I am interested in becoming a dental professional, I want to find out more

Undergraduate

Dental Surgery - As a dentistry student, you’ll learn how to diagnose, maintain, and improve people’s oral health. You’ll also explore cosmetic dentistry, helping people feel more confident and attractive through aesthetic surgery of their mouth, gums, and teeth.

You’ll learn and apply a combination of medicine, science, people skills, and many other disciplines, before you’re a qualified dentist – an achievement that normally takes five years or more.

A levels – Entry requirements range from BBB to AAA, with the universities and colleges most commonly asking for AAA. Qualifications in chemistry and/or biology are requirements for most universities, with physics and mathematics also viewed by many as complementary relevant subjects.

A number of  UK universities provide study of undergraduate dentistry; including:

• Cardiff University
• The University of Liverpool 
• The University of Manchester 
• University of Central Lancashire UCLan

Use the links to search for more information about the course, entry requirements and how to apply.

Postgraduate 

Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW) supports postgraduate education and training for the whole dental workforce (dentists and dental care professionals) in Wales. This includes Dental Foundation, Dental Core and Dental Specialty Training for dentists and Continuing Professional Development (CPD) for dentists. For more information on any of the postgraduate opportunities visit Home - HEIW (nhs.wales)

Dental Foundation Training 

Dental Foundation Training is the first phase of continuing postgraduate education after graduation and is recognised as a part of career pathways in all sections of the dental profession. Dental Foundation Training (DFT) is normally undertaken during the first two or three years following graduation.

Graduates join as salaried performers in approved practices with General Dental Practitioners who have been appointed as Educational Supervisors.

Dental Core Training

Dental Core Training offers the opportunity to broaden knowledge and experience within the dental profession and is a recognised career pathway after the completion of Dental Foundation Training. DCT 1 to 3 years are available

Speciality Training

Over the past few years Dental Specialty Training has expanded considerably and HEIW's Dental Postgraduate section supports a variety of HEIW approved training programmes; including Dental Public Health, Oral Surgery, Orthodontics, Paediatric Dentistry, Restorative Dentistry and Special Care Dentistry.

Dental Therapist

Dental therapists play an increasingly important role in the delivery of primary care dentistry. A dental therapist does some of the more routine work undertaken by a dentist.

To practice as a dental therapist, you must obtain a diploma or degree in dental therapy and be registered with the General Dental Council.

You'll need five GCSE subjects at grade 4-7 or A to C, plus two A-levels or a recognised qualification in dental nursing. You may also be required to have some experience of dental nursing before taking the course.

Many universities offer undergraduate courses including:

• Cardiff University
• The University of Liverpool
• The University of Liverpool 
• The University of Manchester 
• University of Central Lancashire UCLan

Use the links to search for course information, entry requirements and how to apply.

Dental hygienists are registered dental professionals who help patients maintain their oral health by preventing and treating periodontal disease and promoting good oral health practice. Dental hygienists can undertake a wide range of activities within their scope of practice, including scaling and polishing, care delivery planning, oral health promotion and application of topical fluoride and fissure sealants.

Dental hygienists can continue to develop their practice after registration. It is possible to specialise in patient groups such as the older person or those with additional needs. Many hygienists continue to become dental therapists, or diversify into education or other related fields such as orthodontics. The opportunities and choices are wide ranging and offer a rewarding career with many options for supported development.

To practise as a dental hygienist, you need to take a course approved by the General Dental Council (GDC) and then need to register with the GDC.  A number of universities provide study of undergraduate dental hygiene; including:

• Bangor University
• Cardiff University
• The University of Liverpool 
• The University of Manchester
• University of Central Lancashire UCLan

Use the links to search for course information, entry requirements and how to apply.

Dental technicians (or dental technologists as they are often referred to) make the dentures, crowns, bridges and dental braces that improve patients’ appearance, speech and ability to chew.

To work as a dental technician/dental technologist, you must be registered with the General Dental Council (GDC). GDC-recognised courses lead to qualifications such as:

• the BTEC National Diploma in Dental Technology where you'll normally need at least four GCSEs at grade 4-7 or A-C,
• a foundation degree where you'll normally need to be employed in a trainee dental technician role or apprenticeship
• a BSc (Hons) degree in dental technology where A-levels or equivalent qualifications are usually required

You can take the BTEC National Diploma or foundation degree course on a full-time basis or by obtaining a post as a trainee dental technician and taking the course part time. BSc (Hons) degrees are usually full-time at a university/dental school.

