Welcome to the first in our series of articles on dental career progression, digital dentistry innovations, AI applications, and other cutting-edge developments. We hope these resources will serve as valuable stepping stones on your professional journey!
We’ll start by looking at the career progression from dental nurse to dental hygienist therapist. It’s a fantastic way to improve your skills and earn more money while still helping and caring for patients.
The Bridge to Greater Independence
You’re currently a dental nurse, skilfully anticipating the dentist’s needs, preparing equipment, and reassuring anxious patients. You enjoy your role, but something inside you yearns for more autonomy, more direct patient care, and yes, a higher salary bracket.
If that resonates with you, moving from dental nurse to dental hygienist therapist might just be your perfect next chapter.
Life of a Dental Hygienist Therapist
Imagine swapping your current position for one where you’re the star of the show (at least for your patients). As a dental hygienist therapist, you’ll transform from supporting cast to leading role:
- You’ll be the oral health superhero, educating patients about proper brushing techniques
- Your hands will wield ultrasonic scalers to battle gingivitis and periodontitis
- Armed with fluoride treatments and sealants, you’ll be the cavity prevention specialist
- You’ll capture the hidden story through dental X-rays, becoming both photographer and interpreter
- Your artistic side will shine as you place fillings, giving teeth their form and function back
- You’ll be the gentle guardian of children’s smiles, performing baby tooth extractions when needed.
Unlike your current role, you’ll work independently, making clinical decisions and carrying out treatments that make a tangible difference to people’s health every single day.
Start By Strengthen Your Foundation as a Qualified Dental Nurse
Every great journey begins with a solid first step and changing from a dental nurse to dental hygienist therapist is no different. Make sure you’ve:
- Completed your Level 3 Diploma in Dental Nursing or the equivalent apprenticeship
- Registered with the General Dental Council (GDC)
- Gained at least a year of hands-on experience (trust us, this practical knowledge is gold!).
Next, Choose Your Path Forward
Here’s where it gets exciting! There’s more than one road to Rome or in this case, upskilling from being a dental nurse to dental hygienist therapist!
The Access to Higher Education Diploma Route
Don’t have A-Levels? No problem! Consider this your academic trampoline:
- It’s equivalent to 3 A-Levels (yes, really!)
- Many universities happily accept it for entry
- You’ll study fascinating subjects like Biology, Chemistry, and Health Sciences
- Flexible timing: complete it in 1 year full-time or 2 years part-time
- Study from your sofa with online options or join a local college community
You can find these diplomas at:
- Your local college (perfect if you love face-to-face learning)
- Online platforms like Distance Learning Centre, Open Study College, or learndirect (ideal if you’re juggling work and study)
Insider Tip: Always check with your dream universities first, make sure they’ll accept your specific Access course before you enroll!
The Foundation Degree Shortcut
If you prefer a more direct approach, a Foundation Degree (FdSc) in Oral Health Science might be your ticket:
- Complete your training in just 2 years
- Graduate ready for GDC registration
- Get your hands dirty with integrated clinical placements
- Use it as a springboard to a full BSc if you wish
For example, the University of Essex offers an FdSc Oral Health Science program that ticks all these boxes. This path is perfect if you’re looking for the express train to qualification without sacrificing quality education.
Level Up to a BSc in Dental Hygiene & Therapy
Once you’ve secured your entry qualifications, it’s time for the main event, applying for a BSc through UCAS.
Some universities with excellent reputations include:
- University of Birmingham (where history meets cutting-edge dental education)
- University of Leeds (known for its modern facilities)
- King’s College London (bringing big-city energy to dental education)
- University of Portsmouth (with its coastal charm)
- University of Essex (offering innovative approaches to learning)
Finally Cross the Finish Line
During your 3-year degree, you’ll transform into a dental hygiene and therapy professional through:
- Fascinating deep dives into oral anatomy and disease prevention
- Hands-on clinical training that builds your confidence
- Learning the art and science of dental radiography
- Mastering the techniques to treat gum disease and restore teeth.
After graduation, registering with the GDC is your final step before officially calling yourself a Dental Hygienist Therapist!
Salary & Career Prospects
Let’s talk rewards. According to Talent.com (2024), the average salary for dental hygienist therapists in the UK is approximately £63,000 per year. Not too shabby for doing work you love!
Where Will Your New Qualification Take You?
With your shiny new qualification, doors will open across various settings:
- NHS and private dental practices (from high-street clinics to boutique practices)
- Community health centers (making a difference in underserved areas)
- Military bases (caring for those who serve our country)
- Specialist periodontal clinics (becoming the gum expert)
- Educational institutions (sharing your knowledge with the next generation)
How Frays Dental Education Can Help
We understand that this journey can seem daunting. While we don’t claim to have all the answers, what makes us special is our commitment to finding them for you. We have an extensive network of professionals we can call upon when your questions surpass our expertise.
What truly sets us apart is our willingness to go the extra mile, whether that’s making late-night calls to universities to clarify their requirements, connecting you with former students who’ve walked this path, or simply being your cheerleader when motivation wanes.
Taking The Next Step And Turning Your Dream to Reality
Ready to make the leap and transform yourself from a dental nurse to dental hygienist therapist? Here’s your action plan:
- Scrutinize university entry requirements (knowledge is power!)
- Select and enrol in your chosen Access or Foundation course
- Gather meaningful work experience to bolster your application
- Craft a personal statement that showcases your passion and potential
- Submit your UCAS application and prepare for interviews
Remember, every dental hygienist therapist was once where you are now, contemplating a change, weighing options, and wondering if they could do it. They could, and so can you!
Word of Encouragement on Your Dental Nurse to Dental Hygienist Therapist Journey
Transforming from dental nurse to dental hygienist therapist isn’t just about changing job titles, it’s about evolving professionally while staying true to what drew you to dentistry in the first place: helping people and making a difference.
The journey might challenge you, but with determination, support, and the right guidance, you’ll look back on this moment as the first step toward a rewarding new chapter in your dental career.
Are you ready to take that step? Your future patients are waiting!
Stay tuned for more articles in our series covering dental career progression, the latest in digital dentistry, AI applications, and other innovations that are reshaping our profession. At Frays Dental Education, we’re excited to be your partners on this journey of discovery and growth!
