Dental Technician Apprentice

Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Information:

This job is now closed

Job summary

The post holder will study for a Foundation Degree in Dental Technology and will acquire the skills and knowledge to construct a broad range of dental appliances including dentures, crowns, bridges and orthodontics. During their training they will assist in providing a restorative and orthodontic technical service to the department, this will include using 3D software and hardware.

The role is a Band 4 Apprenticeship in line with Annex 21 for a 3-year period. (See Job Description) The successful candidate will undertake a Level 5 FdSc in Dental Technology Apprenticeship with the University of Bolton. The University have a dynamic and multi-disciplinary course team who will support the apprentice as they learn to tread the fine line between art and science in manufacturing precise custom-made medical appliances with the attention to detail, aesthetics and manual dexterity expected of fine artists. The University in-class tuition will be delivered remotely with the successful candidate attending campus once a year for theory and practical exams. The apprentice will complete all of the practical aspects of the course within the laboratory at Luton.

On successful completion of the apprenticeship, you will be supported in securing a permanent role as a Band 5 Dental Technician in the OMFS Restorative and Orthodontic Dental Laboratory constructing dental appliances and become a registered professional with the General Dental Council.

Main duties of the job

  • Communicate information on design of appliances to consultants, other clinicians, laboratory manager, other lab staff, students, patients with communication difficulties and their parents/guardians as required
  • Maintain close communication between all staff working across the Trust, but particularly between the laboratory staff, reception staff, nursing staff and clinicians
  • Attend weekly online lectures and seminars etc. throughout the academic year as part of the Foundation Degree in Dental Technology
  • Any reasonable duties requested by the Laboratory Manager/Consultant

Orthodontists commensurate to the grade

  • Escalate any issues and risks arising to line manager

The successful candidate will be required to learn the construction techniques below as part of their apprenticeship. These techniques will help to form further key results areas and inspire personal development;

  • A range of removable, functional and fixed orthodontic and restorative appliances as prescribed within the designated time
  • Sports mouth guards, Kesling set ups, repairs, additions would be required with in the designated time
  • Casting of working models, study models/presentation models
  • Special trays, occlusal record rims, wax try-ins both for complete and partial dentures, Michigan/Tanner splints, radiopaque stents, denture repairs
  • Manipulating digital images, printing 3D models
  • Will be assisted in providing highly specialist clinical technical services.

About us

Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust provides hospital services to a growing population of around 700,000 people living across Bedfordshire and the surrounding areas across two busy hospital sites in Bedford and Luton. Both hospital sites offer key services such as A&E, Obstetrics-led Maternity and Paediatrics.

You will be joining a friendly, high performing Trust committed to ensuring the health and wellbeing of staff. As one of the largest NHS Trusts in our region you will have access to a programme of high quality training and development to help you grow your career.

We have state-of-the art facilities placing us at the heart of cutting edge health care. The Trust continues to be committed to delivering the best patient care using the best clinical knowledge and technology available.

Please note that vacancies may close prior to the advertised closing date when sufficient number of applications have been received. Please ensure that you make your application as soon as possible.

All new staff will be subject to a probationary period covering their first six months in post. Travel between hospital sites may be required.

Please review all documents attached to this advert to ensure you familiarise yourself with all requirements of the job.

Date posted

08 March 2024

Pay scheme

Other

Salary

£25,147 to £27,596 a year pro rata

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

3 years

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

418-PET-025-HC

Job locations

Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Lewsey Road

Luton

LU4 0DZ


Job description

Job responsibilities

The apprentice will work within the OMFS, Orthodontic and Restorative Laboratory Team to develop skills, knowledge, and behaviours in all aspects of Dental Technology. The apprenticeship will be delivered using a blended model including face-to-face, self-directed online learning; work-based learning and support sessions with an identified mentor.

The successful candidate will be supported by the latest Cad-Cam software and 3d printing facilities..

Responsibility for Policy and Service Development

  • Will follow policies in relation to their own role
  • May be required to comment/implement policies and propose changes to policies, procedures for their own area

Responsibility for Financial and Physical Resources

  • Learn the safe use of equipment/medical devices used personally and by others
  • Learn to clean and maintain the specialised laboratory equipment

Responsibility for Staff

  • The post holder will have no line management responsibility

Responsibility for Information Resources

  • Learn to use the computerised management system to regulate appliance type and quantity under construction within the laboratory at any given time
  • Input information onto the computerised laboratory management system
  • Receive, manipulate and store digital images

Responsibility for Research and Development

  • May participate or play an active role in research and development, audits and equipment testing

Analytical & Judgement Skills

The successful candidate will learn a range of analytical and Judgement skills throughout the duration of the apprenticeship which can be applied to the role:

  • How to manage a range of complex facts. Analysis and interpretation are required, comparing a range of options for appliance design
  • How to analyse complex treatment plans and laboratory prescription. Devising new appliance designs where necessary.
  • How to analyse digital images.

