Job overview

The Associate Dean (Dental Specialty Training) will provide strategic leadership, expert educational oversight and national influence for the planning, delivery and quality management of Dental Specialty Training (DST) across Wales. The role ensures that DST programmes are designed and delivered to meet regulatory standards, workforce priorities and service needs, supporting faculty and trainees to achieve successful educational outcomes and progress safely through training.

Working closely with the Postgraduate Dental Dean and Associate Deans for Dental Foundation and Dental Core Training, the post holder will help shape a coherent, future‑focused training pathway for the Welsh dental workforce. As a member of the Dental Deanery Senior Leadership Team, the Associate Dean contributes to the strategic direction of postgraduate dental education within HEIW and represents Wales at UK‑wide forums, including Committee of Postgraduate Dental Deans and Directors (COPDEND) and its subsidiary Dental Specialty Training Advisory Group (DSTAG). They will be an expert and authoritative voice on Dental Specialty Training and the system, rules and regulations governing it. 

The ability to speak Welsh is desirable for this post; Welsh and/or English speakers are equally welcome to apply.

Main duties of the job

Provide strategic and operational leadership for the management, delivery and quality assurance of DST in Wales,  ensuring alignment with curricula, national guidance and regulatory requirements.

Lead Wales's contribution to UK wide DST development, working with national bodies including COPDEND.

Build and sustain effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

Lead and oversee quality management processes for DST, ensuring robust governance and compliance with GDC Standards.

Chair Record of Competence Panels ensuring fair, evidence based decision making and appropriate management of outcomes and appeals.

Manage the delivery of DST across secondary care and community/salaried dental services, working with local education providers, Educational Supervisors and Training Programme Directors.

Act as the senior specialist for DST in Wales, demonstrating contemporary knowledge of local and national policy.

Working for our organisation

Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW) is the strategic workforce body for NHS Wales with statutory functions that include education and training, workforce planning, workforce development and transformation, leadership and succession planning, and careers.  Our purpose is to develop a workforce that delivers excellent care to patients/service users and excellent population health. We are a Special Health Authority working closely with our partners; Social Care Wales, education providers, professional and regulatory bodies and Welsh Government.

HEIW’s is committed to developing an internal culture of choice. Our Values reflect our thoughts, feelings and beliefs in how we will, and will not, behave and treat others:

- Respect for All in every contact we have with others,

- Ideas that Improve: Harnessing creativity and continuously innovating, evaluating and improving,

- Together as a Team: Working with colleagues across NHS Wales and with partner organisations.

HEIW received the HPMA Award for Employee Engagement in 2019.

What you can expect:

- a corporate induction and 90 day Welcome itinerary,

- compassionate leadership,

- a meaningful values based performance appraisal process,

- the opportunity to impact upon health and social care services and the lives and wellbeing of the people of Wales.

Many of our colleagues and stakeholders have commented on the buzz and atmosphere we create by working together as “One HEIW Team”. Do you want to join that team?