Dental Therapist

A Dental Therapist does some of the more straightforward work undertaken by a dentist. More dental surgeries have dental therapists working for them to do routine dental work. As a therapist, you will have independence without the full responsibility of running a practice.

Health education would be an important part of your role such as offering advice to patients on looking after their oral health. You will also carry out a range of procedures including scaling and polishing, applying materials to teeth such as fluoride and fissure sealants, taking dental x-rays, taking impressions of teeth, undertaking routine dental fixes of baby and permanent teeth, putting in crowns, extracting teeth.

Dental therapists can also develop additional skills including carrying out tooth whitening, removing sutures after a dentist has checked the wound. You will treat a range of patients with different treatment needs including those who are dentally anxious, have learning or physical disabilities, have high levels of untreated decay or are unable to access regular dental care in the general dental service.