How to become a dental therapist

What is a dental therapist?

A dental therapist plays a crucial and expanding role within the dental team. Dental therapists are qualified to diagnose dental diseases and provide a wide range of dental treatments within their scope of practice. This can involve providing direct care to patients or treating them under prescription from a dentist.

A dental therapist's scope of practice allows them to provide essential preventative advice and treatments to combat gum disease and tooth decay. They also provide restorative treatments like fillings on both adults' and children's teeth. Dental therapists can also carry out extractions and place crowns on children's primary teeth.

Dental therapists may work in a general dental practice, community health centre, or a hospital setting.

Starting your career as dental therapist

Choosing subjects at school

To prepare for a dental therapist career, useful subjects to study at school include:

• Biology or Human Biology
• English
• Maths
• Chemistry

Speak to your guidance teacher or careers adviser about the subjects offered at your school.

Education and training pathway

The route to becoming a dental therapist begins with a solid educational foundation. Whether you are a school leaver or a mature student, there are several pathways you can take to gain the qualifications and skills you need.

Alternative entry routes

Some training providers accept applications from candidates who have successfully completed a SWAP access course. The SWAP website has more information about these courses for mature students.

Knowledge of the English language

To practice safely and effectively in the UK, all dental professionals, including dental therapists, must demonstrate the necessary knowledge of English. The GDC standards state that dental professionals must "be sufficiently fluent in written and spoken English to communicate effectively with patients, their relatives, the dental team, and other healthcare professionals in the United Kingdom." Effective communication includes speaking, reading, writing, and listening.

You'll find detailed information on the official English language requirements for dental professionals on the GDC website.

Pre-registration training programme

The General Dental Council (GDC) requires all dental therapists to complete a recognised training programme that leads to GDC registration. A BSc degree in Oral Health Sciences is a common pathway to becoming a dental therapist.

Currently, this degree is offered by the following training providers in Scotland:

• University of Dundee: BSc Oral Health Sciences
• Glasgow Caledonian University: BSc Oral Health Science
• University of the Highlands and Islands: BSc Oral Health Science

These training providers can advise on their specific programme entry requirements, which can vary. Applications for these undergraduate degree programmes are typically made through UCAS.

Learning and development

As a dental therapist, you are expected to undertake ongoing continuing professional development (CPD). The purpose of CPD is to maintain and update your skills, knowledge, and competence so that you can retain your registration with the GDC.

You can learn more about CPD requirements for dental professionals on the GDC website.

Career progression for a dental therapist

With experience and additional training, you can significantly advance your dental therapist career. You can extend your professional scope to include tasks such as:

• administering inhalation sedation
• removing sutures after a wound has been checked by a dentist
• carrying out tooth whitening under the prescription of a dentist.

With further experience and qualifications, you can also pivot into a new career path or registrant group. For example, a dental therapist could move into management roles or become a dental therapist tutor, training the next generation of oral healthcare professionals.

Professional bodies

Upon becoming a qualified dental therapist, you must register with the General Dental Council (GDC).

You can also join professional organisations such as:

• The British Association of Dental Therapists
• The British Society of Dental Hygiene and Therapy

These organisations provide excellent resources, support, and professional representation for dental therapists.