Job summary
We are currently seeking highly motivated, committed and enthusiastic registered dental nurses to join our OMFS team to provide a high standard of care to patients with a variety of complex needs.

We welcome experienced or newly qualified dental nurses from NHS or private dental practices to apply for the posts.

We are committed to provide a variety of training for personal development to enhance your skills and career progression. We support work-life balance by providing flexible working opportunities which can be discussed in interview.

Main duties of the job

• Prepare the clinical areas including preparation of instruments, materials and equipment required for all surgical, orthodontic or restorative procedures.
• Work alongside with Consultants, Specialty Doctors and Dental Core Trainees with surgical procedure under local anaesthesia or general anaesthesia with related training and competencies completion.
• Chair side assisting Orthodontist for all orthodontic treatment and provide oral health education to patients and patient's relative.
• To support Consultants and clinicians in outpatients clinics. Supporting patients for a smooth assessment by identifying special requirement or patient's need prior to future treatment/ procedure.
• Advise, triage and prioritise patients with special needs to ensure they receive appreciate care without delay in all areas.

About us
Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust provides hospital services to a growing population of around 700,000 people living across Bedfordshire and the surrounding areas across two busy hospital sites in Bedford and Luton. Both hospital sites offer key services such as A&E, Obstetrics-led Maternity and Paediatrics. You will be joining a friendly, high performing Trust committed to ensuring the health and wellbeing of staff. As one of the largest NHS Trusts in our region you will have access to a programme of high quality training and development to help you grow your career. The Trust continues to be committed to delivering the best patient care using the best clinical knowledge and technology available.

Our values
We not only recruit based on qualifications and experience - we recruit individuals who demonstrate the behaviours which underpin our Trusts core values. We achieve this by using values based recruitment. We are dedicated to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible for everyone, we are committed to promoting equality and diversity, and creating a culture that values differences.

Please note that vacancies may close prior to the advertised closing date when sufficient number of applications have been received. All new staff will be subject to a probationary period covering first 6 months in post. Travel between hospital sites may be required. Please review all documents attached to ensure you familiarize yourself with all requirements of the job.

Details
Date posted: 05 November 2026
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 4
Salary: £28,392 to £31,157 a year per annum
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Full-time
Reference number: 418-DN16096-KA
Closing date: 17 November 2026

Job responsibilities

• Works as an effective team member with initiatives.
• Manages own workload, co-ordinating and prioritising patients care. Recognises self's limitations and escalates for senior advice.
• Demonstrates excellent communication skills in written, verbal and non-verbal with individuals/ multidisciplinary team about patients care and complex issues.
• Comply with GDC code of conducts, Data Protection/ Confidentiality Acts in Trust and local policies.
• Develop the skills and competences in all areas which are required for the post within 6 months to 12 months. Staff will be assessed and identified for the learning opportunities and skills accomplishment. Regular review and support will be offered with the work buddy and senior colleagues.
• Regular update with the skills and knowledge by completing mandatory training such as Children and Adult Safeguarding, Basic Life Support, Manual Handling theory and practical, Infection control, Information governance and data protection and Health and Safety online or attend workshops annually.
• Continuous personal development on dental CPD to meet with the GDC annual renewal requirement. Individual learning and personal development plan will be discussed and agreed during annual appraisal with Managers support.
• To participate in team building by sharing learning and work experience with colleagues in Clinical Governance Day.

Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential:

• National Certificate in Dental Nursing
• General Dental Registration

Desirable:

• Impression Course
• Sedation Course

Experience and Skills
Essential:

• Post qualification and experience
• Experience in minor oral surgery

Desirable:

• Experience in orthodontics
• Previous Hospital setting

Knowledge
Essential:

• Knowledge of MOS
• Understanding of the need for confidentiality awareness

Desirable:

• Previous experience in hospital setting
• Previous knowledge in orthodontics

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website.

UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website.

Employer details
Employer name: Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Address: Luton & Dunstable Hospital, Lewsey Road, Luton, LU4 0DZ, United Kingdom
Employer's website: https://www.bedfordshirehospitals.nhs.uk/working-here/

For questions about the job, contact:
Senior Dental Nurse Manager, Michelle Murley, michelle.murley@ldh.nhs.uk, 01582718061

Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust's privacy notice is available on the trust website.