Therapist in Special Care Dentistry

Therapist in Special Care Dentistry

University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust (UHBW) is looking for a motivated and compassionate Dental Therapist to join our Special Care Dentistry team.

The closing date is 09 July 2026

This is a great opportunity to work in a specialist service supporting patients with complex medical, physical, psychological and social needs. You’ll play a key role in delivering high-quality, patient-centred care and helping to improve access for some of our most vulnerable patient groups.

• Providing a full range of dental therapy treatments within GDC scope of practice
• Assessing, diagnosing and treatment planning within your competence
• Delivering periodontal care, restorations, extractions of deciduous teeth and preventative treatments
• Supporting patients with additional needs through clear communication and tailored care
• Working closely with Consultants, Specialty Dentists and the wider MDT to support patient pathways
• Supporting students and trainees as a mentor or educational supervisor where required

• Broad experience within General Dental Practice and/or Community/Hospital Dental Services
• Up-to-date knowledge of preventative dentistry and evidence-based oral health promotion
• Understanding of IR(ME)
  R regulations relating to radiography
• Experience managing anxious patients, patients with special needs and those presenting with challenging behaviour
• Experience supervising or mentoring students/trainee Dental Hygienist/Therapists
• Understanding of clinical governance, audit and quality improvement processes

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including advanced communication skills beyond routine dental care
• Ability to obtain consent and explain treatment plans clearly to patients, carers and agencies
• Competence in IT systems and clinical documentation
• Ability to plan, deliver and evaluate oral health education programmes
• Effective team working and leadership skills, including supervision of dental nurses and students
• Ability to manage time and resources effectively within a clinical setting
• Manual handling awareness and safe patient management skills

• BSc in Oral Health Science or Diploma in Dental Hygiene/Therapy
• Full registration with the General Dental Council
• CPR trained and up to date with resuscitation training
• Evidence of continuing professional development in line with GDC requirements
• Certificate in Oral Health Education
• Training in inhalation sedation
• Manual Handling training
• Ability to work independently and use own initiative
• High level of manual dexterity and attention to detail
• Commitment to delivering compassionate, patient-centred care
• Professional integrity aligned with the values of University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust – Respecting Everyone, Embracing Change, Recognising Success and Working Together
• Adaptability and openness to service development and change
• Resilience when working with vulnerable or complex patient groups
• Reflective approach to personal and professional development

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.

We are an equal opportunities employer actively working towards a diverse workforce.