• Job Description

  Req#: B9832-2526-049?language=en&page=661&sort=publicationDateDesc

  Job summary

  An exciting opportunity has arisen to join our clinical team as a Specialist in Special Care Dentistry. Plymouth Community Dental Services (PCDS) is one of the largest specialist NHS dental providers in Plymouth, delivering high-quality care to patients who are unable to access treatment through a general dental practice. Our multidisciplinary team of over 50 staff includes administrators, dental nurses, dental therapists, dentists, specialists, and management professionals - all working together to provide compassionate, patient-focused care.

  The successful candidate will be joining an established team of specialists in Special Care Dentistry, Paediatric Dentistry and Oral Surgery. PCDS is an integrated community dental service where specialists across all domains work seamlessly together to provide holistic patient care. All specialists are well supported by a team of forward thinking and passionate senior clinicians, junior clinicians, dental therapists and dental trainees undertaking both formal and informal training pathways.

  PCDS has a strong ethos of training and education, all in a supportive and friendly environment. We have recently undertaken an extensive surgery refurbishment programme, to provide our clinicians with modern and reliable facilities, which include an OPG, access to CBCT facilities, surgical handpieces, a wheelchair tipper and a recovery room for our patients receiving sedation.

  Main duties of the job

  As a Specialist in Special Care Dentistry your main duties and responsibilities will include: Providing a full range of high-quality dentistry for adults with complex needs who meet Tier 3 complexity in Special Care Dentistry. PCDS provides treatment on referral, shared care and ongoing care for people whose additional needs prevent them from accessing treatment in general dental services (GDS). When suitable, treatment may be provided for patients under inhalation,intravenous or transmucosal sedation. Treatment may also be provided under general anaesthesia in a tertiary hospital setting, including designated special care dentistry lists, learning disability lists and additional medical lists as required.

  Working alongside and being supported by a fellow specialist in Special Care Dentistry, you will work closely to manage complex patients and help shape and direct the provision of Special Care provision for PCDS.

  In addition to direct clinical work, you will also be pivotal in supporting the development and education of junior colleagues undertaking formal and informal training programmes. You will have protected time to undertake this, as well as any patient related administration within your job plan.

  About us

  PCDS is a subsidiary of Livewell Southwest, an independent, award-winning social enterprise delivering integrated health and social care services across Plymouth, South Hams, and West Devon, with specialist services in parts of Devon and Cornwall. Our teams work in community hospitals, GP practices, sports centres, and health hubs.

  As an organisation with a strong social conscience we are guided by our values,kindness, respect, inclusivity, ambition, responsibility, and collaboration. We focus on transforming services to ensure sustainability, while empowering staff and those we serve.

  We involve the people we care for, along with their families and carers, in shaping the care they receive, striving to deliver the right care at the right time and place. Centering our work on individual needs helps people lead healthy, independent lives.

  We prioritise employees' development, offering protected CPD time, training pathways, leadership programs, and funding for qualifications like the Care Certificate and Nurse Training Scholarships. Our induction and preceptorship programs ensure a smooth transition into our organisation.

  Livewell Southwest values diversity and encourages applications from all sections of the community, including those with armed forces experience, lived experience of mental health, neuro-diverse conditions and learning disabilities. If you need assistance or reasonable adjustments during the application process, contact the Recruiting Manager.

  Details

  Date posted

  15 October 2025

  Pay scheme

  Hospital medical and dental staff

  Grade

  Specialist

  Salary

  £97,768 to £112,360 a year

  Contract

  Permanent

  Working pattern

  Flexible working

  Reference number

  B9832-2526-049

  Job locations

  The Dental Access Centre

  Baring Street

  Plymouth

  PL4 8NF

  
  

  Scott Dental Clinic

  Beacon Park Road

  Plymouth

  PL2 2PQ

  
  

  Job description

  Job responsibilities

  Maintaining GDC specialist registration and hold an NHS performer list number.

  Holding a personal development plan and participate in relevant continual professional development.

  Providing a full range of high-quality dentistry for adults with complex needs who meet Tier 3 complexity in special care dentistry. PCDS provides treatment on referral, shared care and ongoing care for people whose additional needs prevent them from accessing treatment in general dental services (GDS).

  Providing treatment for patients under intravenous, transmucosal and inhalation sedation. Completing Immediate Life Support on an annual basis (funded by PCDS).

  Providing treatment for patients under general anaesthesia in a tertiary hospital setting, including designated special care dentistry lists, learning disability lists and additional medical lists as required.

  Support the provision of urgent care services as appropriate.

  Providing high quality clinical education and supervision to dentists in both formal and informal training pathways.

  Supporting the sedation lead in delivering training in conscious sedation.

  Assisting in the appraisal process for Senior Dental Officers (Band B) undertaking a Special Care role

  Being the educational and/or clinical supervisor of specialty trainees in special care dentistry training programme.

  Contributing to the educational programme of undergraduate dental and dental hygiene and therapy students, potentially including lectures at the dental school and providing clinical observation opportunities.

