About this role
Job summary
Every appliance tells a slightly different story. Some are straightforward. Some... less so. Which is why we need you.
At St George's Hospital, we're looking for an Orthodontic Technician to join our small team of six -- taking ownership of the orthodontic service and how it runs day to day.
The work itself is hands-on and varied -- from casting dental impressions and manufacturing functional, fixed and removable appliances, to producing sleep apnoea devices and carrying out PAR scoring using both physical models and digital software.
Alongside traditional techniques, there's a growing focus on digital workflows, including CAD design, 3D printing, and the production of working and study models, with a typical turnaround of 2-3 weeks depending on complexity.
In more complex cases -- such as hypodontia or patients with additional needs -- there's real scope to work alongside clinicians, contributing technical insight to support appliance design and treatment planning.
With plans for digital transformation, lab modernisation and service development, this role offers the opportunity not just to deliver the service, but to help shape its future.
Main duties of the job
Your work will be varied, combining advanced technical skills with service coordination and collaboration.
You'll be responsible for:
Designing and manufacturing a wide range of orthodontic appliances, including removable, fixed and functional devices, as well as sleep apnoea appliances Producing study models and working with digital workflows, including CAD design and 3D printing Carrying out PAR scoring and supporting clinical case planning Managing your own workload, ensuring work is delivered to a high standard within agreed turnaround times (typically 2-3 weeks) Liaising with clinicians to ensure prescriptions are accurate and outcomes meet patient needs Advising on appliance design in more complex cases alongside the clinical team Maintaining accurate records of all work via the laboratory database Managing stock levels and ordering materials as required Supporting service continuity, including coordinating outsourced work during periods of high demand Contributing to team meetings, audits and service improvement initiatives
About us
In this role:
You'll have autonomy over your work, with the trust to manage your own pipeline and deliver high-quality outcomes You'll be part of a small, supportive and highly skilled team, working closely with a range of clinical specialists Your work will have a direct impact on patient care, supporting children and young people across a variety of clinical pathways You'll have opportunities to contribute to service development, innovation and digital transformation You'll have access to Trust leadership and development programmes to support your growth We support patients typically aged 6-18 years through the design and manufacture of bespoke orthodontic appliances Working pattern: Monday-Friday, 9am-5pmFlexibility: Some flexibility is available, with core hours aligned to support the clinical serviceLocation: St George's Hospital (on-site role)
After years of collaboration, our two Trusts became a hospitals group in 2021. While remaining as two separate Trusts, being a hospitals group will help us to collaborate more closely on research, and the development, education, and training of our 17,000-strong workforce.
Job description Job responsibilities
Work within a team to support basic skills within the wider laboratory service specialties Manage own workload and work effectively and efficiently Be compliant with Trust policies and regulation requirements; COSHH, Health & Safety, MHRA, MDR Ensure own skills are up to date with current practice and be responsible for maintaining CPD within the scope of the relevant registration body. Support the training and education of junior or trainee staff Cast and trim working models and Study models. Trim Orthodontic study models to AOB standards Design and fabricate all types of removable appliances incorporating bite planes, blocks, retentive components, springs and expansion screws. Design and fabricate all types of fixed appliances such as palatal arches, quad helix and Nance devices Proficient in laboratory techniques; soldering, vacuum forming, using quick curing autopolymerising materials, heat curing polymerising materials Experience with CAD/CAM systems and 3D printing for production of models, kesling simulation and PAR scoring.
Person Specification
Qualifications & Training Essential
BSc in Dental Technology in Orthodontics or equivalent
Desirable
Advanced Orthodontic Training or equivalent experience
Experience Essential
Previous experience working in a Hospital Laboratory as an Orthodontic Technician
Desirable
Worked as a qualified Dental Technician in a hospital environment
Knowledge & Skills Essential
Knowledge and skills of a full range of fixed and removeable orthodontic appliances
Desirable
Knowledge and skills of a full range of dental appliances Knowledge and skills of CAD/CAM & 3D printing
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 St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Address St Georges Hospital
Blackshaw Road
Tooting
SW17 0QT
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.stgeorges.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)