Dental technician

You could do a foundation degree or degree in dental technology approved by the General Dental Council.

You're likely to need a degree qualification to do advanced dental technology work.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• at least 1 A level, or equivalent, for a foundation degree
• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements
• student finance for fees and living costs
• university courses and entry requirements

You can do a Level 3 Extended Diploma in Dental Technology, approved by the General Dental Council.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

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

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements
• funding advice
• search for courses

You can get into this role through a higher apprenticeship as a dental technician.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements
• guide to apprenticeships

You can work as a trainee dental technician with a practice and study part-time. This could take up to 5 years, depending on which qualification you do.

Registration

• you'll need to register with the General Dental Council

Professional and industry bodies

You could join The Dental Technologists Association, for professional development and training opportunities.

Further information

You can get more details about how to become a dental technician from Health Careers.

You'll need:

• the ability to work well with your hands
• knowledge of medicine and dentistry
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• knowledge of manufacturing production and processes
• design skills and knowledge
• the ability to analyse quality or performance
• the ability to work well with others
• thinking and reasoning skills

Your tasks will depend on your specialism and could include:

• orthodontics - you will create plastic or metal devices, such as braces to straighten teeth
• crown and bridge work - you will make items to cement in place
• prosthetics - you will produce plastic dentures or implants

You could work in a laboratory.

You may need to wear protective clothing.