Search on Google for university course options

A dental nurse supports the dentist in all aspects of patients’ dental care. You may help with reception work and could help any member of the dental team - dentists, clinical dental technicians/technologists, hygienists and therapists – treat patients of all ages.

You can usually work as a trainee dental nurse without academic qualifications but to progress to being a qualified dental nurse, you'll need to study for a course in dental nursing, either part or full time, that is approved by the General Dental Council.

There are a number of dental nurse training courses available; here are a few options available to study in North Wales

Level 3 NEBDN Diploma Dental Nursing Training Programme

The purpose of the qualification is to prepare trainee Dental Nurses in the foundations of dental nursing, so they can demonstrate the highest standards in terms of knowledge, skills and professional attributes. The skills you will gain upon completion of the qualification are described within the extensive curriculum under the domains of Clinical, Communication, Professionalism and Management and Leadership.

The course is delivered by Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, Community Dental Service.

The NEBDN National Diploma in Dental Nursing is a General Dental Council (GDC) recognised dental nursing qualification.  Potential learners must be currently employed as a Trainee Dental Nurse, working at least 3 days chairside.

Entry Requirements

• Currently employed as a Trainee Dental Nurse
• Working at least 3 days chairside
• Hold a Certification in English Language GCSE or equivalent
• Have the support of an employer
• Be assigned to a Mentor/s who must be qualified and registered with the GDC
• Committed to attend weekly training
• Have access to a computer with internet access

For further information and an application pack, contact: Tracey Taylor, Lead Tutor. Email Tracey.Taylor6@wales.nhs.uk

Level 3 Diploma in Dental Nursing (Wales) - Coleg Llandrillo

The Diploma is available via an apprenticeship route, which is a fully-funded programme, funded by the Welsh Government. This programme is approximately 18-24 months in duration. Potential learners must be employed as a trainee dental nurse in order to undertake this qualification.

The qualification focuses on the following topics:

• Oral & Dental Anatomy and Physiology
• Dental & Oral Diseases & Preventive Practice
• Dental Treatment
• Patient care procedures

The qualification is suitable for:

• Unqualified dental nurses already working as dental nurses
• Qualified but unregistered dental nurses who wish to obtain a dental nursing qualification and be registered with the GDC

You must be age 16+ and employed within a relevant industry.

For more information visit Grŵp Llandrillo Menai - Improving People's Futures (gllm.ac.uk)

Level 4 Certificate of Higher Education (Cert HE) in Advanced Dental Nursing – All Wales Faculty of Dental Care Professionals, Bangor University

The programme has been developed for the trainee Dental Nurse who intends to register with the GDC and work the full Scope of Practice and progress further in the field of dentistry; it is now available via the new level 4 apprenticeship framework.

The programme is conducted part-time alongside a corresponding Dental Nurse Trainee position in practice. The qualification is awarded by Bangor University and the training is locally by delivered by providers.

For more information visit All-Wales Faculty for Dental Care Professionals | Home (awfdcp.ac.uk)

Managing all non-clinical aspects of a dental surgery, leading the practice team and achieving excellent patient care and cost efficiency.

There are a number of qualifications available for Practice Managers working in Primary care, though our local college; Grwp Llandrillo Menai. Please visit their website for more information Grŵp Llandrillo Menai - Improving People's Futures (gllm.ac.uk)

Mangement courses available at levels 2-4, these qualifications are aimed at anyone who is working in a leadership and/or management role in some capacity in both the public and private sectors.

• Level 2: Team leading (work based)

The Pearson Level 2 Diploma in Team Leading (Combined Qualification) is ideal for those individuals who already have some team leading responsibilities. This combined knowledge and competency based qualification will develop and demonstrate your competence as a Team Leader, Section Leader. You will develop and demonstrate the skills and knowledge to develop the core competencies of the roles above, including team leadership styles, team dynamics, problem solving, providing support, managing the work of teams and communication techniques.

Part time 15 months

• Level 3: Contact Grwp Llandrillo Menai for more information about courses available
• Level 4: Contact Grwp Llandrillo Menai for more information about courses available

A dental receptionist will support patients and provide assistance when necessary. A dental receptionist is responsible for making sure that the operations of a dental office run smoothly so that the dental professionals can concentrate on patient care and dental treatment.

The responsibilities of a dental receptionist include:

• Greeting patients as they arrive and answering the phones
• Scheduling and cancelling patient appointments
• Dental charting and treatment planning
• Completing dental billing records
• Handling test results including x-rays

There are a number of qualifications available for Receptionists & Administrators working in Primary care though our local college; Grwp Llandrillo Menai.