Planning & Organisational Skills

  • Plan straightforward ongoing activities: work is supervised
  • Communicate with members of the clinical team when necessary to ensure design and time objectives are met
  • Plan and prioritises own duties and meetings
  • Follow laboratory procedures, giving technical advice as required

Physical Skills

  • Learn to construct simple and complex dental appliances and prostheses

Manipulate fine tools, wire components and materials with a high degree of precision within the time constraints set out by the Laboratory Manager/Clinical Staff

Qualifications

Essential:

  • GCSE A-C/9-4 or equivalent in Maths and English

And:

  • Evidence of Education at level 3, A levels, BTEC Diploma, City and Guilds or Dental Nursing considered

Desirable:

Level 3 qualification in Science or Arts

  • A-Level Biology or A-Level Chemistry or A-Level

Physics or A-Level Art

OR

  • Level 3 Health and Social Care or Engineering or Digital Design or a BTEC Applied Science (MMM)

Job description

Job responsibilities

The apprentice will work within the OMFS, Orthodontic and Restorative Laboratory Team to develop skills, knowledge, and behaviours in all aspects of Dental Technology. The apprenticeship will be delivered using a blended model including face-to-face, self-directed online learning; work-based learning and support sessions with an identified mentor.

The successful candidate will be supported by the latest Cad-Cam software and 3d printing facilities..

Responsibility for Policy and Service Development

  • Will follow policies in relation to their own role
  • May be required to comment/implement policies and propose changes to policies, procedures for their own area

Responsibility for Financial and Physical Resources

  • Learn the safe use of equipment/medical devices used personally and by others
  • Learn to clean and maintain the specialised laboratory equipment

Responsibility for Staff

  • The post holder will have no line management responsibility

Responsibility for Information Resources

  • Learn to use the computerised management system to regulate appliance type and quantity under construction within the laboratory at any given time
  • Input information onto the computerised laboratory management system
  • Receive, manipulate and store digital images

Responsibility for Research and Development

  • May participate or play an active role in research and development, audits and equipment testing

Analytical & Judgement Skills

The successful candidate will learn a range of analytical and Judgement skills throughout the duration of the apprenticeship which can be applied to the role:

  • How to manage a range of complex facts. Analysis and interpretation are required, comparing a range of options for appliance design
  • How to analyse complex treatment plans and laboratory prescription. Devising new appliance designs where necessary.
  • How to analyse digital images.

Planning & Organisational Skills

  • Plan straightforward ongoing activities: work is supervised
  • Communicate with members of the clinical team when necessary to ensure design and time objectives are met
  • Plan and prioritises own duties and meetings
  • Follow laboratory procedures, giving technical advice as required

Physical Skills

  • Learn to construct simple and complex dental appliances and prostheses

Manipulate fine tools, wire components and materials with a high degree of precision within the time constraints set out by the Laboratory Manager/Clinical Staff

Qualifications

Essential:

  • GCSE A-C/9-4 or equivalent in Maths and English

And:

  • Evidence of Education at level 3, A levels, BTEC Diploma, City and Guilds or Dental Nursing considered

Desirable:

Level 3 qualification in Science or Arts

  • A-Level Biology or A-Level Chemistry or A-Level

Physics or A-Level Art

OR

  • Level 3 Health and Social Care or Engineering or Digital Design or a BTEC Applied Science (MMM)

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • oGCSE A-C/9-4 or equivalent in Math's and English
  • oEvidence of Education at level 3, A level's, BTEC Diploma, City and Guilds or Dental Nursing considered

Desirable

  • Level 3 qualification in Science or Arts oA-Level Biology or A-Level Chemistry or A-Level Physics or A-Level Art
  • oLevel 3 Health and Social Care or Engineering or Digital Design or a BTEC Applied Science (MMM)

Experience

Essential

  • oExperience managing workload to meet deadlines.

Desirable

  • oPrevious experience of working in a dental environment.
  • oPractical, art or craft skills.

Knowledge

Essential

  • oUnderstanding of health and safety and cross infection policies.

Desirable

  • oExperience of dental disciplines i.e. restorative, orthodontics, oral surgery

Skills

Essential

  • oSpatial awareness.
  • oHigh degree of precision and manual dexterity.
  • oAbility to prioritise own work

Desirable

  • oAbility to use 3D software and printers.
  • oIT skills for database entry and ordering
Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • oGCSE A-C/9-4 or equivalent in Math's and English
  • oEvidence of Education at level 3, A level's, BTEC Diploma, City and Guilds or Dental Nursing considered

Desirable

  • Level 3 qualification in Science or Arts oA-Level Biology or A-Level Chemistry or A-Level Physics or A-Level Art
  • oLevel 3 Health and Social Care or Engineering or Digital Design or a BTEC Applied Science (MMM)

Experience

Essential

  • oExperience managing workload to meet deadlines.

Desirable

  • oPrevious experience of working in a dental environment.
  • oPractical, art or craft skills.

Knowledge

Essential

  • oUnderstanding of health and safety and cross infection policies.

Desirable

  • oExperience of dental disciplines i.e. restorative, orthodontics, oral surgery

Skills

Essential

  • oSpatial awareness.
  • oHigh degree of precision and manual dexterity.
  • oAbility to prioritise own work

Desirable

  • oAbility to use 3D software and printers.
  • oIT skills for database entry and ordering

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

Employer details

Employer name

Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Lewsey Road

Luton

LU4 0DZ


Employer's website

https://www.bedfordshirehospitals.nhs.uk/working-here/ (Opens in a new tab)


Employer details

Employer name

Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Lewsey Road

Luton

LU4 0DZ


Employer's website

https://www.bedfordshirehospitals.nhs.uk/working-here/ (Opens in a new tab)


For questions about the job, contact:

OMFS Laboratory Manager

Marc Titler

Marc.Titler@ldh.nhs.uk

Date posted

08 March 2024

Pay scheme

Other

Salary

£25,147 to £27,596 a year pro rata

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

3 years

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

418-PET-025-HC

Job locations

Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Lewsey Road

Luton

LU4 0DZ


Supporting documents

Privacy notice

Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust's privacy notice (opens in a new tab)