Dental therapy and hygiene
What is dental therapy and hygiene?
Dental hygienists work closely with other members of the dental team. A dental hygienist can carry out treatments such as scaling and polishing, oral health promotion and preventative fissure sealants for both adults and children.
They work in hospitals and in community dental services, but most frequently in general dental practice. Many dental hygienists lead teams of oral health educators.
Your work as a dental hygienist will save teeth by preventing and treating gum disease, helping people manage associated problems like halitosis (bad breath). The dentist will usually advise you and help direct your work, although it's now possible for hygienists and therapists who have extra training to set up their own practices or work independently in a dental practice so they can see patients without them having to see a dentist first.
In the community, you could work with people with a wide range of special or additional needs.
If you are based in a hospital, you will help patients who may have had major surgery or complicated orthodontic treatment or have particular medical conditions. The hospital patients you see may be very ill, apprehensive or unsure after life-changing surgery.
British Society Dental Hygiene and Therapy
Dental therapists can do much of the straightforward work that a dentist is able to do without the need for a referral from a dentist. They are able to carry out all of the duties of a dental hygienist and in addition are able to carry out a variety of restorative treatments (fillings) on patients. They may also extract deciduous (baby) teeth, undertake pulpotomies (nerve treatments) and place preformed crowns on badly decayed children’s teeth.
More dentists are including dental therapists within the practice team to handle much of the routine dental work. Working as a therapist in a dental practice gives you independence without the full responsibility of running a practice. Many dental therapists provide treatment in a range of places in the community, such as schools and care homes.
Dental therapists are increasingly important members of the dental team and are likely to be a particularly important component of future NHS dental care.
Where do Dental Therapy and Hygienists work?
On qualification, clinicians register with the General Dental Council and are able to work in various areas of the dental sector:
- general practice - in the NHS or privately, either employed or self-employed
- community dental clinics
- teaching hospitals and dental schools
- as well as opportunities in the armed forces
How much do Dental Therapy and Hygienists earn?
Starting salary for Dental Therapist/Hygienist employed in the NHS is band 5 or 6 depending on the employer; please see our Pay and Benefits section for more information. Those not employed to work in the NHS will have different salaries and may be self-employed.
How do I become a Dental Therapist/ Hygienist?
| Do I need a degree? | If you want to become a Dental Hygienist you can undertake the Diploma in Dental Hygiene. To become a Dental Therapist you will need to complete the BSc (Hons) in dental hygiene and therapy. |
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| Where can I train in Wales? | Cardiff University School of Dentistry. |
| Is there funding available? | Yes, for further information about available funding and eligibility please visit Student Awards Services. |
| Are there postgraduate opportunities? |
Dental therapists and hygienists are expected to keep up to date with the latest techniques and developments, including best practice. Continuing professional development, identified through individual performance reviews and the CPD cycle, will form part of the mandatory requirements for annual registration on with the General Dental Council. There are many opportunities for career progression including managerial, academic, supervisory and educator roles. |
| Do I need previous experience to apply for the course? | No, but can be an advantage. |
| How do I get experience? | There numerous Dental Surgeries in and outside of the NHS that may offer work experiences. |
| How do I apply for a job? | Visit our Work section for more information. |