Clinical and Operational Dental Lead

Job summary

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Clinical Lead to join our senior leadership team.

This is a pivotal role responsible for:

• Leading the delivery of safe, high-quality and effective patient care
• Providing clinical and managerial leadership to a multidisciplinary team
• Embedding a strong culture of clinical governance, quality improvement and patient safety
• Contributing to the strategic development of our growing dental service

Main duties of the job

Clinical Leadership & Care

• Deliver high-quality, evidence-based dental care across a varied caseload
• Provide senior clinical decision-making support to dentists and dental care professionals
• Lead on complex and high-risk cases where required
• Ensure compliance with NHS contractual, regulatory and professional standards

Clinical Governance

• Lead and oversee the organisations clinical governance framework
• Drive audit, quality improvement and patient safety initiatives
• Manage complaints, incidents and investigations, ensuring learning is embedded
• Support regulatory compliance including CQC, GDC and NHS requirements

Leadership, Education & Workforce Development

• Provide leadership, supervision and mentorship to clinical staff
• Lead recruitment, induction, appraisal and performance management
• Support training, clinical education and workforce development initiatives
• Foster a positive learning culture that supports wellbeing and retention

Operational & Strategic Leadership

• Work in partnership with the Practice Manager to deliver operational performance
• Contribute to service development, workforce planning and organisational growth
• Build strong relationships with NHS partners, commissioners and the University
• Support service redesign aligned to population oral health needs

About us

The University of Suffolk Dental Community Interest Company (CIC) is an exciting dental social enterprise, established in partnership with the University of Suffolk and Suffolk and NHS North East Essex Integrated Care Board (now NHS Norfolk and Suffolk ICB).

Based in state-of-the-art facilities on Ipswich Waterfront, we are committed to delivering high-quality NHS dental care with a focus on prevention, access and innovation, while supporting the development of the future dental workforce.

Why Join Us?

• Be part of an innovative social enterprise shaping dental care provision in Suffolk
• Work in modern, state-of-the-art facilities
• Play a key leadership role in service development and workforce transformation
• Help deliver accessible, high-quality care to the local community

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Job responsibilities

Please find job description in the 'Supporting Documents' area for full details of the Clinical and Operational Dental Lead.

Person specification

Experience

Essential

• Significant experience in primary dental care delivery
• Strong understanding of NHS dental governance and commissioning
• Experience in a clinical management or leadership role
• Experience of leading teams, developing staff and managing performance
• Experience of CQC work and frameworks
• Ability to influence, motivate and drive service improvement

Desirable

• Experience of working within complex healthcare or NHS environments

Qualifications

Essential

• GDC-registered dental professional with an active performer number (or eligibility)
• Significant experience in primary dental care delivery
• Strong understanding of NHS dental governance and commissioning
• Experience in a clinical management or leadership role
• Experience of leading teams, developing staff and managing performance
• Experience of CQC work and frameworks
• Ability to influence, motivate and drive service improvement

Desirable

• Postgraduate qualification in a dental discipline
• Experience of working within complex healthcare or NHS environments

About You

Essential

• We are looking for a senior clinician who combines clinical excellence with strong leadership capability.