Head of Dental Services

Job title:

Head of Dental Services

Company

NHS

Job description

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced professional to lead the contractual, performance, and operational management of our General and Community Dental Services within the Primary Care Directorate.The post holder is a critical part of the Primary Care Directorate senior management team combining key functions of general dental service contact commissioning and Community Dental Service delivery, including contract and performance management of dental contracts, supporting collaborative development, and planning to support the organisation in the delivery for its objectives.The post holder is responsible for leading the planning and development functions of general dental services and Community Dental Services, collaborating with other members of the Primary Care Directorate and liaising with other parts of the Health Board as required. The post holder is responsible for the development of long term operational, service andstrategic plans for both commissioned and salaried dental services in line with Health Board strategy, working closely with the Finance and Planning Directorates to ensure the alignment of service and financial plans.Main duties of the jobAs the successful candidate, you will provide strategic leadership to Primary Care Service Managers and offer operational support to the Community Dental Service. You will play a key role in driving high-quality practice, contract compliance, and performance management.You will ensure that Health Board aims and objectives are effectively communicated across teams and contractors, while helping shape service objectives for dental care provision. Your work will be central to aligning local services with national policies, and you will work closely with the Planning Directorate to influence and support the Health Board’s strategic direction.With a strong focus on governance, you will identify and manage performance concerns, liaising with professional regulatory and advisory bodies where necessary. You will also lead the development of innovative care pathways to ensure our services continue to meet the evolving needs of the population.This is an exciting opportunity for a forward-thinking, solutions-focused individual who thrives on collaboration and improvement in healthcare service delivery.About usHywel 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

DetailsDate posted01 July 2025Pay schemeAgenda for changeBandBand 8bSalary£63,150 to £73,379 a year per annumContractPermanentWorking patternFull-timeReference number100-AC174-0725Job locationsHafan DerwenSt Davids ParkCarmarthenSA31 3BBJob descriptionJob responsibilitiesYou 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 31/07/2025 Job descriptionJob responsibilitiesYou 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 31/07/2025Person SpecificationQualifications and KnowledgeEssential

• A higher degree at Masters level or equivalent experience at senior manager level
• Must have evidence of ongoing management and professional development
• Must possess an understanding of the role and its purpose within the organisation
• Must have knowledge of the NHS, WG and Health Board strategies, policies and plans, including HR policies
• Must have an in-depth knowledge of the strategic healthcare agenda relating to general medical service and community pharmacy delivery

ExperienceEssential

• Senior NHS Management experience
• Experience in commissioning primary care contracts, including the management of primary care contracts
• Clear experience of leading highly complex change and improvement programmes with a range of staff, staff organisations and independent contractors
• Must possess significant experience of financial management and knowledge of how to deliver a budget to target
• Experience of managing directly operational services e.g. Community Dental Services, Managed Practices etc.

Language skillsEssential

• Must be empathetic to and supportive of the aims of the Welsh Language Act.

Desirable

• Welsh Speaker (Level 1)

Person SpecificationQualifications and KnowledgeEssential

• A higher degree at Masters level or equivalent experience at senior manager level
• Must have evidence of ongoing management and professional development
• Must possess an understanding of the role and its purpose within the organisation
• Must have knowledge of the NHS, WG and Health Board strategies, policies and plans, including HR policies
• Must have an in-depth knowledge of the strategic healthcare agenda relating to general medical service and community pharmacy delivery

ExperienceEssential

• Senior NHS Management experience
• Experience in commissioning primary care contracts, including the management of primary care contracts
• Clear experience of leading highly complex change and improvement programmes with a range of staff, staff organisations and independent contractors
• Must possess significant experience of financial management and knowledge of how to deliver a budget to target
• Experience of managing directly operational services e.g. Community Dental Services, Managed Practices etc.

Language skillsEssential

• Must be empathetic to and supportive of the aims of the Welsh Language Act.

Desirable

• Welsh Speaker (Level 1)

Expected salary

£63150 – 73379 per year

Location

Carmarthen, Carmarthenshire

Job date

Thu, 03 Jul 2025 05:37:37 GMT

To help us track our recruitment effort, please indicate in your email/cover letter where (tendersglobal.net) you saw this job posting.