Dental Therapist
What is the work like?
Dental therapists work as part of a team providing clinical and educational support to children and adults in the community. They may also be known as oral health practitioners.
As a dental therapist, you would carry out straightforward clinical work, under the direction and written prescription of a dentist. Your duties could include:
- removing plaque and other coatings, such as calculus
- applying antibacterial and de-sensitising agents
- polishing teeth
- applying fissure sealants and fluorides
- taking radiographs
- replacing temporary fillings and crowns
- carrying out simple fillings
- extracting deciduous (milk) teeth
- administering certain types of local anaesthetic, unsupervised.
You would use a range of instruments and sometimes have the assistance of a dental nurse.
Your work would also involve health promotion and education, which could include teaching and motivating individuals and groups in the community to maintain good oral hygiene and dental care.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
You will need to take a General Dental Council (GDC) approved course, such as:
- a diploma in dental therapy (often combined with a diploma in dental hygiene) or
- a degree in oral health sciences, or dental therapy and dental hygiene.
When you graduate, you must register with the GDC. The British Association of Dental Therapists (BADT) has details of approved dental schools.
To get onto an approved course you will usually need at least five GCSEs (A-C) including English, biology or human biology, plus two A levels at C or above (this may include biology). Check with course providers for exact entry details because alternative qualifications, such as recognised dental nurse training (and experience) may also be accepted.
What further training and development can I do?
Once you are on a dental therapy course, you will combine theoretical study with practical, clinical, work-based training. Courses can take between 27 months and three years. You will study areas such as:
- oral anatomy and physiology
- oral surgery, medicine and pathology
- dental materials
- pain and anxiety control
- restorative dentistry and operative techniques
- dental radiography
- adult and child dental health
- oral health promotion, and the theory and practice of teaching.
You will learn a range of practical skills on the course, initially using manikin heads or models (also known as 'phantom heads'). You will practise on plastic teeth and progress to treating patients when you have reached the necessary standard.
As a student you can join the BADT, which will give you access to job vacancy boards, networking and professional development opportunities.
Where can I go for more information?
37 Wimpole StreetLondon
W1G 8DQ
Tel: 020 7887 3800
Bristol
BS99 3EY
Tel: 0845 606 0655
24 Boundary Street
Brynmawr
Gwent
NP23 4EX
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
Alternatively, you can visit our website at: www.direct.gov.uk/careersadvice
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- Starting salaries for dental therapists can be between £20,200 to £26,100 a year.
- With experience, this can rise to around £32,600.
- Advanced practitioners and team managers may earn up to £38,300.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
You would usually work around 37 hours a week between 9am and 5pm. Part-time work is also possible.
If you are working in the Community Dental Service or carrying out health promotion work, some travel between jobs may be needed, for example between schools and community centres and clinics.
You would work mainly in dental surgeries and clinics, which are clean and well lit. When carrying out treatments, you would usually wear a coat or tunic, surgical gloves, eye protection and a mask to reduce the risk of cross infection.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- a genuine interest in the welfare of patients
- the ability to gain the trust of a wide range of people, including children and those with special needs
- good time management
- a keen interest and ability in science
- a steady hand and good practical skills
- the ability to concentrate for long periods of time
- excellent communication skills
- the ability to clearly explain treatments and give instructions
- a friendly and sympathetic approach, with the ability to put anxious patients at ease
- good teamworking skills and the ability to work independently without supervision.
What opportunities are there?
You could work in all areas of dentistry including general dental practice, cosmetic dentistry, in hospitals, and the Community Dental Service.
With experience, you could progress to dental practice manager. You could also work towards a Certificate in Oral Health Education and specialise in health promotion work, or go into orthodontic therapy (helping dentists to prevent or correct patients' dental irregularities).
You may find the following useful for job vacancies and general reading: (links open in new window)
NHS Jobs
British Dental Journal
British Society of Dental Hygiene and Therapy
BADT
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