Salary (AFC Band 5 Annex 21 – 2026/27):
- Year 1: 65% of top Band 5 – £25,377.95
- Year 2: 70% of top Band 5 – £27,330.10
We are looking for a motivated, enthusiastic and reliable individual to join the Head & Neck Laboratory service as an Apprentice Dental Technician. This is an excellent opportunity to begin a career in dental technology within a supportive NHS specialist team, while studying for the FdSc Foundation Degree in Dental Technology with the University of Greater Manchester.
The post holder will work alongside experienced Dental Technicians to develop the skills, knowledge and behaviours required to design, construct, repair and quality assure a broad range of custom-made dental, orthodontic and maxillofacial appliances. This will include practical laboratory work, digital workflows, clerical duties and supervised technical activity that supports high-quality patient care.
Dental technology sits between healthcare, science, digital design and practical making. The successful candidate will learn to manufacture precise custom-made appliances, developing the attention to detail, aesthetics and manual dexterity needed to support patients' oral function, appearance, treatment, rehabilitation and confidence.
This role would suit someone with an interest in healthcare, science, digital technology, design, making, problem-solving and practical hands-on work. The successful candidate will be enthusiastic, reliable and keen to learn and develop a career in dental technology. Strong manual dexterity, organisational skills and attention to detail are essential
- Construct basic dental and orthodontic appliances, devices and models from clinical prescriptions under supervision and after appropriate training.
- Support the manufacture, repair and quality assurance of custom-made dental, orthodontic and maxillofacial appliances.
- Gain experience across the main disciplines of dental technology, including prosthetics, crown and bridge, and orthodontics.
- Use a range of materials, equipment, 3D software and digital hardware as part of developing laboratory and digital dental technology skills.
- Assist in the day-to-day running, care and cleanliness of the laboratory, including cleaning and maintaining laboratory equipment.
- Carry out clerical duties when required, including packaging and posting laboratory work, processing documentation, entering and retrieving information on IT systems, and assisting with the recording of laboratory work.
- Observe health and safety regulations, current codes of practice and COSHH requirements, including safe working around fumes, chemicals, vibrations and long periods of focused practical work.
- Work within departmental procedures and guidelines to support a high standard of service to patients, staff and Trust departments.
NCIC aims to deliver outstanding healthcare for the people of North Cumbria, with a commitment to excellence in rural and remote care. Our services span community and acute settings, guided by five principles: being clinically led, prioritising quality and safety, ensuring a positive patient experience, creating a great workplace, and managing resources responsibly.
We value a diverse workforce that reflects our community and fosters inclusion and compassion. As part of the North East and North Cumbria region, we support the ambition to become England’s greenest area by 2030.
The Head & Neck Laboratory at the Cumberland Infirmary is a specialist dental laboratory supporting Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Orthodontics. Working closely with clinical teams—including ENT, Speech and Language Therapy and General Surgery—the lab produces custom-made appliances such as orthodontic devices, surgical models, splints, mouthguards and other bespoke items essential to patient care and rehabilitation.
Orthodontic services are also provided at West Cumberland Hospital, with the laboratory supporting both sites. This is an exciting time to join the team as we expand digital workflows, including intraoral scanning, 3D scanning, digital design and 3D printing, shaping the future of dental technology.
Please see attached job description and person specification for further information regarding the role and the essential and desirable criteria required to be met by applicants.
CERTIFICATE OF SPONSORSHIP:
Please note, due to changes implemented by the Government to the UK immigration policy, individuals who require a Health and Care Visa or a Skilled Worker Visa may no longer be eligible for sponsorship where the UKVI salary threshold is not met or if the occupation is not included in the updated Immigration Salary List (ISL). Applicants must check their eligibility to be employed in any role they are interested in applying for, prior to completing an application for employment. Any applicants who do not meet the eligibility criteria will not be progressed. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
If you are applying under the Disability Confident Scheme or Armed Forces Covenant and you meet all the essential criteria for a post, you will be guaranteed an interview.
Relocation assistance may be available for successful applicants moving to the region for certain posts. Please see our Policy for eligible vacancies.
AHP - Return to Practice Job Advert information. This role may be suitable for individuals Returning to Practice. Please speak to the recruiting manager for more information.
Disclosure and Barring Service:
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.
The cost of the DBS must be met by the successful candidate(s) through salary deduction. DBS charges are as follows if applicable to the post:
Standard Check: £21.50 + Administration cost of £6.50 = £28.00 Deducted from salary over a 4 month period or a one-off payment.
Enhanced Check: £49.50 + administration cost of £6.50 = £56.00 Deducted from salary over a 4 month period or a one-off payment.
NCIC can offer successful future employees the following benefits:
27-day holiday scheme rising to 33 after 10 years
Flexible working Scheme
NHS Discounts*
Salary Sacrifice schemes including lease cars and Cycle to Work*
Excellent opportunities for development*
Competitive NHS Pension scheme
Vivup is a free, confidential counselling and information service to assist with personal or work-related problems
Important Information:
Please ensure that you document evidence of meeting all the essential criteria in the supporting information.
If sufficient response is received this post could be closed earlier than the specified closing date, please apply as soon as possible to ensure that your application is considered.
Candidates who have been successfully shortlisted for interview will be asked via an email notification to log on to their Trac account to select an interview time. This will usually be within 2 weeks of the closing date.
