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.

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  1. Orthoptist

    You’ll help improve the quality of people’s lives by treating eye disorders and spotting serious neurological conditions. 

    You need to study for an approved degree (BSc) in orthoptics which take three or four years. To get onto an orthoptics degree course you'll need two or three A levels (or equivalent), including a science, along with five GCSEs (grades A-C), including English language, maths and science. However, each institution sets its own entry requirements so it’s important to check carefully.
    Orthoptists in the NHS work standard hours, which are likely to be around 37.5 a week. You will usually start on band 5 of the Agenda for Change pay rates. In a private clinic, your hours of work depend on client needs and may include evenings and weekends. Some orthoptists have to travel to clinics, health centres or schools.
    You'll need to be caring and understanding, able to work with adults or children, interested in science and caring and dedicated. They also need good communication skills, an ability to explain treatment to patients, good observation skills and an attention to detail.
    In the NHS, with experience, you could become specialist orthoptist. You could also progress to senior or head orthoptist. As head of an orthoptics service, you would be responsible both for a team of staff and for managing a budget. You might also choose to move into teaching orthoptics or into research. There may be opportunities to work in a private clinic. Some orthoptists set up their own clinics, often with other eye professionals.
  2. 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.
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