Senior Dental Technician (Orthodontics)

Job summary

Due to the retirement of a long-standing member of staff, an exciting opportunity has arisen for a forward-thinking Senior Dental Technician to work with our Orthodontic/OMF Laboratory team at Bristol Dental Hospital.

The post holder will be responsible for the design, planning and construction of an extensive range of highly complex, custom-made functional, fixed and removeable dental/oro-facial appliances. The post holder will be expected to take on a leading role in the expansion of digital workflows, develop new skills in line with experience, new practices, qualifications and will also have a commitment to continuing professional development.

Applications are invited from Dental Technicians who are fully registered with the General Dental Council and hold a recognised academic qualification in dental technology. We encourage applications from dental technicians whether your experience and background is based in a commercial dental laboratory or NHS hospital setting.

This is an exciting time to join the team at Bristol Dental Hospital, as we embark on a journey of modernisation, which has seen recent investment in digital orthognathic planning software, CNC milling and 3D printing technology.

Main duties of the job

• To construct an extensive rangeof highly complex, specialised custom-made dental/oro-facial appliances.
• To utilise CAD/CAM technology to design and manufacture highly complex fixed and removeable appliances
• Collaborate directly with clinicians and patients to provide technical advice, discuss case requirements and develop innovative appliances and custom solutions to ensure effective service delivery.
• Provide cover and assist the Chief Dental Technician (Laboratory Manager) in all areas that may be required, including prioritisation and organisation of workload.
• To be responsible for the supervision of any Technicians that may be recruited and any students that may be allocated to the department.
• To assist with rostering, off duty periods and holiday cover to ensure smooth running of the Laboratory.
• Participate in the development and implementation of laboratory policies.
• Carry out basic maintenance of laboratory equipment.
• Order stock on the Trust system.
• Maintain accurate laboratory records for audit purposes and compliance with UK Medical Devices Regulation.
• Assist with research projects, surveys & audits of the service as required.
• Regularly required to maintain prolonged concentration throughout the fabrication of appliances and models.

Person Specification

Knowledge and Experience

Essential

• Experience in the design and production of highly complex, specialised custom-made dental/oro-facial appliances
• A broad theoretical and practical knowledge of a range of specialised technical procedures within appropriate discipline
• Thorough knowledge of the application of computer aided design & computer aided manufacture (CAD/CAM) techniques relevant to associated dental technology.
• Understanding the varied nature of the materials, various acrylics, silicone materials and metals and how they work together.
• Experience of training/assisting junior staff/students.
• Knowledge and awareness of UK Medical Devices Regulation.

Desirable

• Experience of presenting cases to other dental professionals
• Experience in a hospital environment, treating a range of challenging cases to a very high standard

Skills and Abilities

Essential

• Ability to analyse complex treatment plans, interpret detailed laboratory prescriptions and devise appropriate solutions, including the design and fabrication of new dental appliances.
• Prolonged computer use requiring keyboard skills for word processing.
• Ability to communicate effectively with clinicians to manage non-routine aspects of appliance fabrication.
• Ability to deal with distressing or emotional circumstances when occasionally dealing with patients with oro-facial abnormalities or terminal illness

Aptitudes

Essential

• Willingness to work within a team.
• Self-motivated.
• Good interpersonal skills.
• To have excellent communication skills both orally and written.
• Able to develop or suggest improvements within the team.
• Willingness to learn and develop new skills / appliance types and designs and to follow suitable pathways of continuous professional development.
• Values and respects others, treats everyone as an individual, non-judgemental.

Qualifications and Training

Essential

• BSc (Hons)/BTEC Diploma/HNC in Dental Technology or equivalent.
• Post-graduate qualification or equivalent experience in relevant dental specialty e.g. fixed prosthodontics, maxillofacial technology
• Registration with the General Dental Council as Dental Technician.
• Evidence of continuing professional development.

Closing Date: 30 July 2026