Visa Information
Important Note: This position offers a certificate of sponsorship for skilled workers requiring sponsorship to work in the UK. However, applicants must verify their eligibility with the employer directly, as immigration requirements can change and sponsorship is subject to meeting specific criteria.
Job Overview
North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust is seeking an experienced Clinical Lead Dentist to lead their community dental team in Allerdale and Copeland. This is a unique opportunity for qualified dental professionals to take on a leadership role in providing specialist dental care to patients across Cumbria. The position comes with a competitive salary range of £81,716 to £95,579 per annum pro rata, making it an attractive option for skilled dental professionals looking to relocate to the UK.
Company Information
North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust is a newly merged organisation committed to creating healthier, happier communities for the people of Cumbria. As an employer, they offer cutting-edge improvements and services designed for the future, providing ground-breaking new roles, training programmes, and career progression opportunities that break down traditional NHS boundaries. The trust operates as a centre of excellence in providing rural and remote healthcare, offering unique opportunities for personal and professional development.
Position Details
This is a permanent, full-time position based primarily at Cleator Moor Dental Centre, a modern six-surgery building equipped with digital radiography, a bariatric surgery, and wheelchair tipper facilities. The successful applicant will be part of a group of senior clinicians across Cumbria, working to deliver strong service performance and positive outcomes for service users. The role includes both leadership responsibilities and clinical duties, with up to six clinical sessions per week as outlined in an agreed job plan.
Key Responsibilities
The Clinical Lead Dentist will support the Dental Service Clinical Director in the effective management and leadership of the Special Care and Community Dental Service within the Allerdale and Copeland locality. This includes actively supporting the Clinical Director in developing the strategic direction of the service. The successful candidate will serve as a highly visible, proactive, and accessible clinical leader, acting as a role model and clinical resource while ensuring the sustained delivery of high standards of clinical care and service delivery to clinicians, patients, and the public.
Clinical Services
You will lead a friendly, highly skilled workforce that provides specialist dental care to patients referred to the service. This includes special care dentistry, conscious sedation, and general dental care under anaesthesia. Other essential services provided include oral health improvement and clinical prevention programmes, involvement in national dental epidemiological surveys and screening programmes, and provision of access to emergency dental care. The service is also an accredited trainer for inhalation sedation practice.
Leadership and Management
In addition to clinical duties, the Clinical Lead will be expected to undertake various leadership responsibilities. This includes participating in Out of Hours/On call Arrangements in line with Trust Policy and any local arrangements. You will be responsible for planning, setting objectives, establishing priorities, and reviewing performance, as well as demonstrating sound interpersonal skills with tact and diplomacy in all professional interactions.
Qualifications and Experience
To be considered for this position, applicants must meet specific qualification and experience requirements. The essential qualifications include a BDS or equivalent dental degree, an NHSE performer list number with no conditions or restrictions, and current GDC registration. Desirable qualifications include dental post-graduate qualifications particularly in sedation/special care dentistry/paediatric dentistry, management qualifications or appropriate training, and postgraduate educational qualifications.
Essential Experience
Applicants must have a minimum of 8 years clinical experience and experience of Clinical Audit and evaluation, including the learning cycle. The essential experience requirement is a BDS or equivalent qualification, demonstrating a solid foundation in dental practice. Additionally, candidates should possess specific knowledge of NHS Dental Services and rules and regulations, knowledge and understanding of NHS England Commissioning Strategies on Special Care and Paediatric Dentistry, and familiarity with relevant decontamination regulations.
Desirable Experience
While not mandatory, having experience in an educational supervisor/clinical supervisor role would be advantageous. Other desirable experiences include policy and planning experience and management of staff including recruitment, appraisal, and staff development. Candidates with coaching and mentoring skills, good presentation skills, and budget management experience will also be viewed favorably.
Person Specification
The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong leadership abilities with the aptitude to learn and develop new skills. You should possess good organisation and time management skills, including the ability to work under pressure to meet tight deadlines. Effective written and report writing skills are essential, as is the ability to work on your own initiative while also being an effective team worker.
