Bank - Out of Hours Dentist

Job summary

We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate Out of Hours Dental Officer to join our Bank team within the Primary Care Dental Service. Based at Bridgwater Dental Access Centre, this clinical role focuses on delivering urgent dental care to adults and children during weekends and bank holidays across Somerset.

As a Bank Dentist, you will play a vital role in providing responsive and high-quality dental treatment to patients with urgent needs. You will be part of a multidisciplinary team to ensure seamless care delivery. The role demands a high level of clinical competence, professionalism, and the ability to remain calm and decisive in emergency situations.

You will be expected to maintain up-to-date clinical knowledge, comply with all relevant policies and legislation, and contribute to clinical governance activities, whilst maintaining accurate electronic patient records and supporting NHS dental claims processing.

This role is ideal for a qualified dentist registered with the General Dental Council, with experience in primary, community, or general dental services. You should be confident in managing challenging situations, committed to safeguarding and infection control, and capable of delivering care with empathy and respect.

Main duties of the job

The Out of Hours Dental Officer plays a vital role in delivering urgent dental care across Somerset, ensuring patients receive timely and effective treatment during evenings, weekends, and bank holidays.

The post holder is expected to maintain current clinical knowledge and skills, whilst adhering to the principles of antimicrobial stewardship. Demanding a high level of clinical responsibility, the role requires emotional resilience, and a commitment to delivering compassionate care.

Compliance with all relevant policies including IRMER, Health & Safety, Data Protection, is essential to ensure safe practice for both patients and staff. Ongoing training is required to meet Trust standards and maintain clinical excellence.

Strong interdisciplinary collaboration is key, with the dentist expected to maintain close working relationships with colleagues and link with other health and social care agencies to support patient-centred services.

A thorough understanding of medical emergency protocols is essential, including competence in the use of emergency drugs and the ability to remain calm, decisive, and purposeful in challenging situations.

Membership in a registered Professional Protection Society is recommended to support professional practice.

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.