Job summary
We are looking for a registered dental nurse with an additional post qualification in OH/IV.

You will be required to use your post qualification to benefit the needs our service users.

As a band 5 registered dental nurse for HCT you will be responsible for supporting the dental team to ensure the service user's needs are met through high quality dental care. As a specialist service for patients with additional needs you will offer a patient centered approach.

Main duties of the job
You will be expected to maintain high standards of clinical work while assisting both the dentist during routine clinical appointments and nurse led clinics , we offer a high level of care for our cohort group.

You will be expected to manage and run nurse led clinics using your post qualification in OH/IV to support and maintain the needs of our patients.

Thank you for choosing to work for the Special Care Dental service within HCT, you will find it a great place to work with many benefits offered.

We provide all the support and finance to maintain your mandatory training and CPD.

We have a vacancy for 3 band 5 roles at our Hemel Hempstead and Cheshunt clinics.

About us

• Our Nurse Lead Clinic Nurses have been shortlisted for the HSJ Patient Safety Awards 2026, which recognise the critical work being undertaken to address the complexities of delivering safe care during times of significant change and ongoing pressure.
• A clear and structured nursing career pathway, supporting professional development and progression.
• Band 5 nurses have the opportunity to undertake Nurse-Led Clinic (NLC) appointments with autonomy, supported by the wider clinical team.
• A range of training and professional development opportunities, alongside all mandatory training requirements.
• Access to wellbeing and pastoral support to support staff both professionally and personally.
• Opportunities to work alongside specialist clinicians and consultants within the service, developing knowledge and clinical experience.
• Opportunities to contribute to innovative outreach oral care projects, supporting the delivery of high-quality care within the wider community.

Job responsibilities
Alongside all routine dental nursing duties, you will:

• Carry out nurse led clinics using your post qualification in Oral health or assisting during IV clinics. As a band 5 nurse you will be required to see a minimum number of patients within the nurse led clinic to maintain your band 5 status.
• You will be expected to assist the dental surgeon in the provision of a complete range of NHS dental care to include treatment under inhalation sedation, general anaesthesia or IV sedation where appropriate.
• Accurately record treatment using the R4 dental electronic system, including charting from the dentists instructions at the time of treatment.
• You will be required to participate in the annual individual performance review process.
• You will be required to carry out other appropriate duties commensurate with the post. e.g school visits, home visits and Epidemiology.
• Your base will be specified but you will be expected to work at any of the Special Care Dental Service sites throughout Hertfordshire to cover staff sickness/Annual Leave/Study leave when required.
• There may be the need for you to sit or stand in restricted positions and be able to respond to unexpected changes of treatment plan. This may involve the movement of bulky heavy equipment e.g. hoists.
• There will be occasional direct exposure to distressing or emotional circumstances such as during the treatment of very sick children or patients with challenging behaviour
• Whilst it is not a legal requirement, Hertfordshire Community NHS Trust encourages and supports all staff to be vaccinated as this remains the best line of defence against COVID-19.
• We welcome diversity in out workforce and are interested in applicants from all backgrounds and ages

Qualifications and Training
Essential

• Dental Nursing Qualification - National Certificate or NVQ Level 3
• Post qualification in Oral Health/Radiography held for a min of 2 years
• Registration with General Dental Council.
• Full UK driving licence

Experience and Knowledge
Essential

• Evidence based experience gained from post qualification
• Evidence based knowledge of IT systems, accessing e-mails, data entry.
• Knowledge and understanding of confidentiality and ethical guidelines

Desirable

• Experience working with adults and children with a range of additional needs.

Skills and Abilities
Essential

• Good communication skills, including being able to communicate with patients who may have barriers to understanding.
• Examples of ability to work as part of a team.
• Evidence of working on own initiative.
• Proven organisational skills.
• Examples of Ability to deal with patients who are extremely nervous and/or phobic.
• Evidence of a patient log to evidence direct patient facing aspect of their role.

Desirable

• Effective interpersonal skills.

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.

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.

Applicants must have current UK professional registration.