Dental therapist

A dental therapist does some of the more straightforward work undertaken by a dentist.

Working life

More dental surgeries have dental therapists working for them to do routine dental work. As a therapist, you'll have independence without the full responsibility of running a practice. You can also provide treatment in other parts of the community, such as schools and care homes.

Health education would be an important part of your role such as offering advice to patients on looking after their oral health. You'll also carry out a range of procedures including:

  • scaling and polishing
  • applying materials to teeth such as fluoride and fissure sealants
  • taking dental x-rays
  • taking impressions of teeth
  • undertaking routine dental fixes of baby and permanent teeth
  • putting in crowns
  • extracting teeth

Annette Matthews

Dental therapist and hygienist

My days vary, depending which practices I am working in. I have busy days which include back-to-back restorative dentistry and there are days when I focus on prevention and dental hygiene.

Read Annette's story
Annette Matthews

Health education would be an important part of your role such as offering advice to patients on looking after their oral health. You'll also carry out a range of procedures including:

  • scaling and polishing
  • applying materials to teeth such as fluoride and fissure sealants
  • taking dental x-rays
  • taking impressions of teeth
  • undertaking routine dental fixes of baby and permanent teeth
  • putting in crowns
  • extracting teeth

Dental therapists can also develop additional skills including:

  • carrying out tooth whitening
  • removing sutures after a dentist has checked the wound

You'll treat a range of patients with different treatment needs including those who:

  • are dentally anxious
  • have learning or physical disabilities
  • have high levels of untreated decay
  • are unable to access regular dental care in the general dental service

Entry requirements

To practise as a dental therapist, you must obtain a diploma or degree in dental therapy and be registered with the General Dental Council.

You'll need five GCSE subjects at grade 4-7 or 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.

Must have skills

You will patience and excellent communication and interpersonal skills. You'll need empathy and be caring approach along with proficient, highly technical clinical skills. You'll need to be confident to work on your own and be able to put even the youngest of patients at ease. Good time management and organisational skills are essential, along with attention to health and safety procedures. At all times, a dental therapist needs to be mindful of the need for patient confidentiality.

Training and development

The diploma in dental therapy course takes about 27 months, depending on the dental hospital at which you study. Some dental schools offer part time courses for dental hygienists wishing to qualify as dental therapists.

Subjects studied include:

  • preventive dentistry
  • dental health education
  • dental pathology
  • simple restorative procedures for both deciduous and permanent teeth
  • the extraction of deciduous teeth (previously known as baby teeth)
  • radiography and pharmacology

If you are studying dental therapy at level 5 or 6 you could be eligible to receive at least £5,000 a year towards your studies while at university. Your personal circumstances may mean you could receive more. And the good news?  You'll never have to pay it back. Find out more. 

Career development 

You'll be expected to keep up to date with the latest techniques and developments, including best practice. Your professional development will be identified through performance reviews and will be part of your mandatory requirements for General Dental Council register.

With experience, you can progress to become a practice manager or move into research. You could move into teaching roles or become an orthodontic therapist.

Pay and benefits

Dental therapists may be self-employed or employed directly by a dental practice so your working hours and pay will vary but some evening or weekend work may be required.

If you work for the the NHS in a hospital or community clinic, your starting salary might be at bands 5 or 6 of the Agenda for Change pay scale. You'll typically work 37.5 hours a week.

Displaying 1 - 5 of 27 matches

  • Dental Therapy and Dental Hygiene

    Cardiff University

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    Qualification
    Bachelor of Science (with Honours) - BSc (Hons)
    Study mode
    Full-time
    Duration of the course
    3 Years
    Leading to a career in
    Dental hygiene or therapy
    Contact details
    [email protected] 029 2087 9999
    Region
    Wales
    Admissions address
    30-36 Newport Road
    Cardiff
    CF24 0DE
    United Kingdom

  • Dental Hygiene and Dental Therapy

    University of Portsmouth

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    Qualification
    Bachelor of Science (with Honours) - BSc (Hons)
    Study mode
    Full-time
    Duration of the course
    3 Years
    Leading to a career in
    Dental hygiene or therapy
    Contact details
    [email protected] 023 9284 5566
    Region
    South East
    Admissions address
    University House
    Winston Churchill Avenue
    Portsmouth
    PO1 2UP
    England

  • Oral Health Science

    University of Essex

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    Qualification
    Foundation Degree in Science - FdSc
    Study mode
    Full-time
    Duration of the course
    2 Years
    Leading to a career in
    Dental hygiene or therapy
    Contact details
    [email protected] 01206 873666
    Region
    East of England
    Admissions address
    University of Essex
    Wivenhoe Park
    Colchester
    CO4 3SQ
    England

  • Dental Hygiene

    University of Portsmouth

    View course

    Opens in a new window

    Qualification
    Bachelor of Science (with Honours) - BSc (Hons)
    Study mode
    Full-time
    Duration of the course
    3 Years
    Leading to a career in
    Dental hygiene or therapy
    Contact details
    [email protected] 023 9284 5566
    Region
    South East
    Admissions address
    University House
    Winston Churchill Avenue
    Portsmouth
    PO1 2UP
    England

  • Dental Hygiene

    Cardiff University

    View course

    Opens in a new window

    Qualification
    Diploma of Higher Education - DipHE
    Study mode
    Full-time
    Duration of the course
    2 Years
    Leading to a career in
    Dental hygiene or therapy
    Contact details
    [email protected] 029 2087 9999
    Region
    Wales
    Admissions address
    30-36 Newport Road
    Cardiff
    CF24 0DE
    United Kingdom

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