Somerset NHS Foundation Trust
Health Care Support Worker-Dental

The closing date is 24 November 2026

Job summary
Are you looking for a rewarding role supporting dental patients across Maxillofacial, Oral Surgery, Restorative Dentistry and Orthodontic outpatient services?

Supporting others can be one of the most rewarding jobs you could ever do. Alongside opportunities to develop your skills and receive support with your personal development, you could play an important role in helping patients feel informed, reassured and supported throughout their journey with our service.

We welcome applications from candidates seeking either full-time or part-time opportunities.

The service operates Monday to Friday between 08:00 and 18:00, with working patterns typically falling within these hours. While flexibility is required to meet service needs, we are keen to support work-life balance and would be happy to discuss suitable working arrangements with successful candidates. Experience of working in a care setting would be advantageous but all necessary skills training, professional updates and mandatory training as appropriate to the post will be provided.

Often, a kind word, a smile, and the reassurance that someone is there to help can make all the difference. Whether welcoming patients to clinic, providing support during appointments, or helping patients feel at ease, you could have a lasting impact on their experience. Could you be that person?

"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." - Maya Angelou

Main duties of the job
This is a varied role supporting clinicians, registered dental professionals and patients across outpatient clinics and minor surgical procedures.

You will help prepare clinical areas, equipment and patient records, welcome and support patients throughout their appointments, assist clinicians during treatments, and undertake administrative duties including uploading clinical photographs and documentation to digital systems. The role also includes monitoring stock levels, maintaining treatment rooms, supporting minor surgical procedures, and ensuring high standards of infection prevention, health and safety, and patient confidentiality.

Following appropriate training, you may undertake delegated clinical activities and support the induction of new team members and students.

We are seeking someone who enjoys working in a busy patient-focused environment and has excellent communication and organisational skills. You will be adaptable, professional and empathetic, with the ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team. A commitment to delivering high-quality patient care and a willingness to learn new skills are essential.

Flexibility is required as the role involves working across Musgrove Park Hospital and community clinic locations throughout Somerset as required.

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.

Details
Date posted: 13 November 2026
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 3
Salary: £25,760 to £27,476 a year
The banding for this post is currently indicative only.
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Full-time, Part-time
Reference number: 184-OL--6189
Job locations: Musgrove Park Hospital, Musgrove Road, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 5DA, United Kingdom

Job description
Job responsibilities
As a Senior Healthcare Support Worker, you will play an important role in supporting the day-to-day delivery of Oral Surgery, Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Restorative Dentistry and Orthodontic outpatient services.
Working flexibly across Musgrove Park Hospital and peripheral clinics across Somerset, including locations such as Yeovil, Wellington, Glastonbury and other sites as required

Key responsibilities include:

• Supporting the smooth running of outpatient clinics and outpatient operating lists.
• Preparing clinical areas, equipment and patient documentation for clinics and treatment sessions.
• Welcoming patients to clinics and supporting patient flow throughout their appointments.
• Chaperoning patients and providing practical support to clinicians and registered dental professionals.
• Assisting with clinical administration, including uploading clinical photographs, radiographs and documentation to digital systems.
• Acting as a runner during minor surgical procedures and ensuring equipment, specimens and materials are transported safely.
• Monitoring and replenishing clinical stock, equipment and treatment rooms.
• Supporting emergency situations and escalating concerns appropriately.
• Undertaking delegated clinical activities following completion of appropriate training and competency assessments.
• Maintaining high standards of infection prevention and control, health and safety, and patient confidentiality.
• Supporting and mentoring new Healthcare Support Workers and students within the department.

The ideal candidate will:

• Enjoy working in a busy patient-focused environment.
• Be organised, adaptable and able to prioritise workload effectively.
• Demonstrate excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Be committed to delivering high standards of patient care and customer service.
• Work well both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Show empathy, professionalism and respect for patient dignity and confidentiality.
• Be willing to develop new skills and undertake training relevant to the role.

For more details and further information about the role, please see the attached job description and person specification.

Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential

• Evidence of literacy and numeracy sufficient to undertake the duties of the role.
• Ability to undertake role-specific training and competency assessments.

Desirable

• A Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) Level 3. This could be a Vocational NVQ, BTEC or equivalent international qualification in healthcare or able to demonstrate the equivalent level of experience
• Relevant first aid or basic life support training.

Experience
Essential

• Experience of working in a customer-facing, patient-facing, support or service environment.
• Experience of working effectively as part of a team.
• Experience of prioritising workload and working in a busy environment.
• Experience of communicating effectively with a wide range of people.

Desirable

• Recent experience working within an acute, community or healthcare setting.
• Experience supporting outpatient or clinic-based services.
• Knowledge of infection prevention and control principles.
• Experience using electronic patient record systems.
• Experience undertaking observations such as blood pressure, pulse, respirations or blood glucose monitoring.
• Experience supporting, mentoring or supervising others.

Additional Criteria
Essential

• Demonstrates the Trust values of Outstanding Care, Listening and Leading, and Working Together.
• Able to build rapport and communicate with empathy and sensitivity.
• Able to adapt communication style to meet the needs of patients, relatives and colleagues.
• Basic computer and keyboard skills.
• Understands the importance of confidentiality and information governance.
• Able to organise and prioritise workload effectively.
• Able to work independently, follow instruction and recognise when to seek support.
• Flexible and adaptable approach to work.
• Full UK driving licence or ability to travel across trust sites with appropriate business insurance

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.

Employer details
Employer name: Somerset NHS Foundation Trust
Address: Musgrove Park Hospital, Musgrove Road, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 5DA, United Kingdom
Employer's website: https://www.somersetft.nhs.uk/

Employer contact details
For questions about the job, contact: Hiring Manager, Alice Fenner, alice.fenner@somersetft.nhs.uk

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