Ministry of Defence (Defence Medical Services)

Band 4 Civilian Dental Nurse

The closing date is 29 July 2025

Job summary

Are you looking to work in a modern, patient-focused dental practice that prioritises quality care and professional development? At Defence Primary Healthcare, we are intent on providing excellent care in a friendly and encouraging environment.

When it comes to delivering outstanding patient care, our motivated dental nurses make all the difference. We know just how valuable your skills are, so come join the wonderful team at dental centre Merville Barracks.

This vacant part-time role offers 16 hours per week. All requests to work flexibly will be considered, allowing for business needs, and reviewed annually.

Benefits Include but are not limited to:

  • NHS Pension
  • Costa Coffee
  • Free Parking
  • Gym Membership with Pool for £7 PA
  • GDC Fees Paid
  • Agilio Subscription

Main duties of the job

DPHC is a vibrant and fast paced organisation which aims to provide the very best primary healthcare to members of the Armed Forces and other entitled personnel. DPHC delivers a clinical service in accordance with NHS Standards and MoD policies.

The primary purpose of the successful candidate will be to provide clinical and administrative support for the provision of dental care in Defence Primary Heath Care (DPHC) dental centres, to enhance force generation and operational capability and minimise dental morbidity on operations.

About us

Here at Defence Primary Healthcare (DPHC), we are an inclusive and dedicated organisation working to provide excellent care to our entitled personnel.

Our success depends on our people our Whole Force regular and reservist military, civil servants and contractors, all working as one, working together seamlessly to deliver for us.

Our civil servants are a central part of this Whole Force, developing strategy, making policy, supporting ministerial decision-making and Parliamentary processes. In fact, with over 2,000 different roles working across 650 sites around the world, now really is an excellent time to join one of the largest, most exciting departments in government.

The Ministry of Defence is committed to attracting and retaining people from across the full range of backgrounds and enabling flexible ways of working as the norm. We offer maternity, adoption or shared parental leave of up to 26 weeks full pay followed by 13 weeks of statutory pay and a further 13 weeks unpaid, and paternity leave of 2 weeks full pay.

In return, you can expect a department that helps you learn and develop that recognises your expertise and contribution, both as an individual and part of a team.

If you've ever wanted to do more, see more, go further or be better, we have roles in more professions and vocations than ever before. Let's see where your future will take you, together!

Details

Date posted

07 July 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 4

Salary

£26,530 to £29,114 a year Pay Award Pending

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Part-time

Reference number

K0003-25-0310

Job locations

Merville Barracks

Circular Road South

Colchester

CO2 7UT


Job description

Job responsibilities

It is important that you read the attached job description and person specification prior to applying to fully understand all the duties required by Civilian Dental Nurse within DPHC.

Selection Process

The sift will be completed within 10 working days of the vacancy closing date. Interviews will be held on a date to be confirmed.

The selection at sift stage will be based on your CV application, once copied, and pasted onto your application. Ensure you prove that you have the required skills, knowledge, experience, qualifications, and memberships in your CV, max 3 pages.

At interview you will be assessed via the NHS Knowledge and Skills Framework (KSF):

  • NHS Core NHSC1 Communication
  • NHS Core NHSC2 Personal & People Development
  • NHS Core NHSC3 Health, Safety & Security
  • NHS Core NHSC4 Service Improvement
  • NHS Core NHSC5 Quality
  • NHS Core NHSC6 Equality and Diversity

Copy and paste the following link to our YouTube video for on advice preparing your best responses with some hints and tips on answering behaviour-based questions. Hints and tips such as: Your behaviours can be based on situations from work, volunteering or home; match your situation to the behaviour requested and how to use your 250-word limit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YEpdNWKQSRI

Additional Information

When choosing your Behaviour/Technical Skills examples, please make sure you use real life scenarios that relate to your own experiences. Whilst technology may help to enhance your written submission, presenting the ideas of others or those generated by technology, could result in your application being rejected.

