A dental therapist does some of the more straightforward work undertaken by a dentist. They will give advice on oral health to patients and will also provide periodontal treatments and carry out routine restorative work.

More dental surgeries have dental therapists working for them to do routine dental work. As a therapist, you’ll have independence without the full responsibility of running a practice. You can also provide treatment in other parts of the community, such as schools and care homes.

Health education would be an important part of your role such as offering advice to patients on looking after their oral health.

You’ll 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’ll 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
• are unable to access regular dental care in the general dental service

You can earn up to £45,839* (Band 7) working as a Dental Therapist within the NHS or Private practice.

Salaries can vary widely depending on a range of factors, including your location, experience and skills, type of employer (i.e. private or NHS) and whether you’re employed or self-employed.

*Income figures are intended as a guide only.

(Source: https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/)