  Liaising with and providing professional guidance and assistance to health and social care professionals.

  Collaborating with dental care providers within GDS and secondary care.

  Collaborating with the Clinical Lead and specialists to develop the special care dental service.

  Triaging special care dentistry referrals from both general dental professionals and a range of health and social care professionals.

  Being flexible to provide services across both PCDS sites and University Hospital Plymouth sites, as per service requirements.

  Participating in the Southwest Special Care Dentistry MCN and engaging with regional peer review groups.

  Participating in clinical audit, peer review, and other clinical governance activities.

  Completing and maintaining level 3 adult safeguarding training and referring adults at risk via local safeguarding pathways. Supporting colleagues with safeguarding concerns.

  This role involves working closely with adults at risk and necessitates a Disclosure and Barring Service check.

  Job description

  Job responsibilities

  Maintaining GDC specialist registration and hold an NHS performer list number.

  Holding a personal development plan and participate in relevant continual professional development.

  Providing a full range of high-quality dentistry for adults with complex needs who meet Tier 3 complexity in special care dentistry. PCDS provides treatment on referral, shared care and ongoing care for people whose additional needs prevent them from accessing treatment in general dental services (GDS).

  Providing treatment for patients under intravenous, transmucosal and inhalation sedation. Completing Immediate Life Support on an annual basis (funded by PCDS).

  Providing treatment for patients under general anaesthesia in a tertiary hospital setting, including designated special care dentistry lists, learning disability lists and additional medical lists as required.

  Support the provision of urgent care services as appropriate.

  Providing high quality clinical education and supervision to dentists in both formal and informal training pathways.

  Supporting the sedation lead in delivering training in conscious sedation.

  Assisting in the appraisal process for Senior Dental Officers (Band B) undertaking a Special Care role

  Being the educational and/or clinical supervisor of specialty trainees in special care dentistry training programme.

  Contributing to the educational programme of undergraduate dental and dental hygiene and therapy students, potentially including lectures at the dental school and providing clinical observation opportunities.

  Liaising with and providing professional guidance and assistance to health and social care professionals.

  Collaborating with dental care providers within GDS and secondary care.

  Collaborating with the Clinical Lead and specialists to develop the special care dental service.

  Triaging special care dentistry referrals from both general dental professionals and a range of health and social care professionals.

  Being flexible to provide services across both PCDS sites and University Hospital Plymouth sites, as per service requirements.

  Participating in the Southwest Special Care Dentistry MCN and engaging with regional peer review groups.

  Participating in clinical audit, peer review, and other clinical governance activities.

  Completing and maintaining level 3 adult safeguarding training and referring adults at risk via local safeguarding pathways. Supporting colleagues with safeguarding concerns.

  This role involves working closely with adults at risk and necessitates a Disclosure and Barring Service check.

  Person Specification

  Experience

  Essential

  • Excellent clinical skills with a broad experience of primary dental care.
  • Experience in the multi-disciplinary management of special care patients including treatment under sedation and general anaesthesia.
  • Experience of working in primary and secondary dental care settings relevant to special care dentistry including the domiciliary setting.
  • Effective participation in clinical audit, service evaluations and quality improvement programmes. Ability to critically appraise scientific literature.
  • Evidence of relevant CPD.
  • Experience of teaching at postgraduate and undergraduate level.
  • Evidence of training in education and/or clinical supervision.
  • Experience in the day-to-day clinical management of a special care dentistry team

  Desirable

  • Experience of line management and completing appraisals. Experience in constructive feedback, developing and motivating staff.
  • Leading research and/or quality improvement and/or service development projects relevant to Special Care Dentistry. Participation in clinical research. Publications in peer reviewed journals and/or posters presented at conferences/meetings.
  • Experience in supervising specialty trainees and/or dentists on postgraduate training pathways.

  Qualifications

  Essential

  • Primary dental qualification such as BDS or equivalent.
  • Possession of Intercollegiate Membership in Special Care Dentistry or on the GDCs special care dentistry specialist list by equivalence.
  • Full registration with the United Kingdom General Dental Council (GDC).
  • On the Special Care Dentistry Specialist list with the General Dental Council (or eligible within 6 months).
  • On (or eligible for) NHS Performers List

  Desirable

  • Other relevant postgraduate qualification in special care dentistry or equivalent
  • (for example: MSc, PhD, postgraduate qualifications in sedation).
  • Clinical education qualification.
  • Qualification or evidence of further training in healthcare leadership and management

  Personal Attributes

  Essential

  • Knowledge of wider NHS legislation and governance as it applies to dental specialties
  • Communication skills: Demonstrates clarity in written and spoken communication and capacity to adapt language as appropriate to the situation. Able to build rapport; listen, persuade and negotiate.
  • Problem solving and decision making: Capacity to use logical/lateral thinking to solve problems and make decisions.
  • Managing others and team involvement: Capacity to work effectively with others. Able to work in multi-professional teams and supervise junior dental staff.
  • Empathy and sensitivity: Capacity to take in others perspectives and treat others with understanding; sees patients as people.
  • Organisation and planning: Capacity to manage and prioritise time and information effectively. Capacity to prioritise own workload.
  • Disability awareness: Capacity to work and interact confidentially, effectively and fairly with all colleagues and patients regardless of any physical or mental disability.
  • Equality awareness: Demonstrates attitudes and behaviours that recognise and promote equality for all.
  • Vigilance and situational awareness: Capacity to monitor developing situations and anticipate issues.
  • Coping with pressure: Capacity to operate under pressure. Demonstrates initiative and resilience to cope with changing and evolving circumstances.

