Assistant Professor in Special Care Dentistry - Temporary Fixed Term Contract 5 Years
We are seeking to recruit an Assistant Professor in Special Care Dentistry - Temporary Fixed Term Contract 5 Years, Full-Time in the Division 1, Dept of Child and Dental Public Health in the Dublin Dental University Hospital. The position reports to and is accountable to the Head of Division of Public Child Dental Health.
Post Summary
People requiring Special Care Dentistry (SCD) are those with a disability or activity restriction that directly or indirectly affects their oral health and is impacted by the personal and/or the environmental context of the individual. SCD takes a comprehensive, holistic approach to the care of patients, sometimes referred to as a group of people with ‘special healthcare needs’. These groups may include but are not limited to people with intellectual, sensory and/or physical impairments, those with mental health issues and/or complex medical conditions and includes frail older people. These groups are often underserved and experience higher levels of oral disease. Historically, the oral disease they experience remains untreated placing additional burden on their lives, compared to the general population.
Most dental care for people with disabilities is not complex and can be provided in primary care and community settings by a dental workforce with the relevant skills and competencies and the division of special care dentistry aims to embed teaching and learning in SCD within all of their curricula, in order to provide students with the knowledge, skills and attitudes to meet the oral health needs of vulnerable groups within their communities. Dental Graduates are increasingly likely to see a significant number of patients with special health care needs in the course of their practicing lives. Their confidence and willingness to provide care for this diverse group of patients on graduation is closely correlated to the quality and content of their undergraduate education in Special Care Dentistry.
The Dublin Dental University Hospital provides training for undergraduate dental and allied professionals and is looking to expand clinical exposure to people with disabilities and disadvantages within students’ case mix. There remains a cohort of people with severe disabilities and complex conditions requiring postgraduate skills and the Division of Public and Child Dental Health also offer a three-year full-time doctorate training in SCD, which appropriately draws on expertise across a wide variety of disciplines in health and social care. The speciality encompasses all aspects of dentistry, across primary, secondary and tertiary care within multi-disciplinary teams.
Postgraduate clinical experience is provided under consultant/specialist supervision in the DDUH and external hospitals. This includes training in legal and ethical aspects, clinical dental care for complex patients, use of advanced dental behaviour support, conscious sedation and treatment under General Anaesthesia.
Research is very active in Special Care Dentistry and the Division of Public and Child Dental Health includes PhD and Doctoral students investigating a wide range of disability and quality of life issues along with translational and clinical research to inform the evidence base in this emerging area of importance. The Division has particular research interests in medically complex patients, dental behaviour support, inclusive oral health measurement, oral-health education and implementation science.
This appointment is intended to support the development of an early-career clinical academic in Special Care Dentistry through integrated academic, research and specialist clinical training.
Informal enquiries about this post should be made to [email protected]
Standard Duties and Responsibilities of the Post
The role of the Assistant Professor in SCD includes but is not limited to:
Assist with the delivery of the SCD undergraduate education, including lectures, problem-based learning and clinical supervision for Dental Science students and students on relevant dental auxiliary programmes, as determined by the Head of School.
Work with the Consultant and Specialists in SCD to maintain course documentation and teaching materials, coordinate relevant teaching activity, and develop continuing professional development programmes for dental professionals.
Support the Consultant/Specialist in Special Care Dentistry in providing clinical services to patients at the DDUH and at approved external hospital sites.
Participate in interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary clinics as part of the appointee’s clinical and professional development.
Develop a coherent research theme aligned with the Division’s strategic priorities, and undertake research associated with the D.Ch.Dent course in SCD.
Conduct and contribute to collaborative research and present relevant work at national and international meetings.
Supervise student SCD sessions, treatment plans and competences; acting as a clinical academic advisor and/or undergraduate portfolio supervisor, as requested by the Head of Division.
Assist with the setting of undergraduate examination questions, marking of written assignments and participation in written, practical and clinical assessment of Dental Science and auxiliary programmes.
Publish high quality original research including cutting edge primary and secondary research, and contribute to the preparation and submission of grant applications.
Attend the Divisional meetings and all other meetings as required.
Comply with applicable Trinity and DDUH requirements relating to clinical governance, consent, safeguarding, infection prevention and control, data protection, and research integrity.
Person Specification Qualifications
Each candidate must:
Hold a PhD or equivalent research doctorate and be eligible and willing to enroll in the D.Ch.Dent in Special Care Dentistry as part of the specialist training associated with this appointment.
Demonstrate a commitment to dental research in a related area.
Be registered or eligible for full registration with the Dental Council of Ireland within 3 years of being offered the position.
Knowledge Experience (Essential Desirable)
Demonstrate excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
Be able to identify potential difficulties and formulate solutions.
Be personally motivated with the ability to empower and motivate others.
Demonstrate adaptability to rapid changes taking place in the Hospital, educational and health services in general.
Have a demonstrable patient and student focused approach.
Have proven organisational and administrative skills.
Be fully competent in MS Office, in particular Word, Excel, Outlook, relevant educational and research packages, such as Blackboard, R and/or SPSS, and the responsible use of approved digital and artificial intelligence tools.
Skills Competencies
Have at least five years’ post-qualification experience and demonstrate clinical competence in general dentistry, including experience of providing or supporting care for patients with additional needs.
Evidence of a developing or established record of high-quality peer-reviewed publication appropriate to career stage.
Experience of developing learning materials, supporting curriculum delivery, supervising clinical students and contributing to written, practical or clinical assessment.
Application Information
Applicants should provide the following information when applying for the post:
A one-page cover letter outlining their interest in and suitability for the position, commitment to a clinical-academic career in Special Care Dentistry.
A comprehensive Curriculum Vitae including a full list of publications.
A two-page research plan summarising research to be carried out in the next two years and including details of funding to be sought.
A two-page teaching statement summarising teaching experience and approach.
The names and contact details (i.e., addresses, e-mail, etc.) of three referees.
General Information
Candidates should note that the interview process for this appointment will include the delivery of a presentation. The title, duration and format will be provided in advance.
PLEASE NOTE: Candidates who do not submit all required information may not be considered for shortlisting.
Further Information for Applicants
The School of Dental Science is located within the DDUH. While the DDUH is a separate entity to TCD, the School of Dental Science bridges the gap between the two organisations. Dental education is delivered in a wholly integrated way with both theoretical and clinical components delivered by the DDUH. The working environment is integrated with that of the hospital, creating a busy corporate environment. Staff of the School of Dental Science must also work within the Trinity College organisational structure, striving to create and build on the seamless integration of the 2 organisations.
URL Link to Area
www.tcd.ie
URL Link to Human Resources
https://www.tcd.ie/hr/
Closing date for applications is Thursday, 13th August 2026 at noon.
In-person interviews to be scheduled on Monday, 17th August 2026.
Informal enquiries can be made by contacting Prof Alison Dougall, Dean, School of Dental Science via email in the first instance [email protected]. The successful applicant will be expected to take up post no later than 21st September 2026.
Interested candidates should submit a Cover Letter together with a copy of their Curriculum Vitae via Hirehive.
Offers are subject to Garda Vetting, References, Pre-employment Medical and CPD in various HSEland Training Programmes.
The Dublin Dental Hospital is an equal opportunities employer.