Please be advised that the Department is conducting a review of all pay related allowances which could effect on those allowances that the post currently being advertised attracts.

There will be no reimbursement for any travel expenses for the interview.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

This role does not currently hold any line manager responsibilities, any changes in the future will be discussed and agreed upon with the employee.

The Civil Service Code sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/civil-service-code/the-civil-service-code

Applicants who hold the qualifications but are not yet registered with the General Dental Council (GDC) and those approaching graduation are eligible to apply for this role, however they will need to obtain the full qualification and membership requirements prior to beginning in post. Should you have any queries concerning your eligibility, please contact dbscivpers-sgdmsresourcing@mod.gov.uk.

All employees joining Ministry of Defence who are new to the Civil Service will be subject to a 6-month probation period (unless otherwise advised) effective from the employment start date.

Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check.

The post does NOT offer relocation expenses (move of home, excess fares or temporary transfer). Non-Standard move applicants will be eligible for the full package, subject to eligibility.

If successful for this position, you will have to provide evidence of your immunity to Hepatitis B. Please note that evidence of your vaccination is not a proof of your immunity, but your serology levels will be needed. Failure to provide sufficient evidence may result in the offer of employment being withdrawn.

Please note that if a successful applicant is called forward for interview but cannot attend the date or time issued, while all attempts will be made to work with applicants the choice to change dates or times is not always possible.

There is no requirement to deploy as this is met by our uniformed personnel, but you will form the continuity of care required by our patients when based at home.

We recruit by merit based on fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles -https://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk/recruitment/recruitment-principles/

This vacancy is part of the A Great Place to Work for Veterans initiative, https://www.gov.uk/government/news/making-the-civil-service-a-great-place-to-work-for-veterans

As a result of the changes to the UK immigration rules which came into effect on 1 January 2021, the Ministry of Defence will only offer sponsorship for a skilled worker visa under the points-based system, where a role has been deemed to be business critical. This role does not meet that category, and we will not sponsor a visa. It is thereforeNOT open to applications from those who will require sponsorshipunder the points-based system.

Should you apply for this role and be found to require sponsorship,your application will be rejected, and any provisional offer of employment withdrawn.

The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity. There is a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

If you need to advise us that you need additional help or reasonable adjustments for the recruitment process, please contact DBSCivPers-SGDMSResourcing@mod.gov.uk.

The Ministry of Defence is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for its staff. Under the Smoke-Free Working Environment policy, Smoking, and the use of all tobacco products (including combustible and chewing tobacco products) will not be permitted anywhere in the Defence working environment, however, some exemptions are in place, please refer to local guidance. The policy is Whole Force and includes all Defence personnel, contractors, visitors, and other non-MOD personnel. All applicants looking for, considering, or accepting employment with the Ministry of Defence should be aware of this policy and that it is already in place at several Defence Establishments.

For details on our complaints procedure, please see the Important Information document attached.

Job description

Job responsibilities

It is important that you read the attached job description and person specification prior to applying to fully understand all the duties required by Civilian Dental Nurse within DPHC.

Selection Process

The sift will be completed within 10 working days of the vacancy closing date. Interviews will be held on a date to be confirmed.

The selection at sift stage will be based on your CV application, once copied, and pasted onto your application. Ensure you prove that you have the required skills, knowledge, experience, qualifications, and memberships in your CV, max 3 pages.

At interview you will be assessed via the NHS Knowledge and Skills Framework (KSF):

  • NHS Core NHSC1 Communication
  • NHS Core NHSC2 Personal & People Development
  • NHS Core NHSC3 Health, Safety & Security
  • NHS Core NHSC4 Service Improvement
  • NHS Core NHSC5 Quality
  • NHS Core NHSC6 Equality and Diversity

Copy and paste the following link to our YouTube video for on advice preparing your best responses with some hints and tips on answering behaviour-based questions. Hints and tips such as: Your behaviours can be based on situations from work, volunteering or home; match your situation to the behaviour requested and how to use your 250-word limit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YEpdNWKQSRI

Additional Information

When choosing your Behaviour/Technical Skills examples, please make sure you use real life scenarios that relate to your own experiences. Whilst technology may help to enhance your written submission, presenting the ideas of others or those generated by technology, could result in your application being rejected.

