HSE South West is seeking an experienced Senior Dental Nurse to join the Orthodontic Unit at St. Finbarr’s Hospital in Cork. This is a permanent part-time post offering the opportunity to work within a specialist orthodontic setting, providing high-quality clinical support to dental and orthodontic teams across HSE South West services.
Role Overview
The Senior Dental Nurse will support the delivery of orthodontic dental services at St. Finbarr’s Hospital, Cork, working as an integral member of the clinical team. This is a re-advertised post (Campaign Reference SWPCC99503) and is open to all applicants, both within and outside the HSE. The successful candidate will be expected to demonstrate clinical competence, professional judgement, and a commitment to high standards of patient-centred care in a specialist environment.
Key Responsibilities
Responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:
- Providing clinical chairside support to dental and orthodontic surgeons during assessment, treatment planning, and active orthodontic procedures.
- Preparing and maintaining clinical areas, instruments, and equipment in line with infection prevention and control protocols.
- Supporting patient management, including reception, scheduling, and patient communication within the unit.
- Contributing to the maintenance of accurate clinical records and patient documentation in accordance with HSE standards.
- Assisting with the supervision and mentoring of junior dental nursing staff, students, and support personnel as required.
- Participating in quality improvement initiatives, audits, and continuing professional development activities.
- Liaising with other members of the dental and oral health team to ensure coordinated, effective patient care.
- Complying with all HSE policies, health and safety requirements, and professional registration obligations.
Requirements and Qualifications
Candidates must, on the closing date, meet the following essential criteria:
- Hold a relevant qualification in dental nursing (with qualification — as per HSE grade requirements for senior grade).
- Be registered with CORU as a Dental Nurse, or be eligible and in the process of obtaining registration.
- Have a minimum level of experience as specified in the Job Specification for the Senior Dental Nurse grade, including post-qualification clinical experience in a dental setting.
- Demonstrate sound clinical knowledge, strong communication skills, and the ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
- Possess the requisite knowledge and ability (including a high standard of suitability and professional ability) for the proper discharge of the duties of the role.
Candidates are strongly advised to download and read the full Job Specification and Applicant Information Document, available at the bottom of the original advertisement on Rezoomo, before completing their application.
Salary
€52,426 – €62,653 per annum (HSE Dental Nurse, Senior scale, 7-point scale, effective 1 June 2026, based on HSE Consolidated Salary Scales per DoH Circular 2/2026). Salary is pro-rata for hours worked, as this is a permanent part-time post.
Location
Orthodontic Unit, St. Finbarr’s Hospital, Cork. St. Finbarr’s Hospital is a HSE facility located in Cork city and forms part of HSE South West’s network of health services across Cork and Kerry. The Orthodontic Unit delivers specialist orthodontic care to patients across the region, within a clinical environment that values professional development and multidisciplinary collaboration.
Contract Type
Permanent Part-time
Application Details
Reference: SWPCC99503
Please ensure you download, save, and read the Job Specification and Applicant Information Document before completing your application. All relevant documents are available at the bottom of the advertisement on Rezoomo.
For technical issues with the online application form, contact: eleanor.crowley@hse.ie
Proposed Interview Date
Candidates will normally be given at least two weeks’ notice of interview. The timescale may be reduced in exceptional circumstances.
Informal Enquiries
For further information about the role, contact Elaine McNamara, Section Officer — Oral Health Services, HSE South West.
Email: elaine.mcnamara@hse.ie
Tel: 087-3601789
