Dental therapists work as part of a team providing clinical and educational support to children and adults in the community, including those with special needs.

They carry out straightforward clinical work under the direction and written prescription of a dentist. This can include:

• removing plaque and calculus
• applying antibacterial and de-sensitising agents
• polishing teeth
• applying fissure sealants and fluorides
• taking radiographs
• replacing temporary fillings and crowns
• carrying out simple fillings
• extracting deciduous (milk) teeth
• administering certain types of local anaesthetic, unsupervised.

Therapists also have an important role in health promotion and education. This includes teaching and motivating individual patients and groups in the community to maintain effective oral hygiene and to care for their teeth.

Dental therapists use a range of instruments and they sometimes need the assistance of a dental nurse. Due to the close personal contact involved with patients, dental therapists are responsible for making sure sterile conditions are maintained.

Hours and Environment

Dental therapists usually work around 37 hours a week between 9am and 5pm. Part-time work is also possible.

Working in the Community Dental Service may involve travelling between jobs, for example, in schools and community centres.

Dental surgeries and clinics are clean, well lit and airy. A coat or tunic, surgical gloves, eye protection and mask are worn to reduce the risk of cross infection.

Skills and Interests

To be a dental therapist you need:

• a genuine interest in the welfare of patients
• the ability to relate well to a wide range of people including children and people with special needs
• a real interest and ability in science
• a high level of manual dexterity and good eyesight
• the ability to concentrate for long periods of time
• excellent communication skills to explain treatment to patients and instruct people on dental hygiene
• a friendly and sympathetic approach, able to put anxious patients at ease
• the ability to work well in a team and independently without supervision.

Entry

To become a dental therapist you need to take an approved course in Dental Therapy. Courses can lead to either a Diploma in Dental Therapy (often combined with a Diploma in Dental Hygiene), or a Degree in Oral Health Sciences. On graduation, and before being able to practise, you must register with the General Dental Council (GDC). The British Association of Dental Therapists (BADT) hold details of approved dental schools; see Further Information.

To get onto an approved courses you will usually need five GCSEs (A-C)/S grades (1-3) including English language, biology or human biology, plus two A levels/three H grades at C or above. A recognised dental nurse qualification is usually accepted as an alternative to A levels (check the Dental Nurse job profile for details). 

Please check with colleges or universities for exact entry requirements.

Reforms to NHS Dentistry will provide more training places for dental therapists. The School of Professionals Complementary to Dentistry in Portsmouth offer programmes intended to address skills shortages, including a Foundation Programme in Science and Dental Therapy aimed at preparing dental nurses for the BSc in Oral Health Science. Contact the School for more details; see Further Information

Training

Dental therapy courses combine theoretical study with practical work-based training. Courses can take between 24 months and three years. On completion of a course you will be able to practise unsupervised.

Approved courses include studying areas such as:

• anatomy
• physiology
• general pathology
• orthodontics
• pharmacology
• treatment of periodontal disease
• theory and practice of radiography
• prevention of oral disease
• diet and nutrition
• oral health promotion
• theories and practice of teaching.

You will learn a range of practical skills on the course, initially using models (known as 'phantom heads'). You will practise on artificial teeth and progress to treating patients when you have reached the required standard.

As a student dental therapist on an approved course, you can join the BADT. Members have access to job boards and networking opportunities.

Opportunities

Dental therapists work in all aspects of dentistry including the Community Dental Service, Hospital Service, local NHS and private dental practice. It is likely that therapists will also have a role in the proposed Personal Dental Services and Dental Access Units.

There is no structure for career progression for dental therapists although it may be possible to progress into the role of practice manager. Some therapists take a Certificate in Oral Health Education and specialise in health promotion.

Annual Income

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

Dental therapists can earn between £19,200 to £25,000 a year.
Experienced dental therapists can earn around £31,000 a year.

Further information

St George's Building
141 High Street
Portsmouth
PO1 2HY
Tel: 023 9284 5222 Tel: 08000 150 850
Email: learning@nhscareers.nhs.uk PO Box 376
Bristol
BS99 3EY
Tel: 0845 606 0655 37 Wimpole Street
London
W1G 8DQ
Tel: 020 7887 3800 Kate Oakes
24 Boundary Street
Brynmawr
Gwent
NP23 4EX