Visa Information for International Applicants
This position offers a Certificate of Sponsorship for eligible international candidates seeking to work in the UK. North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust welcomes applications from skilled dental professionals who require sponsorship to work in the United Kingdom. The Trust is committed to providing the necessary documentation for successful applicants to obtain their UK work visa, making this an excellent opportunity for qualified dentists from around the world to join the NHS.
As an international applicant, you will be required to meet the UK Visas and Immigration requirements for skilled workers. This includes having the necessary qualifications, English language proficiency, and meeting the health and character requirements. The Trust will provide the Certificate of Sponsorship, but applicants must still complete the visa application process and meet all other eligibility criteria set by UK Visas and Immigration.
For applicants who have lived in any country outside the UK for 12 months or more in the past 10 years, criminal record certificates will be required from each of those countries. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. The Trust will guide successful candidates through the necessary documentation process as part of the sponsorship arrangement.
About the Position
North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust is seeking a caring and energetic Clinical Lead Dentist to lead our community dental team in Allerdale and Copeland. This is a senior leadership position within the NHS, offering the opportunity to make a significant impact on dental services in Cumbria while advancing your career in one of the world’s most respected healthcare systems.
The successful candidate will be leading 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. The service also provides oral health improvement and clinical prevention programmes, participates in national dental epidemiological surveys and screening programmes, and offers access to emergency dental care.
This role represents an exceptional opportunity for international dental professionals to work within the NHS, which is renowned for its comprehensive healthcare system, professional development opportunities, and commitment to patient care. The position is based at Cleator Moor Dental Centre, a modern six-surgery building equipped with digital radiography, bariatric surgery facilities, and wheelchair tipper, ensuring you have the resources needed to deliver high-quality care.
Key Responsibilities
The Clinical Lead 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. You will be expected to actively support the Clinical Director in developing the strategic direction of the service, ensuring that the dental service meets the needs of the local population while maintaining the highest standards of clinical excellence.
As a highly visible, proactive, and accessible clinical leader, you will act as a role model and clinical resource for your team. Your responsibilities will include ensuring the sustained delivery of high standards of clinical care and service delivery to clinicians, patients, and the public. You will be expected to maintain professional development and stay current with advances in dental practice and NHS policy.
The Clinical Lead will also undertake clinical duties for up to six sessions per week, with an agreed job plan establishing the range and scope of this clinical activity. This combination of leadership and clinical practice provides a balanced role that allows you to maintain your clinical skills while developing your leadership capabilities within the NHS.
The role may require participation in Out of Hours/On Call Arrangements in line with Trust Policy and local arrangements. This demonstrates the comprehensive nature of the position and the commitment to providing continuous care to patients within the community dental service.
About North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust
Our values guide the way we work every day, and we’re looking for people like you to help us create healthier, happier communities for the people of Cumbria. As a newly merged organisation, this is an exciting time to join North Cumbria Integrated Care. With a unified system in place, we’re making cutting-edge improvements to build services fit for the future.
We’re developing ground-breaking new roles, training programmes, and career progression opportunities designed to break down traditional NHS boundaries. This creates an environment where international professionals can find unique opportunities for their personal and professional development while contributing to innovative healthcare solutions.
As a centre of excellence in providing rural and remote healthcare, we can provide you with lots of unique opportunities for your professional growth. You’ll be surrounded by an exceptional team of supportive colleagues who share your commitment to patient care. Caring for patients is our top priority, and our staff always go the extra mile, as recognised through our weekly “Glimpse of Brilliance” nominations and annual “We Celebrate” awards.
We work collaboratively with our partners to provide joined-up care for patients by working as an Integrated Care System. This has put North Cumbria at the forefront of national policy and innovation. For international dental professionals, this represents an opportunity to be part of a forward-thinking organisation that values diverse perspectives and experiences.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential: You must hold a BDS or equivalent dental qualification, possess an NHSE performer list number with no conditions or restrictions, and maintain current GDC registration. These qualifications demonstrate your basic eligibility to practice dentistry in the UK and meet the regulatory requirements of the profession.
Desirable: While not essential, a dental post-graduate qualification particularly in sedation, special care dentistry, or paediatric dentistry would be advantageous. Additionally, a management qualification or appropriate training, or a post-graduate educational qualification would strengthen your application for this leadership position.
Experience
Essential: You must have a minimum of 8 years clinical experience and experience of Clinical Audit and evaluation and learning cycle. This depth of experience ensures you have the practical knowledge and skills necessary to lead a dental service effectively and maintain high standards of patient care.
Desirable: Previous experience in an educational supervisor/clinical supervisor role, policy and planning experience, or management of staff including recruitment, appraisal, and staff development would be beneficial for this leadership position. These experiences demonstrate your readiness for the supervisory and strategic aspects of the role.
