Job Description

The closing date is 14th Sep 2025

Anticipated Interview date(s) 23rd September

Job summary

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


We are seeking a friendly, organised and professional Receptionist/Administrator to join our Primary Care Dental Service at Yeovil Dental Access Centre. This service provides high-quality oral healthcare to children and adults with complex medical or dental needs, or those with additional needs who may find it difficult to access NHS general dentistry.


As the first point of contact for patients, families, carers and visitors, you will play a key role in ensuring excellent customer service and a smooth patient journey. This is an exciting opportunity to join a supportive team where your contribution will make a real difference to the experience of our patients.


This is more than a reception role - it's a chance to help people who struggle to access NHS dental care and make their experience a positive one!

Main duties, tasks & skills required

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

Provide a warm and professional welcome to patients, families, carers and visitors. Manage the reception area and waiting room, supporting an efficient flow of clinics. Handle telephone and face-to-face enquiries with professionalism and sensitivity. Book and manage patient appointments, including reminders and cancellations. Support patients and carers with completing paperwork, updating medical histories and understanding NHS dental charges. Collect and record patient payments in line with NHS Business Services Authority guidelines. Maintain accurate patient records and ensure information governance standards are met. Provide administrative support to the dental team, including handling mail, preparing notes for clinics and maintaining filing systems. Liaise with external partners including dental laboratories, GP practices, and community services. Recognise medical emergencies, summon assistance and support the dental team when needed.

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 see the attached detail job description for further information about this role.


Keen to visit the clinic, meet the team and find out more about the role before you apply? We very much welcome informal contact prior to application so if you'd like to speak to someone or pop in please contact sonja.mapstone@somersetft.nhs.uk (07771 742161) or erica.boulton@somersetft.nhs.uk (07771 396042)


Our community dentistry recruitment video, link below, will also give you a flavour of what working in our community dentistry service is like on a day to day basis:


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

Person specification

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Qualifications

#

Essential

A good standard of education with 3 GCSEs or equivalent.


#

Desirable

NVQ Level 3 in Administration or Customer Service or equivalent

Experience

#

Desirable

Previous experience of working within a dental service.


Previous experience of reception duties.


Previous experience of working in a team.


Experience of handling patient payments.


Previous experience of working with patients with Additional needs.

Additional Criteria

#

Essential

Able to demonstrate a good standard of English language


Must be a car driver with a valid driving licence or have access to transport with appropriate business insurance.


Experience of working as part of a team and independently using own initiative


Evidence of working with competing demands in a busy environment

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.

For help with your application, contact:

Erica Boulton


erica.boulton@somersetft.nhs.uk


07771396042

Pay scheme

Agenda for Change

Band

Band 3

Salary

24937.00 to 26598.00 Yearly

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Part-Time, Full-Time

Reference number

184-OL-GR-3146

Job locations

Summerlands

56 Preston Road

Yeovil

Somerset

BA20 2BN