How to Become a Dental Therapist in the UK
Dental therapists carry out a wide range of dental treatment: fillings in adult and baby teeth, extracting baby teeth, fitting preformed crowns on baby teeth, scaling and polishing, and prevention advice. Because most dental therapists are also trained in dental hygiene, they can do the work of a hygienist plus this restorative work. You might work in NHS or private practices, community dental services or hospitals.
To practise you must be registered with the General Dental Council (GDC). That means completing a GDC-approved qualification in dental therapy, usually a three-year degree in dental hygiene and therapy.
Quick facts
- Starting salary
- £32,000 - £40,000
- Mid-career salary
- £45,000 - £60,000
- Senior salary
- £65,000 - £85,000
- Work environment
- Hospital, clinic or community setting
- Time to entry
- 3 years (degree)
- Degree required
- Often required
- Category
- Healthcare and Care
Compare pay across careers in the UK salaries by career report. Also in: High-paying careers, Stable careers, Career change.
What a Dental Therapist does
Do fillings, extractions of baby teeth and preventive treatment - more clinical scope than a hygienist.
- NHS Therapy - Restorative and preventative work in NHS practice.
- Private Therapy - Cosmetic and restorative work in private practice.
- Paediatric Therapy - Therapy for children, often community-based.
- Special Care Dentistry - Therapy for patients with complex needs.
How to become a dental therapist in the UK
You need a GDC-approved qualification in dental therapy, usually a BSc in Dental Hygiene and Therapy or Oral Health Science, taking about three years. Entry usually needs A levels including biology, or a relevant Level 3 qualification, and some courses value experience as a dental nurse. Some universities also offer shorter courses for qualified dental hygienists who want to add dental therapy. After qualifying you register with the GDC, keep up continuing professional development (CPD) and hold indemnity cover. The British Association of Dental Therapists represents the profession.
- Take biology at A level or a relevant Level 3 science or health qualification, as most dental hygiene and therapy degrees ask for one.
- Get experience in a dental setting, ideally as a trainee dental nurse, so you understand clinical routines and caring for anxious patients.
- Apply through UCAS for a GDC-approved dental hygiene and therapy degree, and prepare examples of your dental or care experience for interview.
- Complete your clinical training, treating patients under supervision in the dental school and in outreach clinics.
- Register with the GDC once you qualify, arrange indemnity cover and keep a CPD record from your first year.
- Apply to NHS, private or community dental services, and look for practices that will let you use your full therapy scope, not only hygiene work.
| Route | How long | Cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dental hygiene and therapy degree | About 3 years | Tuition fee loan | School leavers and career changers |
| Dental nurse first, then degree | 4-5 years in total | Paid work, then tuition fee loan | People wanting dental experience first |
| Hygienist top-up to dental therapy | Varies by course | Varies by provider | Qualified dental hygienists |
How long it takes
Most people qualify in about three years through a dental hygiene and therapy degree. If you are already a registered dental hygienist, a top-up course can be quicker.
Dental Therapist salary in the UK
Newly qualified dental therapists usually earn around £32,000 to £40,000. With experience, pay typically rises to £45,000 to £60,000, and senior or specialist dental therapists can earn £65,000 to £85,000. Many work self-employed in private practices and are paid by the hour or session, so income depends on how many sessions you work. Practices that use your full restorative scope, not only hygiene, often pay better. Community and hospital roles follow NHS pay bands.
Key skills
- Clinical procedures
- Patient comms
- Manual dexterity
- Calm under pressure
- Teamwork
Dental Therapist FAQs
How do I become a dental therapist in the UK?
Complete a GDC-approved degree in dental hygiene and therapy, usually three years, then register with the General Dental Council. Some people work as a dental nurse first, and qualified hygienists can take a top-up course to add therapy.
Do you need a degree to be a dental therapist?
In practice, yes. You need a GDC-approved dental therapy qualification, which is usually a three-year degree. You cannot practise as a dental therapist without GDC registration.
How much does a dental therapist earn?
Newly qualified dental therapists earn around £32,000 to £40,000, rising to £45,000 to £60,000 with experience. Senior or specialist therapists can earn £65,000 to £85,000. Self-employed therapists are usually paid by the hour or session.
What is the difference between a dental therapist and a dental hygienist?
Dental hygienists focus on cleaning, gum health and prevention. Dental therapists can do that and also fillings and some treatment of baby teeth, such as extractions. Most therapists qualify in both, so they are often called hygienist-therapists.
Is Dental Therapist right for you?
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Still deciding whether dental therapist is the career for you? Here is which career test is actually worth taking, and what a free quiz will not tell you.