  Desirable

  • Experience of line management and completing appraisals. Experience in constructive feedback, developing and motivating staff.
  • Leading research and/or quality improvement and/or service development projects relevant to Special Care Dentistry. Participation in clinical research. Publications in peer reviewed journals and/or posters presented at conferences/meetings.
  • Experience in supervising specialty trainees and/or dentists on postgraduate training pathways.

  Person Specification

  Experience

  Essential

  • Excellent clinical skills with a broad experience of primary dental care.
  • Experience in the multi-disciplinary management of special care patients including treatment under sedation and general anaesthesia.
  • Experience of working in primary and secondary dental care settings relevant to special care dentistry including the domiciliary setting.
  • Effective participation in clinical audit, service evaluations and quality improvement programmes. Ability to critically appraise scientific literature.
  • Evidence of relevant CPD.
  • Experience of teaching at postgraduate and undergraduate level.
  • Evidence of training in education and/or clinical supervision.
  • Experience in the day-to-day clinical management of a special care dentistry team

  Desirable

  • Experience of line management and completing appraisals. Experience in constructive feedback, developing and motivating staff.
  • Leading research and/or quality improvement and/or service development projects relevant to Special Care Dentistry. Participation in clinical research. Publications in peer reviewed journals and/or posters presented at conferences/meetings.
  • Experience in supervising specialty trainees and/or dentists on postgraduate training pathways.

  Qualifications

  Essential

  • Primary dental qualification such as BDS or equivalent.
  • Possession of Intercollegiate Membership in Special Care Dentistry or on the GDCs special care dentistry specialist list by equivalence.
  • Full registration with the United Kingdom General Dental Council (GDC).
  • On the Special Care Dentistry Specialist list with the General Dental Council (or eligible within 6 months).
  • On (or eligible for) NHS Performers List

  Desirable

  • Other relevant postgraduate qualification in special care dentistry or equivalent
  • (for example: MSc, PhD, postgraduate qualifications in sedation).
  • Clinical education qualification.
  • Qualification or evidence of further training in healthcare leadership and management

  Personal Attributes

  Essential

  • Knowledge of wider NHS legislation and governance as it applies to dental specialties
  • Communication skills: Demonstrates clarity in written and spoken communication and capacity to adapt language as appropriate to the situation. Able to build rapport; listen, persuade and negotiate.
  • Problem solving and decision making: Capacity to use logical/lateral thinking to solve problems and make decisions.
  • Managing others and team involvement: Capacity to work effectively with others. Able to work in multi-professional teams and supervise junior dental staff.
  • Empathy and sensitivity: Capacity to take in others perspectives and treat others with understanding; sees patients as people.
  • Organisation and planning: Capacity to manage and prioritise time and information effectively. Capacity to prioritise own workload.
  • Disability awareness: Capacity to work and interact confidentially, effectively and fairly with all colleagues and patients regardless of any physical or mental disability.
  • Equality awareness: Demonstrates attitudes and behaviours that recognise and promote equality for all.
  • Vigilance and situational awareness: Capacity to monitor developing situations and anticipate issues.
  • Coping with pressure: Capacity to operate under pressure. Demonstrates initiative and resilience to cope with changing and evolving circumstances.

  Desirable

  • Experience of line management and completing appraisals. Experience in constructive feedback, developing and motivating staff.
  • Leading research and/or quality improvement and/or service development projects relevant to Special Care Dentistry. Participation in clinical research. Publications in peer reviewed journals and/or posters presented at conferences/meetings.
  • Experience in supervising specialty trainees and/or dentists on postgraduate training pathways.

  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

  Livewell Southwest

  Address

  The Dental Access Centre

  Baring Street

  Plymouth

  PL4 8NF

  
  

  Employer's website

  https://www.livewellsouthwest.co.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

  Employer details

  Employer name

  Livewell Southwest

  Address

  The Dental Access Centre

  Baring Street

  Plymouth

  PL4 8NF

  
  

  Employer's website

  https://www.livewellsouthwest.co.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

• About the company

  National Health Service (NHS) is the umbrella term for the publicly-funded healthcare systems of the United Kingdom (UK). The founding principles were that services should be comprehensive, universal and free at the point of delivery—a health service based on clinical need, not ability to pay. Each service provides a comprehensive range of health services, free at the point of use for people ordinarily resident in the United Kingdom apart from dental treatment and optical care.

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