Skills
Essential: You must demonstrate the ability to plan, set objectives, priorities, and review performance. Sound interpersonal skills with tact and diplomacy are crucial, as is the ability to work on your own initiative while also being an effective team worker. You should have an aptitude to learn and develop new skills, good organisation and time management skills (including the ability to work under pressure to tight deadlines), and effective written or report writing skills.
Desirable: Coaching and mentoring skills, good presentation skills, and budget management abilities would be advantageous for this leadership role. These skills would enable you to effectively develop your team, communicate with stakeholders, and manage resources efficiently.
Knowledge
Essential: You must have 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 knowledge of relevant decontamination regulations. This ensures you understand the operational and regulatory framework within which you will be working.
Desirable: Knowledge of local, regional, and national oral health strategies, as well as knowledge of NHS Salaried Dental Services, would be beneficial. This broader understanding of the dental care landscape would help you contribute effectively to strategic planning and service development.
Package and Benefits
The position offers a competitive salary ranging from £81,716 to £95,579 per annum pro rata, reflective of the senior nature of the role and the level of responsibility involved. This places the Clinical Lead in a well-compensated band within the NHS pay scale, ensuring financial recognition for your expertise and experience.
The role is a permanent, full-time position, providing stability and security for international professionals relocating to the UK. The Trust offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes membership of the NHS Pension Scheme, one of the most generous pension schemes in the UK, providing long-term financial security.
As an NHS employee, you will also have access to extensive professional development opportunities, including funded training courses, conferences, and study leave. The Trust is committed to supporting your ongoing professional development and helping you maintain and enhance your clinical and leadership skills throughout your career with us.
The relocation package for international candidates will be discussed individually and may include assistance with relocation costs, visa application support, and settling-in services. The Trust recognizes the challenges of relocating to a new country and is committed to making the transition as smooth as possible for successful candidates.
Working Environment
Cleator Moor Dental Centre, where this role is primarily based, is a modern six-surgery building equipped with state-of-the-art facilities including digital radiography, bariatric surgery, and wheelchair tipper. This modern environment ensures that you have the resources and equipment needed to deliver high-quality dental care to your patients.
The working environment within North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust is supportive and collaborative, with a culture that values teamwork and professional excellence. As an international professional, you will find a welcoming environment that appreciates diverse perspectives and experiences, enriching our team and the care we provide.
Cumbria offers a high quality of life with beautiful countryside, a low cost of living compared to many parts of the UK, and excellent transport links. The region provides a balance between professional opportunities and personal well-being, making it an attractive location for international professionals and their families.
The Trust operates across Allerdale and Copeland localities, providing opportunities for varied clinical experiences and service development. This geographical spread allows you to work with diverse patient populations and contribute to improving oral health outcomes across different communities in Cumbria.
How to Apply
To apply for this position, you must submit your application via the NHS Jobs website. The application process requires you to provide evidence that you meet the person specification criteria outlined in this advertisement. Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled Worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications.
For international applicants, it is essential to include details of your dental qualifications, GDC registration (or confirmation of eligibility for registration), evidence of English language proficiency if applicable, and details of any previous experience in similar leadership or supervisory roles. These documents will help the Trust assess your eligibility for sponsorship.
The application deadline is 21 January 2026. Early applications are encouraged, as the Trust may begin reviewing applications before the closing date. For an informal discussion or visit to the dental clinic, please contact Ms Natalie Carman, Clinical Director, on 01946 853342 or via email at natalie.carman@ncic.nhs.uk.
All applicants should be prepared to undergo Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks as required by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975. This is standard for all NHS positions and ensures the safety and protection of patients.
Contact Information
For questions about the job, contact Natalie Carman (Clinical Director):
Email: natalie.carman@ncic.nhs.uk
Phone: 01946 85342
Employer: North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust
Location: Cleator Moor Dental Clinic, Birks Rd, Cleator Moor, Cumbria, CA25 5HP
Website: https://www.ncic.nhs.uk/
Additional Information for International Applicants
Upon successful appointment, the Trust will provide the necessary Certificate of Sponsorship to support your UK visa application. The sponsorship process will be managed in collaboration with our HR team to ensure a smooth transition for you and your family to the UK.
North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from suitably qualified candidates regardless of race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, or disability. We value diversity and believe that international professionals bring valuable perspectives and skills to our teams.
The Trust offers a comprehensive induction program for all new employees, including international hires, to ensure you have the information and support needed to settle into your role and the UK healthcare system. This includes orientation to local services, introduction to colleagues, and support with practical aspects of relocating.
We encourage international applicants who meet the essential criteria to apply, even if they don’t meet all the desirable criteria. We recognize that valuable experience and skills may be gained in different healthcare systems and contexts, and we welcome the diverse perspectives that international professionals bring to our teams.