Ministry of Defence (Defence Medical Services)

Band 5 Civilian Dental Hygienist

The closing date is 19 August 2025

Job summary

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

Are you a professional, motivated Band 5 Dental Hygienist and do you want only the best for your patients? If so, we would love to hear from you to come join our supportive and friendly team at Excellent Dental Centre, Portsmouth.

The vacant post is part time working 21.5 hours per week and is a permanent position.

Could this be the role for you? If so, we'd love to hear from you!

Benefits

  • Training and development opportunities
  • An NHS Pension
  • An inclusive working environment

Main duties of the job

The successful candidate will provide clinical and administrative support for the provision of dental care in Defence Primary Healthcare (DPHC) Dental (D) to enhance force generation and operational capability and minimise dental morbidity on operations.

About us

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

06 August 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 5

Salary

£29,970 to £36,483 a year Pro Rata. *Pay award pending

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Part-time

Reference number

K0003-25-0366

Job locations

Excellent Dental Centre

Whale Island

Portsmouth

Hants

PO2 8ER


Job description

Job responsibilities

Duties will include, but are not limited to:

  • Provide dental hygiene treatment in line with their approved scope of practice as per GDC guidelines and in accordance with agreed patient group directive (PGD).
  • At all times, whether at work or away from the workplace, act and behave in a professional manner that will not bring the profession or Armed Forces into disrepute.
  • Work independently in accordance with DPHC (D) Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) Joint Service Publications (JSP 950) Freedom to Speak Up (FTSU) documents and all other relevant policy and guidelines.
  • Ensure their surgery is prepared appropriately for the days patients in accordance with current regulations.
  • Carry out and record daily maintenance, servicing and pre-use checks of dental equipment reporting defects in accordance with current equipment care policies.

Please read the attached job description and person specification prior to applying to fully understand all the duties required.

Selection Process

The sift will be completed within 10 working days of the vacancy closing date.

At application stage you will be assessed against the following:

CV

  • Please ensure you demonstrate that you have the required skills, knowledge, experience, qualifications and memberships in the CV section of the application form.
  • Please provide information of how you meet the criteria set out in the Job Description. You may wish to further include examples of how you have tackled similar tasks or demonstrated the skills outlined in the job advert.
  • Applicants approaching graduation are eligible to apply for this role, however they will need to obtain the full qualification and membership requirements prior to commencing in post. Should you have any queries concerning your eligibility, please contact dbscivpers-sgdmsresourcing@mod.gov.uk

Artificial Intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use. https://www.civil-service-careers.gov.uk/artificial-intelligence-and-recruitment/

At interview you will be assessed against the following:

NHS Knowledge and Skills Framework:

  • 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

Interviews will be held on a date to be confirmed.

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

Please see the link to our YouTube channel for 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. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YEpdNWKQSRI

Further Information

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.

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 therefore NOT open to applications from those who will require sponsorship under 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.

If found successful for this position, you will be required 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 required. Failure to provide sufficient evidence may result in the offer of employment being withdrawn.

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.

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.

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

Access to the NHS pension scheme is available to the successful candidate.

The Ministry of Defence requires all candidates who are successful at interview to declare any outside interests. These declarations will be discussed with successful candidates following the interview process and before a formal offer of employment is made, as some outside interests may not be compatible with MOD civilian roles. This will not, in the majority of cases, prevent employment in MOD, but it is a measure that must be taken to ensure that appropriate mitigations can be put in place to manage any potential, perceived or actual conflicts of interest from the first day of employment.

The Ministry of Defence adopts a zero tolerance approach to unacceptable behaviours, which includes bullying, harassment, sexual harassment, discrimination, and victimisation. You will not be eligible and will not be considered for this post if you have been dismissed from a role for such unacceptable behaviours within the last five years. This will also apply if you resign or otherwise leave a role but, because of an adverse decision, would have been dismissed for gross misconduct had you continued in that employment. Pre-employment checks will be carried out.

The Ministry of Defence is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for its staff which includes educating them on the benefits of not smoking, protecting them from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke and supporting those who want to give up smoking. 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. The policy is Whole Force and includes all Defence personnel, contractors, visitors and other non-MOD personnel. All applicants seeking, considering, or accepting employment with the Ministry of Defence should be aware of this policy and that it is already in place at a number of Defence Establishments.

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

Job description

Job responsibilities

Duties will include, but are not limited to:

  • Provide dental hygiene treatment in line with their approved scope of practice as per GDC guidelines and in accordance with agreed patient group directive (PGD).
  • At all times, whether at work or away from the workplace, act and behave in a professional manner that will not bring the profession or Armed Forces into disrepute.
  • Work independently in accordance with DPHC (D) Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) Joint Service Publications (JSP 950) Freedom to Speak Up (FTSU) documents and all other relevant policy and guidelines.
  • Ensure their surgery is prepared appropriately for the days patients in accordance with current regulations.
  • Carry out and record daily maintenance, servicing and pre-use checks of dental equipment reporting defects in accordance with current equipment care policies.

