Careers at Smart Dental Care

Full-Time or Part-Time Job Opportunity: Dental Therapist (Direct Access)

Location: Belfast area (multiple local practices available to suit your commute)
Hours: Full-time or part-time available (flexible working patterns, including Saturdays)

Are you an experienced, confident, and passionate Dental Therapist/Hygienist looking for a flexible role with genuine development potential? We are recruiting across the Belfast area and can place you in a practice aligned with your travel preferences and availability.

This opportunity is also well-suited to Dental Therapists currently working in England who are considering relocation to Northern Ireland. With multiple practices across the Belfast area, we can support a smooth transition by matching you to a suitable location and working pattern.

This role is additionally appropriate for dentists preparing for the ORE who wish to gain valuable UK clinical experience while completing their exams.

Key Details (Please Read)

Role: Dental Therapist, Direct Access

Working pattern:

• Full-time or part-time options available

• Flexible days and hours depending on availability and practice needs

Minimum experience:

• Minimum 7 years post-graduation clinical experience

• Experience across NHS and private dentistry preferred

Registration:

• Current GDC registration as a Dental Therapist

Direct Access competency:

• Fully trained and competent to practise under Direct Access regulations

Certificate of Sponsorship (COS):

• Available for the right candidate

Your Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality dental hygiene and direct access therapy services to NHS and private patients

• Provide patient-centred preventive care, education, and treatment planning

• Work collaboratively with qualified dentists, dental nurses, treatment coordinators, and practice managers

• Maintain accurate clinical records and adhere to infection prevention and cross-infection protocols

• Work autonomously under Direct Access, with clinical support and mentorship available

Core Clinical Competencies (Desired/Expected)

Candidates should demonstrate confidence and proficiency in some or all of the following:

• Periodontics: Scaling, RSD, periodontal charting and maintenance

• Restorative support: Composite work, crown support polishing, minimally invasive approaches

• Preventive care: Fluoride applications, fissure sealants, risk-based patient education

• Paediatric dentistry: Behaviour management, preventive programmes

• Radiography: Imaging and interpretation within scope

• Digital dentistry: Intraoral scanning, digital charting, CAD/CAM familiarity (desirable)

• Orthodontic support: Impressions, fixed/removable appliance support

• Aesthetic work: Shade matching, whitening protocols, cosmetic polishing

• Endodontic / Prosthodontic support: Assisting and adjustments as required

• Oral surgery support: Simple extraction support and suturing experience is beneficial

Technical & Professional Skills

• Excellent manual dexterity and indirect-vision proficiency

• Strong infection control and cross-infection prevention practices

• Accurate, compliant, and timely clinical documentation

• Effective time management and treatment prioritisation

• Ethical decision-making, safeguarding awareness, and confidentiality compliance

Faculty-Assessed/Benchmarked Skills

You should be able to demonstrate competency in:

• Clinical judgement and reasoning

• Technical precision and finishing quality

• Patient communication, informed consent, and education

• Outcome evaluation, professional reflection, and audit compliance

• Record standardisation and procedural governance

What We Offer

• Full-time or part-time flexibility with scope for growth

• Multiple Belfast-area practices available, matched to your commute or relocation plans

• Modern, well-equipped clinics with digital systems

• Full induction, mentorship, and CPD support

• Mixed NHS and private caseload

• Career progression and specialisation opportunities

• Certificate of Sponsorship available (where applicable)

Why Join Us?

We are a forward-thinking dental organisation focused on clinical excellence, mentorship, and a positive workplace culture. If you value autonomy within a supportive team that invests in your development and well-being, this role offers an excellent next step, whether you are locally based or relocating from England.

Click ‘Apply’ to submit your CV.