Therapist - Becoming a Therapist
There are only three Dental Schools offering a Diploma in Dental Therapy. The course takes two years to complete and the first year is taught alongside dental and hygiene students.
It is possible to study for the Diploma in Dental Therapy at Cardiff Dental Hospital, the Royal London Dental Hospital, Sheffield Dental Hospital and Eastman Dental Hospital.
The courses provide both theory and the practical studies that are required for oral hygiene therapy and the clinical skills necessary to extract children's teeth and do simple fillings. The courses lead to qualification in both dental hygiene and dental therapy. There is also a course at Liverpool Dental Hospital in dental therapy but this is available only to qualified dental hygienists. The first year of the two year course is taught alongside dental undergraduates and dental hygiene students, learning subject areas such as anatomy of the head and neck, immunology, the progression of gum disease and decay, and the theory of teaching.
The second year is spent learning clinical skills, under close supervision. These include scaling and polishing the teeth, applying gels and sealants and simple fillings on adults and children.
Entry Requirements
To enter dental therapy training, the applicant needs at least five GCSEs and either a nationally recognised dental nursing qualification or two A-levels.
