Dental Therapy
What is a Dental Therapist?
Dental Therapy students practise on simulator head
A Dental Therapist is a Dental Care Professional who works as a member of the dental team in all sectors of dentistry. A Dental Therapist provides a range of restorative dental treatments to adults and children and the delivery of oral health care and advice.
A flexible team approach, high levels of manual dexterity, professionalism and a caring attitude are essential. Good communication, problem-solving and decision-making skills are vitally important in this role.
As a Dental Therapist you will:
- Treat dental caries and place restorations (fillings) in permanent and primary teeth
- Extract primary teeth under local anaesthesia
- Fit preformed metal crowns on primary molars
- Perform pulp therapies on primary teeth
- Use fluoride therapies to reduce dental caries (decay)
- Take and interpret dental radiographs
- Provide holistic care, prevention and oral health advice
For further details on the role of a Dental Therapist, please visit the General Dental Council web site.
Course overview
The Diploma in Dental Therapy is a two-year part-time (two consecutive days per week) training programme for GDC registered Dental Hygienists.
"It was a privilege to be accepted onto this programme. The teaching and facilities have been exceptional. Staff and fellow students have made this an enjoyable experience" DCP Student.
Pre-clinical training begins in week one using simulator heads in our newly refurbished Clinical Skills Laboratory. This training develops restorative skills prior to clinical treatment of ‘live’ patients. Teaching is delivered by dedicated Dental Therapy Tutors and Dentists.
Academic tutorials and seminars continue alongside clinical supervision throughout the programme. You should expect home-study assignments, reading and research. This approach encourages learning based upon personal curiosity and exploration.
You will treat a diverse range of patients with varied social and dental needs based in a variety of clinical settings in the Bristol Dental Hospital and the newly opened South Bristol Community Hospital.
Dental prevention is vitally important to the population and Dental Therapists are trained to provide an holistic approach to dental treatment and care, utilising previously acquired skills and knowledge in their role as a Dental Hygienist.
Full details are contained within the course prospectus (Word, 156Kb). Term dates will be confirmed on application . You may apply by downloading and printing a Dental Therapy Diploma application form (Word, 321.5Kb), or complete and return via email. To be considered for April entry, applications must be received by 31st October of the previous year.
Finance
Currently students on this post qualification training programme are exempt from tuition and examination fees. Student finance in the form of a bursary or loan is not applicable.
Dental Care Professional Clinic, Bristol Dental Hospital
Career prospects
All Dental Care Professionals are registered with the General Dental Council and must complete mandatory Continuing Professional Development, including reflective practice, peer review, self-audit and professional seminars or meetings. This is important throughout your career to ensure high levels of safety and competency are maintained. Membership to professional organisations such as BADT and BSDHT are highly recommended.
Dental Therapists can work in:
- General Dental Practice
- Community and Primary Dental Care Services
- Research posts
- Health promotion
- Lecture posts
- Positions overseas