Dental therapist

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through a university course or an apprenticeship.

University

You'll need a degree or diploma in dental therapy approved by the General Dental Council .

If you're a qualified dental hygienist or dental nurse , you might be able to do a part time course with a dental school to become a dental therapist.

You might be able to get additional student finance support through the NHS Learning Support Fund .

Work experience

You'll need to get work experience in healthcare  shadowing a dental therapist or a dental hygienist.

Entry requirements:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
• 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including biology for a degree

Entry requirements:

Apprenticeship

You could start by doing the Dental Nurse Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship.

With experience, you could then do a degree or diploma whilst working to become a dental therapist.

Entry requirements:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Skills:

• customer service skills
• knowledge of medicine and dentistry
• sensitivity and understanding
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to work well with others
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• to enjoy working with other people
• thinking and reasoning skills
• knowledge of psychology
• excellent verbal communication skills
• knowledge of English language
• the ability to work well with your hands
• active listening skills
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• knowledge of biology
• excellent written communication skills
• the ability to read English
• physical skills like movement, coordination, dexterity and grace
• a desire to help people
• concentration skills

What you'll do:

Dental therapists carry out routine treatments prescribed by a dentist.

As a dental therapist, you could:

• remove plaque and other coatings on teeth
• polish teeth, and whiten them based on a dentist's prescription
• apply sealants and fluorides to help prevent tooth decay
• provide care for implants
• take X-rays, and extract baby or primary teeth
• advise patients on how to care for their teeth and gums

Location : You could work at a dental practice, in an NHS or private hospital or at a school.
Uniform : You may need to wear protective clothing.

Salary:

Starter : £28,000
Experienced : £43,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

39 - 41 hours a week

Working Pattern is between 8am and 6pm

Career Path:

With experience you could:

• progress to dental practice manager
• become self employed and set up your own practice
• move into research or teaching
• do further training or go into orthodontic therapy