Detailed job description and main responsibilities

1. About the Service

Milton Keynes is part of the Luton & Dunstable OMFS hub-and-spoke network, providing OMFS care to the communities of Milton Keynes, Bedford, Luton, Dunstable and Stevenage. The postholder is directly employed in Milton Keynes and will contribute to a modern, collaborative, and patient‑centred service.

2. Purpose of the Role

To deliver safe, effective, and compassionate OMFS care; to contribute to the day‑to‑day running of the service; and to support continuous improvement, education, and multidisciplinary collaboration.

3. Main Duties and Responsibilities

3.1 Outpatient Clinics

·       Assess, investigate, and manage patients with:

o   Intraoral hard/soft tissue lesions

o   Dentoalveolar pathology

o   Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders

o   Head and neck lumps

o   Salivary gland pathology

o   Skin lesions

o   Oral and maxillofacial trauma

o   Suspected/confirmed head and neck malignancies

·       Provide clear explanations, shared decision‑making, safety‑netting, and timely documentation. 

3.2 Operating Sessions

·       Undertake outpatient operating lists, primarily minor oral surgery under local anaesthetic (LA).

·       Participate in IV sedation sessions for suitable cases (training and supervision aligned to competence).

·       Upskilling opportunities in neonatal tongue‑tie procedures (for suitable candidates not yet experienced).

·       Potential to undertake procedures under GA where appropriate.

·       Introduce and deliver treatment for skin lesions and Botox clinics (training provided as needed).

·       Organise junior staff on operating lists and ensure efficient, safe list flow. 

3.3 Accident & Emergency and Urgent Referrals

·       Hold the departmental bleep during working hours and respond promptly to emergencies from ED and other specialties.

·       Provide initial assessment, stabilisation, and onward management plans.

·       Note: Out‑of‑hours service is provided by Luton & Dunstable Hospital; Milton Keynes does not provide local OOH cover. 

3.4 Day‑to‑Day Service Management

·       Share responsibility for the daily running of OMFS clinics, theatres, and urgent pathways.

·       Prioritise cases, manage waiting lists, and maintain safe patient flow.

·       Escalate risk appropriately and contribute to rota resilience. 

3.5 Governance, Audit, and Service Improvement

·       Attend regular audit meetings (with normal clinical activity paused to enable full participation).

·       Contribute to internal/external audit, clinical effectiveness, and risk management.

·       Lead on selected audits and support the implementation of improvements and service developments. 

3.6 Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) Working

·       Participate in MDTs, including the Head & Neck cancer MDT, ensuring timely information sharing and coordinated care.

·       Collaborate with dental, ENT, oncology, radiology, pathology, anaesthetics, nursing, and AHP colleagues. 

3.7 Teaching, Supervision, and Team Development

·       Supervise and support junior medical staff and other learners in clinics and theatres.

·       Provide constructive feedback, contribute to teaching sessions, and model safe, evidence‑based practice. 

3.8 On‑Call and Bleep Cover

·       Share bleep/on‑call hours with other middle grades (during service hours as per rota).

• Ensure reliable handover and continuity of patient care. 

4. Professional Development

• Take responsibility for self‑development through supervised practice, courses, and reflective learning.
• Engage with the Trust annual appraisal process and personal development planning.
• Access leadership development and targeted upskilling (e.g., neonatal tongue‑tie, sedation practice, aesthetic procedures). 

5. Accountability

• Clinically responsible to, and report to, the Consultant Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon.
• Work within departmental and Trust policies, clinical governance frameworks, and professional standards. 

6. Key Skills and Qualities (Role Essentials)

• Strong clinical judgment and problem‑solving in OMFS presentations.
• Excellent communication: clear notes, patient‑friendly explanations, effective handovers.
• Teamworking and supervision skills with a supportive approach to juniors.
• Adaptability, organisation, and resilience in a dynamic clinical environment.
• Commitment to patient safety, audit, and continuous improvement.
• Willingness to upskill in LA/IV sedation procedures, neonatal tongue‑tie, and aesthetic clinics as appropriate. 

7. Expected Outcomes and Standards

• Safe, timely assessment and treatment across clinics, theatres, and urgent referrals.
• Reliable documentation, coding, and adherence to pathways and guidelines.
• Active participation in audits/MDTs with demonstrable service improvements.
• Effective supervision and positive team culture.
• Consistent engagement in appraisal and development objectives. 

8. Working Relationships

• OMFS Consultants, Specialty Doctors, trainees, nursing and AHP teams.
• Emergency Department, ENT, oncology, radiology, pathology, anaesthetics, dental services, and primary care referrers. 

9. Additional Information

• The role is funded for 9.5 PAs per week: 7 PAs Direct Clinical Care (DCC) and 2.5 PAs SPA/Admin supporting clinical activity.
• Duties may be adjusted in line with service needs, competence, and development goals, following appropriate supervision and governance.