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A dental therapist does some of the more straightforward work undertaken by a dentist.
To practise as a dental therapist, you must obtain a degree or diploma in dental therapy and be registered on the General Dental Council’s (CDG) roll of dental therapists. To get on the course, you will need five GCSE subjects at grade A to C, plus two A-levels or a recognised qualification in dental nursing. You may also be required to have some experience of dental nursing before taking the course.Most dental therapists 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.You will need to develop highly technical clinical skills. Dental therapists will often spend valuable time encouraging anxious patients to accept dental treatment which requires patience, and excellent communication and interpersonal skills.Dental therapists with experience can progress to become orthodontic therapists or practice managers, or move into research or teaching roles. If you work in a dentist's practice, you will be able to work independently without the full responsibility of running the practice. -
Stores and distribution staff make sure that a range of essential supplies are delivered to the right wards, clinics and health centres.
There are no set entry requirements for stores and distribution assistants. Employers expect a good level of literacy, numeracy and IT. They may ask for GCSEs (or equivalent) in English and maths along with an IT qualification such as ECDL. Employers may ask for experience eg from retail or warehousing work. There may be opportunities to gain relevant experience through an apprenticeship. You can enter the NHS as a stores and distribution manager with relevant qualifications and experience. Employers usually ask for a degree level qualification. When you join the NHS in stores and distribution, you will get the training you need but whatever level you are working at, you will be encouraged to take further qualifications.Staff working in stores and distribution in the NHS are paid on the Agenda for Change (AfC) pay system. You would typically start on AfC band 2. With further training and experience, you could apply for posts at bands 3 and above. Stores and distribution staff in the NHS work standard hours of around 37.5 a week. Some may work shifts which can include early starts, evenings, nights and weekends. Terms and conditions will usually be different for stores and distribution staff working outside of the NHS.Stores and distribution staff need to be physically fit for lifting, carrying and pushing trolleys, part of a team but responsible for their own work and methodical and accurate. You'll also need good communication, organisational, customer service and (often) driving skills.With experience, stores and distribution assistants can become team leaders, supervising a team of staff. With further experience and qualifications, you could become a manager, responsible for a department or area. There are opportunities outside the NHS. -
Heating systems and water supply is crucial for a successful NHS. Plumbers in the NHS make sure these are safe and in good working order.
There are no set entry requirements but employers expect plumbers to have a qualification and experience in plumbing and/or heating and ventilation. To train as a plumber, you usually need at least three GCSEs (or equivalent) including maths, English and science. Employers may ask for some experience in construction or other practical work. An apprenticeship in an estates support role can provide this. Employers may ask for a driving licence. When you start as a trainee plumber, your training will include health and safety, how to use the tools and equipment and all aspects of plumbing, drainage and heating work. You'll be expected to study for vocational qualifications and may be encouraged to become multi-skilled by training in, for example, painting and decorating or tiling.Estates staff working in the NHS are paid on the Agenda for Change (AfC) pay system. As an estates support worker, you would typically start on AfC band 2. As a qualified plumber, you will typically start on AfC band 3. With further training and experience, you could apply for more senior positions at bands 4 and above. Plumbers in the NHS work standard hours of around 37.5 a week. The job may involve shifts including early starts, evenings and weekends. Plumbers may be part of an on-call rota for emergency cover. Terms and conditions will usually be different for plumbers working outside of the NHS.Plumbers need to be interested in practical work and repairs, able to follow technical instructions, accurate and methodical, health and safety aware, willing to work at heights where necessary and able to use tools. They also need good manual (hand) skills, organisational skills and time management skills.Once fully qualified and with experience, a plumber can become a team leader, supervising the work of others. With further experience you could progress to manager, responsible for maintenance and repair services in a hospital, area or trust. Plumbers may be able to move into other estates services roles They can apply to train as engineers. There are opportunities outside the NHS. Some plumbers become self-employed by setting up a business, either on their own or with one or more colleagues.Related roles