About this role
Job summary
Opportunities for Orthodontic Therapist
Hours: Various
Location: Various across Cornwall Salary: Negotiable Closing Date: 31st May 2026 *We have the right to close this advert early.
We are a Cornwall-based dental company looking for a passionate Orthodontic Therapist to join our growing orthodontic team. This is a great opportunity to work in a supportive environment, delivering high-quality care and making a real difference to patients across Cornwall.
Do you want to be part of a team where your work truly impacts your community, the environment, and the future of healthcare? Then Smile Together is the place for you!
Cornwall offers a unique combination of natural beauty, affordable living, and a welcoming community. With beaches, countryside, and vibrant local culture.
About the Role:
As an Orthodontic Therapist, you will:
Deliver orthodontic care under prescription from a Specialist Orthodontist or Dentist with a Special Interest (DwSI) Carry out orthodontic procedures within the GDC scope of practice Support patients with appliance care, oral hygiene and treatment understanding Monitor patient progress and escalate concerns appropriately Work closely with orthodontists, dentists, nurses and managers as part of a multidisciplinary team Maintain accurate and confidential clinical records Take part in audit, quality improvement and service development
Main duties of the job
You will be:
GDC registered as an Orthodontic Therapist Qualified with a Diploma in Orthodontic Therapy (or equivalent) Confident delivering a range of orthodontic procedures A great communicator with patients of all ages A team player with a positive, professional attitude Committed to CPD and high clinical standards This means were committed to doing business differently for the benefit of our people, the communities we serve, and our planet. From reducing our environmental toothprint with sustainable practices, to playing an active role in improving oral health across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, our mission goes beyond dentistry: we change lives and wed love you to be part of that!
About us
Mentorship and Professional Development:
Well help you develop your skills with access to our Smile Together Training Academy, including a paid subscription to Agilio for continuous professional development, peer review and teaching opportunities, and unique chances to work across Cornwall, including in our Mobile Dental Unit.
Paid Indemnity & GDC Registration:
Weve got you covered so you can focus on your career.
Workforce Benefits Package:
Occupational pension scheme, 27 days paid annual leave plus bank holidays (pro rata), National Living Wage Employer, and an extra paid day off to celebrate your birthday!
Unique Employee Ownership Benefits:
Shareholder Opportunities: Have a real voice in shaping the future of our employee-owned company.
Community Involvement:
Engage in impactful community projects like our coastal outreach and support for Health for Homeless Cornwall. Opportunity for half a days paid volunteer time such as through our partnership with Plant One or with a charity of your own*
Fun and Engaging Team Events:
From BBQs on the beach to our annual Smile (Get) Together, we know how to have fun while making a difference!
Health and Wellbeing:
Comprehensive Wellbeing Support: Through our Health Assured Programme, youll have access to tools for mental and physical health, including 24-hour helplines, structured therapy, and more.
Job description Job responsibilities
Job Summary:
The Orthodontic Therapist will provide high-quality orthodontic care by implementing treatment plans and carrying out orthodontic procedures on a written prescription from a Specialist Orthodontist or a Dentist with a Special Interest (DwSI), in line with the General Dental Council (GDC) scope of practice. Working as an integral part of a multidisciplinary team, the post holder will contribute to the clinical management of patients requiring orthodontic treatment, supporting improved patient outcomes through collaborative working with the Orthodontic team and other healthcare professionals.
The role also involves active participation in clinical audit, quality assurance programmes, and the promotion of evidence-based practice to ensure the continual improvement of orthodontic services. Additionally, the Orthodontic Therapist will support a learning culture by contributing to the teaching, mentoring and assessment of student dental nurses and other professional staff within the clinical environment.
Key accountabilities:
1. Clinical Care Delivery
Deliver orthodontic care in line with treatment plans provided by a Specialist Orthodontist or DwSI, carrying out procedures within the GDC scope of practice.
Ensure all patient care is of a high standard, evidence-based, and tailored to individual needs.
Assess and monitor patient progress, oral health, and appliance care, escalating concerns as appropriate.
2. Communication & Patient Engagement
Communicate effectively and empathetically with patients, carers, and colleagues, including explaining treatment plans, benefits, risks, and patient responsibilities.
Maintain accurate, timely and confidential clinical records in line with Trust and GDC requirements.
Support patients in understanding their role in successful orthodontic outcomes, including appliance care and oral hygiene.
3. Multidisciplinary Working
Work collaboratively with Orthodontic Specialist, Dentists with Special Interest, and wider clinical teams to ensure integrated patient care.
Liaise with referring practitioners and external services to support continuity of care.
4. Quality & Clinical Governance
Participate in clinical audit, service evaluation, and quality assurance initiatives to support continuous service improvement.
Adhere to Smile Togethers infection control, safeguarding, and health & safety policies at all times.
5. Education, Training & Supervision
Actively engaging with Smile Together teams and participating in peer review, clinical audit activities, planning and development sessions and in-house meetings etc.
Contribute to the training, mentoring, and assessment of student dental nurses and other learners within the team.
Promote and maintain a culture of learning and reflective practice, including undertaking own CPD and annual appraisal in line with GDC standards.
6. Service Development
Support the development and implementation of clinical pathways, protocols, and policies related to orthodontic services.
Contribute ideas for service improvements and patient care enhancements.
Working with the Clinical Director and other operational and clinical leads to ensure your experience and knowledge helps to drive service improvement
7. Professional Responsibilities
Comply with NHS and GDC standards, maintaining professional registration and adhering to legal and ethical frameworks.
Developing a Personal Development Plan as described in the GDC Standards
Take responsibility for own clinical practice, recognising limitations and seeking guidance when necessary.
Being an ambassador for the companys vision, mission and values and demonstrate related behaviours
Professionally representing Smile Together as an ambassador for the company in this role, leading by example
Maintaining good IT skills including in the use of our Practice Management System
Person Specification
Knowledge and Skills Essential
Comprehensive understanding of the GDC scope of practice for Orthodontic Therapists Skilled in delivering a range of orthodontic procedures as prescribed Knowledge of infection control, safeguarding, health & safety, and data protection in clinical settings Understanding of clinical governance and evidence-based practice Awareness of Smile Togethers role as a Community Interest Company (CIC) and its social impact Excellent verbal and written communication skills with patients, carers, and colleagues Ability to explain orthodontic treatments and oral health advice clearly and empathetically Effective team player with the ability to work collaboratively across clinical disciplines Ability to deal with sensitive information and handle patient concerns professionally
Experience Essential
Experience delivering orthodontic care under prescription from a Specialist Orthodontist or DwSI Experience working in a multidisciplinary dental or healthcare team Experience supporting service improvements or quality assurance processes
Desirable
Experience mentoring or supporting junior staff or students
Qualifications Essential
Diploma in Orthodontic Therapy (or equivalent) Current GDC registration as an Orthodontic Therapist Evidence of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) in line with GDC requirements
Desirable
Additional training in safeguarding, infection control, or dental radiography Teaching/mentoring qualification or experience
Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Employer details Employer name Smile Together
Address Truro Health Park
Infirmary Hill
Truro
Cornwall
TR12JA
Employer's website https://smiletogether.co.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)