Job summary
We are looking for a Locum Dental Hygienist to cover an assignment with the Ministry of Defence (MoD), at HMS Nelson Dental Centre, in Portsmouth, Hampshire.

Work pattern: Monday - Friday (37.5 hours)

The successful applicant will deliver an exceptional standard of care to the MoD service personnel and their families.

Hourly Rate - £36.65 per hour

Main duties of the job

• To provide the Dental Officers with clinical and administrative support to enable him/her to achieve his/her primary purpose, including the provision of dental hygiene treatment, oral hygiene instruction and education and any other appropriate clinical procedure as prescribed by a Dental Officer working towards improving and maintaining the oral health of entitled personnel.
• To undertake all activities described in the GDC Scope of Practice. Carrying out work under the direction of a registered dentist who has examined the patient and indicated in writing the course of treatment to be provided. This is in accordance with the Dental Auxiliary Regulations 1986, as amended by the Dental Auxiliaries (amended) Regulations 1991.
• To ensure that not less than 6.5 hours per day in 2 sessions are set aside for appointed patients.
• To comply with all Health and Safety Policy directives and legislation.
• To maintain own appointment book when a receptionist is not available and liaise between Dental Officer and patients concerning appointments.
• To carry out preventive cross infection procedures including sterilisation of instruments and materials in compliance with current legislation (HTM 01-05) and best practice as described in DPHC (Dental) SOPs Chapter 17.
• To manage his/her surgery to a high standard at all times with respect to cleanliness, equipment maintenance (including end-of-day), documentation and security.
• To accurately record treatment on the integrated Electronic Health Records (either) such as the Defence Medical Information Capability Programme (DMICP).
• To ensure that all periodontal patients and other risk categories that are entered on the IEHR are recalled for reviews and annual inspection appointments.
• To collect and promptly file FMed 271s of his/her concern, reporting any appointment delays or FTAs to the Practice Manager, receptionist and/or patient as appropriate.
• To carry out interim treatments (between dental examinations by the dentist), provided that the treatment intervals have been specified in the written prescription. (This is a GDC ruling and applies to DHs working in general practice,community or hospital service.)

Qualifications - Essential

• Must be a fully qualified hygienist registered with General Dental Council (GDC) without restrictions.
• Must hold valid suitable and appropriate indemnity insurance with a recognised dental defence organisation.
• Must have completed GDC highly recommended Continuing Professional Development (CPD) including medical emergencies, safeguarding children and vulnerable adults, disinfection and decontamination, radiography and radiation protection.
• Must be trained and current in emergency and resuscitation procedures and have practised and tested these procedures at least annually in accordance with Resuscitation Council (UK) guidelines and (in accordance with JSP 950 Leaflet 4-6-1 DMS CPR Standards and Training.
• Must have undertaken the additional health clearance checks for clinicians required to perform Exposure Prone Procedures (in accordance with the Department of Health policy entitled Health clearance for tuberculosis, hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV: New Healthcare Workers).
• Must be in date and able to provide certification for Safeguarding Children and Young People and Safeguarding Adults up to and including Level 3 training.

Details
Date posted: 03 November 2026
Contract: Locum
Duration: 22 weeks
Working pattern: Full-time
Reference number: Q0004-42802
Closing date: 27 November 2026

About us
Military Medical Personnel (MMP) is a specialist recruitment consultancy dedicated exclusively to providing locum civilian medical, dental and healthcare professionals to the Ministry of Defence. We are a contracted supplier to the MOD and have locum vacancies on military bases throughout the UK and occasionally overseas locations.

Military Medical Personnel offer an attractive package for candidates which may include the following:

• Attractive rates of pay with weekly payments and choice of payment model
• A generous Refer a Friend bonus scheme
• Flexibility of long- and short-term assignments to suit your availability
• Free uniforms provided (if required)
• A PVG membership (Disclosure Scotland) or an Access Northern Ireland certificate is required for this role.
• Free mandatory training
• Weekly payments
• Assigned an experienced consultant who will support you throughout your application and will continue to look after you during your assignment

All job placements are subject to the receipt of satisfactory compliance requirements.

Please note that MMP is unable to sponsor work visas. Applicants must already have the right to work in the UK, such as a valid visa with no restrictions on hours.

Due to the volume of applications received, only candidates who meet the essential criteria will be contacted regarding their application.

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and requires a Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly CRB) check for previous criminal convictions. Applicants must have current UK professional registration. Apply through our website.