Orthodontic Therapy Trainee- INTERNAL ONLY, Middlesbrough

Opportunity for Orthodontic Therapy Training

We are seeking a dedicated and highly motivated Dental Care Professional to join our Orthodontic Therapy Training Programme, commencing September 2026.

This 13-month structured training programme offers an exceptional opportunity for GDC-registered dental care professionals to progress their careers in specialist orthodontics.

Clinical training will take place across three North East orthodontic sites:

• Heaton
• Rake Lane (North Tyneside)
• Gateshead

Candidates must be willing to travel and work across all training locations.

Programme Overview

• Duration: 13 months
• Start Date: September 2026
• Training Provider: University of Central Lancashire (UCLan)

Training Structure

• A five-week intensive training block at UCLan (September/October 2026)
• Ongoing academic and practical training, requiring attendance at UCLan two days per month
• Following the initial training block, the trainee will work a minimum of four days per week in practice, under the supervision of orthodontic specialists

Entry Requirements

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• GCSE English and Maths at Grade C/4 or above (or equivalent)
  (documentary evidence required at interview)
• Current employment at Riverdale Healthcare as one of the following:
  • Dental Nurse
  • Dental Hygienist
  • Dental Therapist
  • Dental Technician
  • Clinical Dental Technician
• GDC registration with a minimum of one year’s full-time post-qualification experience
• English language requirement:
  If English is not your first language, an IELTS score of at least 7.0 overall is required
• Occupational health screening and clearance
• Enhanced DBS clearance

Essential Criteria

Applicants must demonstrate:

â Experience of working within an orthodontic specialist practice and/or with a GDC-registered orthodontic specialist

â Excellent organisational skills and a high level of professionalism

â Strong manual dexterity and exceptional attention to detail

â A clear commitment to learning and ongoing professional development

â Excellent communication skills with a strong command of the English language

Desirable Criteria

• A recognised qualification in orthodontic nursing
• A dental radiography qualification (e.g. NEBDN or equivalent)
• Additional post-qualification or extended-duties certifications relevant to orthodontic practice
• Experience with digital orthodontics, including intraoral scanning and digital workflows
• Evidence of leadership, mentoring, teaching, or supervisory experience
• Demonstrated engagement in CPD beyond GDC minimum requirements
• Experience with clinical governance, audits, safeguarding, or quality improvement initiatives

Remuneration & Career Progression

• Pay during training: To be confirmed
• Upon successful completion of the programme and registration on the GDC Orthodontic Therapist register, a pay and service structure review will be undertaken, based on professional progression and competency assessments.

Application & Interview Process

• Application deadline: 14 January 2026 (late applications may not be considered)
• Interview date: Tuesday 3 February 2026
  (shortlisted candidates must be available on this date)
• Final interview: Successful applicants will undertake a secondary selection process with UCLaN

How to Apply

To apply, please submit a CV and covering letter as a PDF format of both combined.

Important:

If successful at interview, enrolment onto the training programme is subject to a final interview with the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan).

Any further questions- please email