Ministry of Defence (Defence Medical Services)

Band 4 Civilian Dental Nurse

The closing date is 01 October 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 Tern Hill.

This role offers 37.5 hours per week and all requests to work flexibly will be considered, allowing for business needs, and reviewed annually. The salary will be pro-rata where part-time hours are undertaken.

Benefits

  • Dental Nurse Recruitment and Retention Allowance (RRA) £1500 per annum (pro-rata)!
  • Access to the NHS pension scheme
  • On-call allowance, if applicable
  • An opportunity to be considered for Reward and Recognition - £250-£5000 per year
  • Inclusive working environment
  • Discount fee to access on-site fitness facilities
  • Free parking
  • General Dental Council (GDC) Annual Fees are currently reimbursed
  • Paid holiday entitlement
  • Continuous professional development (CPD) training supplied
  • Career development training available
  • On-site free laundry for clinical clothing & free clinical footwear
  • Defence Discount Card that offers discount in many shops and on-line shopping
  • On site refreshment facilities

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 seamlessly together 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

17 September 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 4

Salary

£26,530 to £29,114 a year (pro rata for part time) *Pay award pending

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Job share

Reference number

K0003-25-0431

Job locations

Dental Centre

Tern Hill

Clive Barracks

Shropshire

TF9 3QE


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.

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.
  • To be considered for this role qualifications detailed must be held in full, prior to submitting your application.
  • Candidates who hold the qualifications but are not yet registered with the General Dental Council (GDC) are eligible to apply for this vacancy. However, if found successful it is a requirement that you are registered with the GDC prior to starting in the post.
  • 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.

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 NHSC4 Service Improvement
  • NHS Core NHSC5 Quality

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

Additional 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.In line with UK Security Vetting requirements the level of security needed is Security Check (SC) clearance.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

This post does not offer any assistance with relocation allowances.

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

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/

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 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.

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.
  • To be considered for this role qualifications detailed must be held in full, prior to submitting your application.
  • Candidates who hold the qualifications but are not yet registered with the General Dental Council (GDC) are eligible to apply for this vacancy. However, if found successful it is a requirement that you are registered with the GDC prior to starting in the post.
  • 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.

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 NHSC4 Service Improvement
  • NHS Core NHSC5 Quality

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

Additional 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.In line with UK Security Vetting requirements the level of security needed is Security Check (SC) clearance.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

This post does not offer any assistance with relocation allowances.

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

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/

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 see the Important Information document attached.

Person Specification

Experience

Desirable

  • A full United Kingdom driving licence to enable working from other 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.

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

  • National Examining Board for Dental Nurse (NEBDN) Certificate.
  • OR
  • National Vocational Qualification in Oral Healthcare Dental Nursing Level 3.

Registrations and Memberships

Essential

  • Registration with the General Dental Council (please include details on any current, spent, or impending restrictions to practice).
  • 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.

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

Experience

Desirable

  • A full United Kingdom driving licence to enable working from other 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.

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

  • National Examining Board for Dental Nurse (NEBDN) Certificate.
  • OR
  • National Vocational Qualification in Oral Healthcare Dental Nursing Level 3.

Registrations and Memberships

Essential

  • Registration with the General Dental Council (please include details on any current, spent, or impending restrictions to practice).
  • 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.

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

Dental Centre

Tern Hill

Clive Barracks

Shropshire

TF9 3QE


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

Dental Centre

Tern Hill

Clive Barracks

Shropshire

TF9 3QE


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

17 September 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 4

Salary

£26,530 to £29,114 a year (pro rata for part time) *Pay award pending

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Job share

Reference number

K0003-25-0431

Job locations

Dental Centre

Tern Hill

Clive Barracks

Shropshire

TF9 3QE


Supporting documents

Privacy notice

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