Please read the attached job description and person specification prior to applying to fully understand all the duties required.

Selection Process

The sift will be completed within 10 working days of the vacancy closing date.

At application stage you will be assessed against the following:

CV

  • Please ensure you demonstrate that you have the required skills, knowledge, experience, qualifications and memberships in the CV section of the application form.
  • Please provide information of how you meet the criteria set out in the Job Description. You may wish to further include examples of how you have tackled similar tasks or demonstrated the skills outlined in the job advert.
  • Applicants approaching graduation are eligible to apply for this role, however they will need to obtain the full qualification and membership requirements prior to commencing in post. Should you have any queries concerning your eligibility, please contact dbscivpers-sgdmsresourcing@mod.gov.uk

Artificial Intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use. https://www.civil-service-careers.gov.uk/artificial-intelligence-and-recruitment/

At interview you will be assessed against the following:

NHS Knowledge and Skills Framework:

  • 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

Interviews will be held on a date to be confirmed.

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

Please see the link to our YouTube channel for 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. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YEpdNWKQSRI

Further Information

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.

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 therefore NOT open to applications from those who will require sponsorship under 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.

If found successful for this position, you will be required 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 required. Failure to provide sufficient evidence may result in the offer of employment being withdrawn.

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.

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.

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

Access to the NHS pension scheme is available to the successful candidate.

The Ministry of Defence requires all candidates who are successful at interview to declare any outside interests. These declarations will be discussed with successful candidates following the interview process and before a formal offer of employment is made, as some outside interests may not be compatible with MOD civilian roles. This will not, in the majority of cases, prevent employment in MOD, but it is a measure that must be taken to ensure that appropriate mitigations can be put in place to manage any potential, perceived or actual conflicts of interest from the first day of employment.

The Ministry of Defence adopts a zero tolerance approach to unacceptable behaviours, which includes bullying, harassment, sexual harassment, discrimination, and victimisation. You will not be eligible and will not be considered for this post if you have been dismissed from a role for such unacceptable behaviours within the last five years. This will also apply if you resign or otherwise leave a role but, because of an adverse decision, would have been dismissed for gross misconduct had you continued in that employment. Pre-employment checks will be carried out.

The Ministry of Defence is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for its staff which includes educating them on the benefits of not smoking, protecting them from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke and supporting those who want to give up smoking. 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. The policy is Whole Force and includes all Defence personnel, contractors, visitors and other non-MOD personnel. All applicants seeking, considering, or accepting employment with the Ministry of Defence should be aware of this policy and that it is already in place at a number of Defence Establishments.

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

Person Specification

Registrations and Memberships

Essential

  • Please provide your membership registration number for the General Dental Council (GDC).
  • Please state if you are nearing completion of your qualification and understand you will have to obtain GDC membership prior to starting in post.
  • Ensure you include details on any current, spent or impending restrictions to practice.

Provide a CV

Essential

  • Please copy and paste your full CV as your response to this question; you will not be able to upload your CV as an attachment.
  • Please ensure to refer to the essential criteria where applicable as your application may be rejected should insufficient information to shortlist be included.
  • Please use double spacing where possible

Qualifications

Essential

  • Satisfactorily completed a GDC-approved Certificate/Diploma in Dental Hygiene or BSc (Bachelor of Science) in Dental Therapy as outlined on the GDC website https://www.gdc-uk.org/education-cpd/dental-education/quality-assurance/approved-providers/dental-therapy-and-dental-hygiene

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
Person Specification

Registrations and Memberships

Essential

  • Please provide your membership registration number for the General Dental Council (GDC).
  • Please state if you are nearing completion of your qualification and understand you will have to obtain GDC membership prior to starting in post.
  • Ensure you include details on any current, spent or impending restrictions to practice.

Provide a CV

Essential

  • Please copy and paste your full CV as your response to this question; you will not be able to upload your CV as an attachment.
  • Please ensure to refer to the essential criteria where applicable as your application may be rejected should insufficient information to shortlist be included.
  • Please use double spacing where possible

Qualifications

Essential

  • Satisfactorily completed a GDC-approved Certificate/Diploma in Dental Hygiene or BSc (Bachelor of Science) in Dental Therapy as outlined on the GDC website https://www.gdc-uk.org/education-cpd/dental-education/quality-assurance/approved-providers/dental-therapy-and-dental-hygiene

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

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

Excellent Dental Centre

Whale Island

Portsmouth

Hants

PO2 8ER


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

Excellent Dental Centre

Whale Island

Portsmouth

Hants

PO2 8ER


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

06 August 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 5

Salary

£29,970 to £36,483 a year Pro Rata. *Pay award pending

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Part-time

Reference number

K0003-25-0366

Job locations

Excellent Dental Centre

Whale Island

Portsmouth

Hants

PO2 8ER


Supporting documents

Privacy notice

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