Dental Therapist
Do fillings, extractions of baby teeth and preventive treatment - more clinical scope than a hygienist.
This UK dental therapist career guide covers what the role involves day to day, typical salary at each stage, the usual entry route, the skills employers expect, and related careers worth comparing.
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
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
- Look up Dental Therapist roles on LinkedIn or Indeed and read 5 real job ads
- Talk to someone already working as a Dental Therapist - even a 15-minute call helps
- Find one beginner course or qualification used by people in this role
- Build one small piece of evidence you've explored this (project, shadowing, short course)
- Apply to one entry-level role or related opportunity within the next month
Key skills
- Clinical procedures
- Patient comms
- Manual dexterity
- Calm under pressure
- Teamwork