Orthodontic therapist

How much can I earn

If you're employed by the NHS you'll usually be paid at band 5 of the Agenda for Change payscale and work 37.5 hours a week.

If you're employed by a specialist dental practice your terms and conditions will vary and some evening or weekend work may be required.  

How about the benefits

• Make a difference
• Flexible and part-time working
• Good opportunities for progression
• Thriving cyber profession
• Excellent pension scheme
• Good holiday entitlement, increasing with service
• NHS discounts in shops and restaurants 

Must have skills

You'll need:

• excellent communication skills
• good manual dexterity
• patience and empathy
• good time management and organisational skills
• attention to detail
• ability to follow documented procedures

Entry requirements

You'll already need to be working in a hospital orthodontic department or specialist dental practice as a dental nurse, dental hygienist, dental technician or dental therapist.

How to become an orthodontic therapist

Training is part time and takes about a year. You'll need to be employed during the diploma course so that the clinical practice competencies are achieved.  A level 4 apprenticeship route may be available via an employer. 

The General Dental Council lists the approved programmes leading to registration as an orthodontic therapist.

Where a career as an orthodontic therapist can take you

With experience, you can progress into education, research and staff supervisory roles.