Please be advised that the Department is conducting a review of all pay related allowances which could effect on those allowances that the post currently being advertised attracts.

There will be no reimbursement for any travel expenses for the interview.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

This role does not currently hold any line manager responsibilities, any changes in the future will be discussed and agreed upon with the employee.

The Civil Service Code sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/civil-service-code/the-civil-service-code

Applicants who hold the qualifications but are not yet registered with the General Dental Council (GDC) and those approaching graduation are eligible to apply for this role, however they will need to obtain the full qualification and membership requirements prior to beginning in post. Should you have any queries concerning your eligibility, please contact dbscivpers-sgdmsresourcing@mod.gov.uk.

All employees joining Ministry of Defence who are new to the Civil Service will be subject to a 6-month probation period (unless otherwise advised) effective from the employment start date.

Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check.

The post does NOT offer relocation expenses (move of home, excess fares or temporary transfer). Non-Standard move applicants will be eligible for the full package, subject to eligibility.

If successful for this position, you will have to provide evidence of your immunity to Hepatitis B. Please note that evidence of your vaccination is not a proof of your immunity, but your serology levels will be needed. Failure to provide sufficient evidence may result in the offer of employment being withdrawn.

Please note that if a successful applicant is called forward for interview but cannot attend the date or time issued, while all attempts will be made to work with applicants the choice to change dates or times is not always possible.

There is no requirement to deploy as this is met by our uniformed personnel, but you will form the continuity of care required by our patients when based at home.

We recruit by merit based on fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles -https://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk/recruitment/recruitment-principles/

This vacancy is part of the A Great Place to Work for Veterans initiative, https://www.gov.uk/government/news/making-the-civil-service-a-great-place-to-work-for-veterans

As a result of the changes to the UK immigration rules which came into effect on 1 January 2021, the Ministry of Defence will only offer sponsorship for a skilled worker visa under the points-based system, where a role has been deemed to be business critical. This role does not meet that category, and we will not sponsor a visa. It is thereforeNOT open to applications from those who will require sponsorshipunder the points-based system.

Should you apply for this role and be found to require sponsorship,your application will be rejected, and any provisional offer of employment withdrawn.

The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity. There is a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

If you need to advise us that you need additional help or reasonable adjustments for the recruitment process, please contact DBSCivPers-SGDMSResourcing@mod.gov.uk.

The Ministry of Defence is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for its staff. Under the Smoke-Free Working Environment policy, Smoking, and the use of all tobacco products (including combustible and chewing tobacco products) will not be permitted anywhere in the Defence working environment, however, some exemptions are in place, please refer to local guidance. The policy is Whole Force and includes all Defence personnel, contractors, visitors, and other non-MOD personnel. All applicants looking for, considering, or accepting employment with the Ministry of Defence should be aware of this policy and that it is already in place at several Defence Establishments.

For details on our complaints procedure, please see the Important Information document attached.

Person Specification

Provide A CV

Essential

  • Ensure you demonstrate that you have the required skills, knowledge, experience, qualifications, and memberships in the CV section of the application form. Copy and paste your full CV as your response to this question, 'Provide a CV' max 3 pages. NOTE - you will not be able to upload your CV as an attachment. Make certain to refer to the essential criteria, where applicable, as your application may be rejected should insufficient information to shortlist be included. Always use double spacing where possible.

Desirable

  • A Full United Kingdom driving licence to enable working from another local military dental centres, if required. Evidence of indemnity cover for general dental practice, (candidates are strongly encouraged to have personal professional indemnity). Evidence of currency with GDC Continued Professional Development requirements. Be prepared to contribute to the development of staff skills and knowledge. Confidence in using Information Technology. Prepared to cover out of hours dental duties when required.

