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 11 - 15 of 27 matches

  • Dental Hygiene

    Teesside University, Middlesbrough

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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]
    Region
    North East
    Admissions address
    Borough Road
    Middlesbrough
    TS1 3BX
    United Kingdom

  • Oral Health Science

    University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI)

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    Qualification
    Bachelor of Science - BSc
    Study mode
    Full-time
    Duration of the course
    3 Years
    Leading to a career in
    Dental hygiene or therapy
    Contact details
    [email protected] 01463 279190
    Region
    Scotland
    Admissions address
    Castle Grounds
    Stornoway
    HS2 0XR
    Scotland

  • Dental Therapy and Hygiene

    University of Plymouth

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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] +44 (0)1752 437333
    Region
    South West
    Admissions address
    Drake Circus
    Plymouth
    PL4 8AA
    United Kingdom

  • BSc Dental hygiene and therapy

    University of Manchester

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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] +44 (0)161 275 2077
    Region
    North West
    Admissions address
    University Recruitment And Adm
    Oxford Road
    Manchester
    M13 9PL
    United Kingdom

  • Dental Therapy

    University of Lancashire

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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] 01772 892400
    Region
    North West
    Admissions address
    Admissions Office
    Corporation Street
    Preston
    PR1 2HE
    United Kingdom

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