FAQs about careers in the dental team

The dental team includes dentists, dental nurses, dental therapists, dental hygienists and dental technicians/technologists. There are opportunities to progress into more specialist roles such as an orthodontic therapist

There are three stages to the training, but you'll need to start by going to university to do an approved degree in dentistry. Find out more about studying for a career in the dental team.

You can also use the course finder to search for the dental schools/universities approved to run degree courses in dentistry.

You'll need to go to university to do an approved degree course in dental hygiene or dental therapy. Some courses combine both areas. You can use our course finder to search for the universities approved to run degree courses in dental hygiene and dental therapy.

Find out more about studying for a career in the dental team

Visit our page about dental nursing for information and our coursefinder for information on courses available.

You'll need to put what you learn into practice and so even if you do a full-time course, there will usually be dental nurse placements or time spent in the dental school's practice. Visit our dental nursing pages for details of the training.

Current students on approved degrees in dentistry can receive some financial help from the NHS. Read more on our web pages. Find out more about financial help available from the NHS on the NHS Business Service Authority's website

Students on approved degrees in dental hygiene or dental therapy will usually need to take out student loans but may also be eligible for support through the NHS Learning Support Fund. Find out more on our web pages.

Dental Mentor offers a variety of resources and support for those considering applying for dental school. 

You can find more information about careers in the dental team by visiting our explore roles section.

You can find out more about rejoining the register on the General Dental Council's website.