Band Community​/Access Dental Officer

Overview

A Community Dental officer in the Urgent Access Service plays a vital role in ensuring that people who are unable to access routine dental care still receive timely, compassionate and effective treatment when they need it most. This position is ideal for a clinician who thrives in a fast-paces, patient focused environment and is passionate about reducing oral health inequalities in the community.

The purpose of a Band A dentist working across both the Community Dental Service (CDS) and Urgent Access Service is to provide high-quality, patient-centred care to individuals who may have complex medical, social, or behavioural needs, as well as those requiring immediate dental intervention. In the CDS, the Band A dentist focuses on delivering routine and preventive treatments to vulnerable groups, including patients with disabilities, special care requirements or limited access to mainstream dental services.

Within the Urgent Access Service, their role is to manage acute dental problems, alleviate pain and prevent escalation of oral health issues through timely interventions. By operating across these two services, the Band A dentist ensures continuity of care, promotes oral health equity, and supports the wider commitment to accessible and responsive dental care provision.

Hywel Dda University Health Board plans and provides NHS healthcare services for people living in Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire, and bordering counties. We have over 13,000 staff and together we provide primary, community, in-hospital, mental health and learning disabilities services. We work in partnership with the three local authorities, as well as public, private and third sector colleagues, including our valued team of volunteers.

Our services are provided in:

• Four main hospitals:
  Bronglais Hospital in Aberystwyth;
  Glangwili Hospital in Carmarthen;
  Prince Philip Hospital in Llanelli; and Withybush Hospital in Haverfordwest
• Five community hospitals:
  Amman Valley and Llandovery hospitals in Carmarthenshire;
  Tregaron Hospital in Ceredigion; and Tenby and South Pembrokeshire hospitals in Pembrokeshire
• Two integrated care centres:
  Aberaeron and Cardigan in Ceredigion, and several other community settings
• 47 general practices (six of which are health board managed practices); dental practices (including four orthodontic); 97 community pharmacies; 43 general ophthalmic practices; and 8 ophthalmic domiciliary providers
• Numerous mental health and learning disabilities services