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
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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
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Registration
you'll need to register with the General Dental Council
Further information
You can find out more about becoming a dental therapist from Health Careers.