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Dental therapist

Alternative titles for this job include

Dental therapists carry out routine treatments prescribed by a dentist.

Average salary (a year)

£27,055 Starter

to

£40,588 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

39 to 41 a week

You could work

between 8am and 6pm

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become a dental therapist

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

You'll usually need:

  • 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

More Information

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

You'll usually need:

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

More Information

More Information

Registration

Further information

You can find out more about becoming a dental therapist from Health Careers.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • 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
  • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

As a dental therapist, you could:

  • remove plaque and other coatings on teeth
  • polish and whiten teeth
  • apply sealants and fluorides to help prevent tooth decay
  • put in and replace fillings and crowns
  • take X-rays, give local anaesthetic and take out teeth

Working environment

You could work at a dental practice, in an NHS or private hospital or at a school.

You may need to wear protective clothing.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

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

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Dental Nursing Apprenticeship Level 3 - Rodericks Apple Dental Practice

  • Wage: £10,296.00 Annually
  • Location: Bristol

Dental Nurse Apprentice

  • Wage: £9,516.00 Annually
  • Location: Monkseaton, Tyne and Wear
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

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