Experience

#

Essential

Experience of working within Primary Dental Care and/or Community Dental Service and/or General Dental Services, with broad clinical experience

Additional Criteria

#

Essential

Ability to recognise and manage medical emergencies, and challenging situations in a calm and professional manner.


Compassionate - Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate effectively with staff, patients, carers and relatives (as appropriate), remaining sensitive and empathetic.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

UK Professional Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website.

For help with your application, contact:

Erica Boulton


erica.boulton@somersetft.nhs.uk


07771396042

Pay scheme

Hospital Medical and Dental

Band

Doctor - Other

Salary

220.00 to 300.00 per Session

Contract

Bank

Working pattern

Part-Time

Reference number

184-OL-BA-3272

Job locations

Community Dental Bridgwater

2-4 Taunton Road

Bridgwater

Somerset

TA6 3LS