The closing date is 1st Jul 2026
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Anticipated Interview date(s) To be advised
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Job summary
We have an exciting opportunity for a Registered Dental Nurse to work with our team, based in Musgrove Park Hospital but also within the Oral and Maxillofacial Unit as required.
This role places you at the heart of a specialist clinical service, supporting a wide range of dental and minor surgical procedures. You'll help create a safe, wellorganised environment for patients and clinicians, ensuring every session runs smoothly from preparation through to closedown.
You'll work closely with clinicians across multiple specialties, providing skilled chairside assistance and supporting patients throughout their treatment journey. Your day may include helping in theatre, assisting with skin procedures, taking clinical images and radiographs, or guiding patients through pre and postoperative care.
You'll play an important part in maintaining high standards of infection control, equipment safety and record keeping. The role also involves responding to emergencies, supporting patients who may be distressed, and communicating clearly with colleagues, patients and families.
You'll need to be adaptable, confident working in different clinical settings, and comfortable using digital systems. This is a handson, varied role suited to someone who enjoys working as part of a specialist team and contributing to excellent patient care.
Flexible 37.5 hours a week, over 4 days.
Minimum proven years' experience is required.
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Main duties, tasks & skills required
This role supports the Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Orthodontic and Restorative Dentistry teams, delivering high quality care across outpatient clinics, day surgery and theatre lists, including peripheral sites.
You will provide skilled chairside and firstsupport assistance for specialised dental and surgical procedures, including acting as first assistant in theatres and during skin lesion removal. Duties include preparing clinical areas, managing equipment, ensuring safe setup and closedown, anticipating clinical needs and taking radiographs such as OPT, intraoral, lateral cephs and CBCT.
You will support patients throughout treatment, provide pre and postoperative advice, monitor vital signs, escalate concerns and respond to emergencies. You will maintain high standards of infection control and ensure compliance with the WHO checklist.
You will use patient systems, maintain accurate records, support stock control and contribute to audits. The role also involves supporting junior staff, communicating effectively with patients and colleagues, and adapting to different clinical environments. Flexibility and travel to peripheral clinics are required.
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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.
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Job description
Please see attached Job Description & Person Specification for further details of duties and responsibilities.
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Person specification
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Qualifications
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Essential
GDC Registered Dental Nurse
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Desirable
Certificate in Dental Radiography.
Level 1 CBCT Certificate
Conscious sedation
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Experience
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Essential
Proven years experience.
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Desirable
Oral surgery & Theatre experience.
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Additional Criteria
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Essential
Experience demonstrating the ability to prioritise workload and manage time effectively
Experience of working as part of a team and using own initiative
Experience motivating self and others in a clinical or care environment
Computer skills or willingness to learn and use digital systems
Willingness to use technology to improve standards of care and patient support
Ability to work flexibly across the Trust as service needs require
Evidence of good literacy and communication skills
Commitment to upholding Trust values, including outstanding care, listening and leading, and working together
Experience communicating clearly and professionally with patients, relatives and colleagues
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Desirable
Experience applying basic knowledge of NHS policies such as confidentiality, health and safety, manual handling and data protection
Knowledge of implant systems and their clinical workflows
Knowledge of complex prosthodontic and restorative dental procedures
Experience providing chairside support for Orthognathic and Hypodontia patients
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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.
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UK Professional Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website.
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For help with your application, contact:
Mrs Fiona Head
[email protected]
07754562659
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Pay scheme
Agenda for Change
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Band
Band 4
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Salary
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£28392.00 to £31157.00 Yearly
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Contract
Permanent
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Working pattern
Part-Time, Full-Time
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Reference number
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Job locations
Musgrove Park Hospital
Musgrove Road
Taunton
Somerset
TA1 5DA
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