Compare roles in health

Not sure where to start with the hundreds of NHS careers? Use our compare roles section to get bite-size information on the entry requirements and training, pay and conditions, prospects and skills needed of up to three roles. If there is something that you think you could do, then get more in-depth information on the role.

Don't forget, you can also save your role comparisons by registering with us.  

  1. Dental technician/dental technologist

    Dental technicians (or dental technologists as they are often referred to) make the dentures, crowns, bridges and dental braces that improve patients’ appearance, speech and ability to chew.

    To work as a dental technician/dental technologist, you need to complete a General Dental Council- (GDC) approved course (diploma or degree level) and be registered with the GDC.
    Dental technicians generally work standard NHS hours, which are likely to be around 37.5 a week. Your starting salary will be band 5 of the Agenda for Change pay rates.
    Absolute precision and attention to detail is key for dental technicians. Much of your work will be by hand making dentures, crowns, bridges and braces and no two pieces will be the same because every patient is different. You will also work with specialised equipment in a laboratory.
    Dental technicians can progress into management roles such as senior or chief technician posts, quality control, teaching or sales. With specific training, they can also become clinical dental technicians so they can create and modify dental appliances. Clinical dental technicians have direct contact with patients.

    Related roles

Make a comment or report a problem with this page

Help us improve

This form is for you to tell us about something that could be improved about the website or if there's anything wrong, incorrect or inaccurate with what you see. 

If you have a query about a career in the NHS, please visit our contact us page and call or email us.