Somerset NHS Foundation Trust

Dental Nurse - Somerset

The closing date is 21 April 2026

Job summary

This fixed term maternity cover post is a great opportunity to join Somerset's Community Dental Service and make a meaningful difference to children and adults with additional needs and complex medical conditions. The service supports patients who are unable to access high street dentistry and require flexible, patient centred and reassuring care.

The post is full time (37.5 hours per week), although job share arrangements will be considered. For job share, applicants must be able to commit to a minimum of 2 or 3 days per week, with combined cover equating to five days.

Based primarily at Taunton Dental Access Centre, with occasional work at Bridgwater and Yeovil clinics, you will work alongside dentists and dental therapists delivering highquality care. You will play a key role in supporting patients, families and carers during dental treatment that can feel distressing or overwhelming.

Our recruitment video highlights our Community Dental Service: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4q62-Vf0osQ

We welcome informal discussions or visits prior to application.

Please contact Clea Carter, Senior Dental Nurse, on 01823 346116 or via clea.carter@somersetft.nhs.uk.

Main duties of the job

  • Support dentists and dental therapists to deliver high quality, patient centred dental care to children and adults with additional needs and complex medical conditions.
  • Assist with a range of clinical dental treatments, adapting care to meet individual patient needs and providing reassurance throughout appointments.
  • Maintain high standards of infection prevention and control in line with Trust policies, ensuring a safe clinical environment at all times.
  • Support patient safety, including assisting with medical emergencies where required.
  • Work collaboratively within a supportive multidisciplinary Community Dental Service team to ensure care is delivered in a calm, flexible and compassionate manner.
  • Contribute to the effective running of clinics based in Taunton, and occasionally Bridgwater and Yeovil, in line with service requirements.
  • Uphold Trust policies, professional standards and values, contributing to a positive team culture focused on delivering excellent care to vulnerable patient groups.

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

07 April 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 4

Salary

£28,392 to £31,157 a year pro rata

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

12 months

Working pattern

Full-time, Part-time

Reference number

184-OL-GR-4647

Job locations

Parkgate House

East Reach

Taunton

Somerset

TA1 3ES


Job description

Job responsibilities

Please review the attached Job Description which outlines the role of the Dental Nurse within our community dental service.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Please review the attached Job Description which outlines the role of the Dental Nurse within our community dental service.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • National Certificate of Dental Nurses or equivalent NVQ
  • Full registration with the GDC

Experience

Essential

  • Significant dental nurse experience
  • Experience of working within Primary Dental Care and/or Community Dental Service and/or General Dental Services.

Additional Criteria

Essential

  • Must be a car driver with a valid driving licence or have access to transport with appropriate business insurance in order to travel throughout the Trust, to meet the needs of the service.
Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • National Certificate of Dental Nurses or equivalent NVQ
  • Full registration with the GDC

Experience

Essential

  • Significant dental nurse experience
  • Experience of working within Primary Dental Care and/or Community Dental Service and/or General Dental Services.

Additional Criteria

Essential

  • Must be a car driver with a valid driving licence or have access to transport with appropriate business insurance in order to travel throughout the Trust, to meet the needs of the service.

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.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Additional information

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.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details

Employer name

Somerset NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Parkgate House

East Reach

Taunton

Somerset

TA1 3ES


Employer's website

https://www.somersetft.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

Somerset NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Parkgate House

East Reach

Taunton

Somerset

TA1 3ES


Employer's website

https://www.somersetft.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Workforce Development Manager

Erica Boulton

erica.boulton@somersetft.nhs.uk

07771396042

Details

Date posted

07 April 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 4

Salary

£28,392 to £31,157 a year pro rata

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

12 months

Working pattern

Full-time, Part-time

Reference number

184-OL-GR-4647

Job locations

Parkgate House

East Reach

Taunton

Somerset

TA1 3ES


Supporting documents

Privacy notice

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