Roles in dentistry

Dental nurse

Supports the clinician by preparing materials and the surgery and assisting during procedures and managing notes and charting on the computer. Can do additional training to take impressions, x rays, give oral health advice and more.

Hygienist

In charge of taking care of preventative measures and keeping gums happy. Diagnosing and treating gum disease and offering oral health advice.

Dental therapist

Often work under a dentists prescription and carry out treatment such as X-rays, scaling, gum disease treatment, fillings, extractions of children’s teeth, advice and more.

Orthodontic therapist

Works alongside an orthodontist (brace specialist dentist) to take impressions and apply braces, retainers and headgear.

Dentist

Head of the team. In charge of diagnosing and treatment planning for patients. Also carry out all treatments as above but also do root canal treatments, dentures, crowns and bridges etc. can also have a special interest or train in a speciality such as implants, paediatrics and orthodontics.

Technician

Doesn’t usually work actively with patients but in charge of making dentures, crowns, implants, braces and other lab work.Practice manager - runs the day to day management of the practice. In charge of stock, scheduling, enquiries, complaints, payroll, marketing and more! Often has previously worked in clinical dentistry, sometimes as a nurse, but not always.