Role Overview
As an RAF Dental Officer, you will deliver a complete range of dental care treatments to all RAF personnel and ensure that all personnel are fit for service. Typical responsibilities include:
- Conduct dental screenings and regular checks
- Carry out advanced clinical solutions for complicated dental problems
- Provide a range of simple treatments such as fillings and cleanings
Requirements at a glance
- Be qualified to practise dentistry and fully registered with the General Dental Council of the United Kingdom.
- Have GCSEs at a minimum of Grade C/Grade 4-5 or equivalent Scottish Certificate of Education (SCE) at a minimum of Grade 2 or Scottish National Equivalent (SNE) at Grade 5 in English Language and Mathematics/Application of Mathematics.
- Be aged 21 – 53 (must attest before 54th birthday).
- Meet specific nationality and residency criteria (details below).
- Commit to a preliminary commission of 6 years service.
Education Requirements
Applicants must be registered dentists with the GDC and either have completed or be in the process of completing Dental Foundation Training.
Nationality & Residency
Nationals must hold citizenship of the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland, be a Commonwealth citizen with ‘right to work’ status, or have dual UK/other nationality. Residing in the UK for the 5 years immediately preceding the application (or a minimum of 3 years) is required, with consideration for those who have lived abroad due to work or study. Security clearance of Security Check (SC) is mandatory.
Security Vetting and Nationality Considerations
RAF security policies are subject to ongoing review. Eligibility for roles may be impacted by dual nationality or direct connections to certain countries. Completion of the appropriate level of security vetting is a prerequisite for employment.
Fitness Requirements
- Physically fit to complete initial and specialist training.
- Complete the Pre‑Joining Fitness Test (PJFT) – a 2.4 km run – at a fitness centre local to you.
- Pass a second fitness test – the Multi‑Stage Fitness Test (MSFT) – during the familiarisation visit at RAF Cranwell.
Health Requirements
- Medically fully fit, both physically and psychologically, to meet the demands of military service.
- Meet BMI limits: Healthy BMI is between 18.5 and 24.9; higher BMIs may be accepted with waist circumference measurements.
- Meet eyesight standards as required for the role.
- Failing the medical risk assessment results in rejection.
Background Checks
- Declare any previous spent or unspent convictions.
- Check eligibility under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
- Achieve the minimum security clearance of Security Check (SC).
Disqualifying Factors
- Membership of a group that promotes racial hatred or violence.
- Being awaited in court or having unspent convictions.
- Misuse of drugs, solvents or anabolic steroids.
- Obscene or offensive tattoos, brands, bead implants or body piercings that do not heal.
- Being an undischarged bankrupt.
Beard Policy
Serving personnel may wear a neatly‑trimmed, full‑set beard (2.5 mm – 25.5 mm). Clean shaven is required during certain training phases for respirator fitting.
Career, Training & Development
All Dental Officers begin as Flight Lieutenants on an initial commission of 6 years. Career progression includes:
- Promotion to Squadron Leader after 4 years accredited service.
- Possibility of promotion to Wing Commander and beyond by competitive selection.
- Extended engagement until age 60.
Training stages:
- Phase One – Initial Officer Training (RAF Cranwell).
- Phase Two – Specialist Initial Officer Training (SOIT) course and ongoing specialist training.
- First Tour – Posted to a multi‑chair practice to work with an experienced dentist.
- Ongoing Development – Encouraged to pursue postgraduate education (e.g., MJDF, Masters, consultant status) with support from the Ministry of Defence.
Why Join as an Officer?
As an RAF Officer, you will lead a team, build camaraderie, and make quick decisions from day one. The role offers opportunities for professional growth, national and international experience, and the chance to serve your country while advancing your dental career.
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