Job summary
- Main area
- Surgical
- Grade
- Band 5
- Contract
- 12 months (Fixed term- 12 months)
- Hours
- Part time - 4.5 hours per week
- Job ref
- 318-25-T0667
- Employer
- Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
- Employer type
- NHS
- Site
- Gloucestershire Royal Hospital
- Town
- Gloucester
- Salary
- £31,049 - £37,796 (pro rata if part-time)
- Salary period
- Yearly
- Closing
- 21/10/2025 23:59
Employer heading
Oral Health Educator, Band 5
Band 5
At Gloucestershire Hospitals, our people are at the heart of everything we do. As the largest employer in the county, we’re proud to provide outstanding acute, elective, and specialist services to over 650,000 people across our county. Whether you’re just beginning your NHS journey or taking the next step in your career, this is an exciting time to join us. We’re investing in innovation, research, and transformation, with over 100 active clinical studies and major developments underway across our two district hospitals.
You can expect a welcoming and supportive culture and you’ll be supported by passionate colleagues who care deeply about teamwork, development, and delivering exceptional care. We offer structured development programmes, mentoring, and leadership opportunities to help you grow in your career. Gloucestershire has the perfect mix of culture, countryside, and community. With excellent schools, transport links, and access to award-winning green spaces, it’s a great place to live and work.
We value the diversity of our workforce and are committed to creating an environment where everyone feels they belong.
Be part of Gloucestershire Hospitals, explore your future with us today.
Job overview
Oral Health Educator, Band 5 (4.5 hours a week)
The Oral Health Educator plays a key role in the multidisciplinary care of patients diagnosed with Head and Neck Cancer. This position focuses on promoting optimal oral hygiene practices, preventing oral complications, and supporting overall quality of life before, during, and after cancer treatment (including surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy). The educator works collaboratively within the wider Multi-disciplinary team to deliver patient-centred education and support
Main duties of the job
Patient Education:
-
Provide tailored oral hygiene education to Head and Neck cancer patients pre-, during, and post-treatment.
-
Educate on the importance of oral care in preventing complications like mucositis, xerostomia (dry mouth), oral infections, and dental decay.
-
Demonstrate proper oral hygiene techniques, including brushing, flossing, use of fluoride, and appropriate mouth rinses.
-
Support patients experiencing anxiety or reduced ability to perform oral care due to fatigue, pain, or functional limitations.
-
Provide resources (written materials, demonstrations, or digital tools) to reinforce oral health education.
- Maintain accurate records of education sessions, oral health status, and care plans
- Liaise with dental professionals for preventive or restorative care needs (e.g., extractions prior to radiotherapy).
- Provide staff education on oral health considerations in all patients
Working for our organisation
We take pride in placing people at the centre of everything we do, working together as a united team. Driven by a shared ambition to continually grow, develop, and learn, we recognise and value every contribution. By combining our experience and skills, we not only support our vibrant, diverse communities, but also support one another.
With a team of over 9,000 employees, we are proud to be the largest employer in Gloucestershire and rank among the top 10 largest Trusts in the Southwest region. By joining our Trust, you will benefit from an excellent package that includes exclusive benefits, flexible working opportunities and the chance to gain valuable experience in one or both of our innovative hospitals.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Be competent in the use of all relevant Trust IT systems including the use of electronic patient records, and emails.
Remain up-to-date and a strong positive role model in all mandatory training and appraisal reviews
Communicate evidence-based oral health advice to Head and Neck cancer patients in the hospital settings, using various methods and resources.
Provide staff education on oral health considerations in all patients, promoting oral health.
Person specification
Qualifications, Knowledge and Experience
Essential criteria
- Full registration with the General Dental Council
- Registered Dental Nurse
- Recognised post qualification in Oral Health Education
- Commitment to CPD and engagement in personal development
- To demonstrate effective communication about dental topics to colleagues and the public
- Communications skills – - Capacity to communicate effectively and sensitively with others
Desirable criteria
- Bronze Quality improvement qualification
- Previous experience working alongside the Head and Neck MDT and looking after head and Neck cancer patients
Employer certification / accreditation badges
Applicant requirements
You must have appropriate UK professional registration.
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Documents to download
Further details / informal visits contact
- Name
- Charlotte Stanley
- Job title
- Senior sister
- Email address
- [email protected]
- Telephone number
- 0300 422 8518
List jobs with Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust in Nursing and Midwifery or all sectors