Memberships

Essential

  • Please provide your membership registration number.
  • You are required to be registered with the relevant professional body, as detailed in the advert, prior to submitting your application.
  • Your application will not progress should you fail to provide a valid membership registration number.

Behaviour Statement

Essential

  • Have you been dismissed for gross misconduct relating to bullying, harassment, discrimination or victimisation from any role in the past five years, or resigned or otherwise left a role but would have been dismissed for such gross misconduct because of an adverse decision, had you continued in that employment?
  • Please respond with Yes or No as appropriate.

Qualifications

Essential

  • National Examining Board for Dental Nurse (NEBDN) Certificate or National Vocational Qualification in Oral Healthcare Dental Nursing Level 3.
  • Registration with the General Dental Council.

Person Specification

Essential

  • Be flexible and adaptable to change in requirements and prioritise
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
  • Be able to use own initiative and work as part of a team
  • Excellent organisational skills
  • Good time management and time keeping skills
  • Be honest, trustworthy, and reliable
  • Be patient focussed
  • Good computer skills
  • Ability to work under pressure
  • Friendly, approachable, and calm manner
  • Ability to empathise and reassure
Person Specification

Provide A CV

Essential

  • Ensure you demonstrate that you have the required skills, knowledge, experience, qualifications, and memberships in the CV section of the application form. Copy and paste your full CV as your response to this question, 'Provide a CV' max 3 pages. NOTE - you will not be able to upload your CV as an attachment. Make certain to refer to the essential criteria, where applicable, as your application may be rejected should insufficient information to shortlist be included. Always use double spacing where possible.

Desirable

  • A Full United Kingdom driving licence to enable working from another local military dental centres, if required. Evidence of indemnity cover for general dental practice, (candidates are strongly encouraged to have personal professional indemnity). Evidence of currency with GDC Continued Professional Development requirements. Be prepared to contribute to the development of staff skills and knowledge. Confidence in using Information Technology. Prepared to cover out of hours dental duties when required.

Memberships

Essential

  • Please provide your membership registration number.
  • You are required to be registered with the relevant professional body, as detailed in the advert, prior to submitting your application.
  • Your application will not progress should you fail to provide a valid membership registration number.

Behaviour Statement

Essential

  • Have you been dismissed for gross misconduct relating to bullying, harassment, discrimination or victimisation from any role in the past five years, or resigned or otherwise left a role but would have been dismissed for such gross misconduct because of an adverse decision, had you continued in that employment?
  • Please respond with Yes or No as appropriate.

Qualifications

Essential

  • National Examining Board for Dental Nurse (NEBDN) Certificate or National Vocational Qualification in Oral Healthcare Dental Nursing Level 3.
  • Registration with the General Dental Council.

Person Specification

Essential

  • Be flexible and adaptable to change in requirements and prioritise
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
  • Be able to use own initiative and work as part of a team
  • Excellent organisational skills
  • Good time management and time keeping skills
  • Be honest, trustworthy, and reliable
  • Be patient focussed
  • Good computer skills
  • Ability to work under pressure
  • Friendly, approachable, and calm manner
  • Ability to empathise and reassure

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

Ministry of Defence (Defence Medical Services)

Address

Merville Barracks

Circular Road South

Colchester

CO2 7UT


Employer's website

https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ministry-of-defence (Opens in a new tab)


Employer details

Employer name

Ministry of Defence (Defence Medical Services)

Address

Merville Barracks

Circular Road South

Colchester

CO2 7UT


Employer's website

https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ministry-of-defence (Opens in a new tab)


Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Details

Date posted

07 July 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 4

Salary

£26,530 to £29,114 a year Pay Award Pending

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Part-time

Reference number

K0003-25-0310

Job locations

Merville Barracks

Circular Road South

Colchester

CO2 7UT


Supporting documents

Privacy notice

Ministry of Defence (Defence Medical Services)'s privacy notice (opens in a new tab)