Please visit their website for more information Grŵp Llandrillo Menai - Improving People's Futures (gllm.ac.uk)

• LEVEL 2 Certificate in Primary Care Administration and Reception (Work Based)

You will need to be 16 years of age or older and must be employed within an administrative role in Primary Care.

Part time study over 12 months

The main purpose of the qualification is to confirm that you are occupationally competent in your job role within a Primary Care setting. The qualification is designed to introduce the initial skills and knowledge needed to be successful in a frontline reception or administrative role. It is suitable for those who are new to working in a reception/administrative role in NHS Primary Care or those currently working in Primary Care in a patient-facing, back-office or telephone call-handling role. This qualification and the units within it are suitable for learners who are working within a healthcare setting.

• Level 2 – Working in the NHS as a Medical Administrator 

The aim of this course is to enable learners to develop an understanding of the Welsh health service organisation and its statutory bodies and how legislation applies to the health service. Learners will develop knowledge of patients’ rights, how they are protected and how the role of the medical administrator is vital to that protection.

Completion of this course will give you important skills for a career in medical administration work. It can help you succeed in an administrative role in any size or type of NHS organisation, including: Secretary, Receptionist, Administrator, Medical Records Clerk and Ward Clerk.

Part time study - 3 hours per week, 20 weeks

Cost £180

• Level 2- Medical Terminology for Administrators 

The aim of the course is to provide learners who have no previous knowledge of the subject, with grounding in the correct construction, recognition and usage of medical terminology and an understanding of the human body.

A qualification in Level 2 Medical Terminology can help you succeed in an administrative role in any size or type of NHS organisation, including: Secretary, Receptionist, Administrator, Medical Records Clerk and Ward Clerk.

Part time study - 3 hours per week, 20 weeks

• Level 2 Business Administration Apprentership (Work based) 

Administrators need a broad range of skills to work efficiently and to help increase business productivity.

Business Administration Apprenticeships have been in the top ten Welsh apprenticeship frameworks for a number of years, with around 2,800 apprentices starting the apprenticeship every year in Wales.

This apprenticeship uses employer-led, up-to-date, flexible qualifications which meet the changing skills needs of employers. It builds in softer-skills such as communication, team-working, interpersonal skills and the ability to reflect on their learning.

Part time study – 15 months

• LEVEL 3 Business Administration (Work based)

Do you work in a Business Administration environment and strive to deliver the best possible administration support, even in difficult and complex situations? Are you constantly looking to improve your performance to enable the organisation to maintain its competitive edge?

If you answered 'yes' to these questions, then this course is for you!

You should be employed in an administrative role.

Part time study 12 to 18 months

• Level 3: Health Informatics (Work based)

Available at level 3 these qualifications are aimed at anyone who works in an administrative or clerical role within a healthcare setting. This can include individuals who are responsible for using clinical systems or handling sensitive data. A wide variety of units can be chosen, from business administration, health and social care, and IT subject areas. You will need to be 19 years of age or older and must be employed within an administrative role in Health Informatics.

Part time study 15 months

• LEVEL 4 Business Administration (Work based)-Business Administration - Level 4 Diploma | Grŵp Llandrillo Menai (gllm.ac.uk)

Do you work in a Business Administration environment and strive to deliver the best possible administration support, even in difficult and complex situations? Are you constantly looking to improve your performance to enable the organisation to maintain its competitive edge?

If you answered 'yes' to these questions, then this is the course for you!

Part time study 12 to 18 months

Dental support workers are part of the dental health team.

Working as a dental support worker, you'll:

• greet patients and reassures people who are nervous make appointments
• give basic advice about dental care
• keep records
• mix the materials for filling teeth
• help with x-rays
• sterilise instruments and equipment
• pass instruments to the dentist
• help patients with mouth rinsing

There are no set entry requirements for dental support workers. Employers usually expect good literacy, numeracy and IT skills. They may ask for GCSEs or equivalent qualifications. Employers often ask for relevant work experience. Even where this is not specified, it would be an advantage if you have worked in health or social care, either in paid employment or voluntary work.

Careersville 

NHS Wales have launched an innovative, fully bilingual platform to showcase the wide range of career opportunities available in health and social care in Wales.

Careersville is a digital village that allows learners to navigate their way through a series of buildings to gain information on different health and care roles. Learners can access resources, watch videos and read blogs to gain insight into what it’s really like to work within the sectors. Interview tips are also available to help prepare learners for the world of work. The free to use platform has been created for learners and young people aged 14-16.

Visit Careersville and see which career path you’d like to explore!