Skills and Attributes
Successful applicants will need to demonstrate strong interpersonal skills with tact and diplomacy in all professional interactions. The ability to plan, set objectives, establish priorities, and review performance is crucial. You should have a sound understanding of NHS systems and the ability to work collaboratively with colleagues across different disciplines and organisations.
Knowledge Base
In addition to clinical expertise, candidates should have knowledge of local, regional, and national oral health strategies, as well as knowledge of NHS Salaried Dental Services. Understanding the broader healthcare landscape and how dental services fit within the integrated care system will be important for success in this role.
Application Process
Applications for this position must be submitted via the NHS Jobs website. The closing date for applications is 15 December 2025. Shortlisted candidates may be invited for an informal discussion or visit to the Cleator Moor Dental Centre prior to formal interview arrangements.
International Applicants
International applicants requiring sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome to apply. The employer offers a certificate of sponsorship for eligible candidates. However, applicants must ensure they meet all UK immigration requirements and have the necessary qualifications recognized by the relevant UK regulatory bodies. From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants have been required to present criminal record certificates from each country where they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years.
About the Employer
North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust values its staff and recognizes their dedication through weekly ‘Glimpse of Brilliance’ nominations and annual ‘We Celebrate’ awards. As a newly merged organisation, this is an exciting time to join North Cumbria Integrated Care. With a unified system in place, the trust is making cutting-edge improvements to build services fit for the future.
Working Environment
You will be surrounded by an exceptional team of supportive colleagues who share a commitment to patient care as their top priority. The trust collaborates with partners to provide joined-up care for patients through an Integrated Care System approach, positioning North Cumbria at the forefront of national policy and innovation. This environment offers unique opportunities for professional growth and development in rural and remote healthcare settings.
Relocation Support
While specific relocation packages are not detailed in the job description, the trust operates in an area known for its natural beauty and quality of life. Cumbria offers a unique blend of stunning countryside, vibrant communities, and excellent outdoor recreational opportunities. The trust may be able to provide additional information regarding relocation support for successful candidates who need to move from overseas or other parts of the UK.
Professional Development
North Cumbria Integrated Care is committed to the ongoing professional development of its staff. The organisation is developing ground-breaking new roles, training programmes, and career progression opportunities designed to break down traditional NHS boundaries. This commitment to professional growth makes the trust an attractive employer for ambitious dental professionals seeking to advance their careers while providing valuable healthcare services to communities.
How to Apply
To apply for this Clinical Lead position, please visit the NHS Jobs website and submit your application before the closing date of 15 December 2025. Your application should include all relevant documentation demonstrating your qualifications, experience, and suitability for this role. International applicants should ensure they include information regarding their eligibility for sponsorship and any required regulatory approvals.
Application Checklist for International Candidates
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For international applicants, we recommend the following steps:
1. Verify your eligibility for UK skilled worker sponsorship
2. Ensure your dental qualifications are recognized by the GDC
3. Prepare criminal record certificates from all countries where you have lived for 12+ months in the past 10 years
4. Gather evidence of your English language proficiency
5. Contact the employer to discuss your specific circumstances and sponsorship eligibility
6. Prepare a comprehensive CV highlighting your clinical and leadership experience
Contact Information
For questions about this position or to discuss your eligibility as an international candidate, please contact Natalie Carman, Clinical Director, at natalie.carman@ncic.nhs.uk or by phone at 01946 853342. Informal discussions about the role are welcomed, particularly from candidates who require sponsorship to work in the UK.
Additional Information
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975, and a submission for Disclosure will be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions. Applicants must have current UK professional registration, and further information regarding this requirement can be found on the NHS Careers website for overseas health professionals.
Privacy Notice
All applications will be handled in accordance with North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust’s privacy notice, which can be accessed at the following link: https://staff.cumbria.nhs.uk/application/files/2416/1614/3335/NCIC_PrivacyNotice_v0.4.pdf. This document outlines how your personal data will be processed and protected during the recruitment process.
Supporting Documents
The following supporting documents are available for download:
• 262-A-21-102698_JDPS.pdf (Job Description and Person Specification, 634 KB)
• Clinical Lead Person Specification.pdf (176 KB)
These documents provide additional detail about the role and the expectations for the successful candidate.