Community Dental Therapist

We are seeking a dedicated Community Dental Therapist to join our team in Carmarthenshire, providing high-quality dental care aimed at preventing and treating oral health issues, particularly among children, young people, and vulnerable populations. You will work closely with dentists and dental nurses to ensure comprehensive patient care. The ideal candidate will hold recognised professional qualifications in dental therapy, demonstrate strong communication skills, and be committed to improving oral health equity across the community.

This is an excellent opportunity for a compassionate dental professional passionate about making a meaningful impact on community health through patient education and direct treatment.

Apply knowledge and understanding of patient pathways to deliver best practice within the Community Dental Service.

Work under Direct Access arrangements and operate Health Board Patient Group Directives (PGDs).

Comply with the GDC code of conduct, standards of performance, ethics of the dental team and core CPD requirements.

Maintain accurate and relevant treatment plans in accordance with the GDC scope of practice.

Assess the individual client intervention and adjust care plans to achieve the desirable outcome.

Exercise ongoing assessment including consent, medical and social history and update systems as appropriate. Exercise discretion by modifying the treatment plan, such as carrying out additional treatment if necessary, providing it falls within the permitted scope of practice.

Provide preventative advice, dietary counselling and oral hygiene instructions

Maintain patients' records in accordance with Hywel Dda Health Board policies and the GDC scope of practice.

The ability to speak Welsh is desirable for this post;
English and/or Welsh speakers are equally welcome to apply.

Hywel Dda University Health Board plans and provides NHS healthcare services for people living in Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire, and bordering counties.

We have over 13,000 staff and together we provide primary, community, in-hospital, mental health and learning disabilities services.

We work in partnership with the three local authorities, as well as public, private and third sector colleagues, including our valued team of volunteers.

Our services are provided in:

• Four main hospitals:
  Bronglais Hospital in Aberystwyth;
  Glangwili Hospital in Carmarthen;
  Prince Philip Hospital in Llanelli; and Withybush Hospital in Haverfordwest
• Five community hospitals:
  Amman Valley and Llandovery hospitals in Carmarthenshire;
  Tregaron Hospital in Ceredigion; and Tenby and South Pembrokeshire hospitals in Pembrokeshire
• Two integrated care centres:
  Aberaeron and Cardigan in Ceredigion, and several other community settings
• 47 general practices (six of which are health board managed practices); dental practices (including four orthodontic); 97 community pharmacies; 43 general ophthalmic practices; and 8 ophthalmic domiciliary providers
• Numerous mental health and learning disabilities services

You will be able to find a full job description and person specification attached within the supporting documents.

The Health Board is committed to supporting its staff to fully embrace the need for bilingualism thereby enhancing patient and service user experiences. In our commitment to increase the number of staff who are able to communicate in Welsh with patients and professionals, we welcome applications from Welsh speakers.

The ability to communicate in Welsh is desirable for this post. If you do not meet the Welsh Language requirements specified, the Health Board offers a variety of learning options and staff support to help you meet these minimal desirable requirements during the course of your employment with us.

Interviews will be held on 18/03/2026

• Degree/Diploma in Dental Therapy & Hygiene
• Post Graduate certificate in at least one extended duty in dental therapy (e.g. Health promotion, special needs, radiography, sedation)
• GDC Registration
• Knowledge of specialist dental equipment and the associated legal responsibilities
• Knowledge of Clinical Governance and participation in Audit
• Conversant with basic life support, resuscitation techniques and management of medical emergencies.
• Understanding of national trends relevant to assessment and intervention within the clinical and oral health improvement.
• Awareness of the CDS client criteria and its role.
• Knowledge of GDP and Hospital Services.
• Competency to operate under Direct Access
• Knowledge of the oral health initiative programmes
• Able to complete post graduate training in inhalation sedation to enable the provision of dental care with sedation.

• Clinical experience in domiciliary, mobile dental unit or school setting environments
• Experience in prioritising clinical needs
• Evidence of working within a multi-agency team.
• Risk assessment in relation to patient management
• Experience of working within remit of…