Dental Therapy

Dental therapy is a regulated healthcare profession concerned with providing a range of clinical dental procedures under the direction of a dentist, including preventive care, patient education, and specific treatments such as scaling, polishing, and the restoration of teeth. Dental therapists work within the dental team to extend the range of care that can be delivered, often focusing on preventive interventions and routine restorative work that allows dentists to concentrate on more complex clinical decisions. The profession plays an important role in making dental care more accessible and in improving oral health outcomes across populations.

At the University of Liverpool, this three-year full-time degree leads to registration with the General Dental Council and the ability to practise as a dental therapist in the UK. The programme combines academic study of the biological and clinical sciences underpinning dental health with extensive supervised clinical practice in real patient care settings. You will develop knowledge of oral anatomy, physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, and the principles of preventive dentistry, alongside the clinical skills needed to carry out the range of procedures within the dental therapist scope of practice.

Patient communication, ethical practice, and the ability to work effectively as part of a dental team are central to the programme, reflecting the interpersonal demands of a patient-facing healthcare role.

Graduates register with the General Dental Council and work in NHS dental practices, community dental services, dental hospitals, and private practice. The profession offers a clear career structure with opportunities to develop additional clinical skills, take on educational and supervisory roles, and engage with public health and preventive dentistry initiatives. Some dental therapists go on to further clinical training, and the degree also provides a foundation for postgraduate study in dental public health, health education, or dental education.