Orthodontic Therapist
(Integrated) Level 4
Orthodontic Therapist
High level qualification
A qualification approved by the General Dental Council (GDC) to enable professional registration with the GDC as an Orthodontic Therapist. Qualification level: Level 4
Overview of the role
Orthodontic Therapists are registered professionals who fit, adjust and remove braces to patients’ teeth, working to the prescription of an orthodontist or dentist competent in orthodontics. They also provide holistic advice on maintaining oral and general health for patients undergoing orthodontic treatment.
Professional recognition
This standard aligns with the professional recognition from the General Dental Council (GDC).
Regulated standard
This is a regulated occupation. The End-Point Assessment Organisation (EPAO) for this apprenticeship is Dental Team Qualifications (DTQ), which must be approved by the regulator body.
Occupation summary
In their daily work, Orthodontic Therapists interact with patients of all ages who present with dental malocclusions, problems with development, alignment and the way teeth fit together. They also work closely with the wider orthodontic and dental team, as well as parents, guardians and carers.
They are responsible for undertaking reversible orthodontic procedures, including bonding brackets, fitting and changing wires and accessories, and fitting removable appliances and retainers, always following an orthodontist’s prescription. They gain valid consent, provide appropriate advice, and can make appliances safe in the absence of the dentist or respond to emergencies.
Orthodontic Therapists are part of the wider dental team, which may include dentists, orthodontists, dental nurses, dental hygienists, dental therapists, dental technicians, clinical dental technicians, practice managers, administrators and lab staff. They may also supervise colleagues, trainees or students. Typical duties include taking impressions, placing fixed brackets and arch wires, fitting tooth separators, undertaking radiographs and occlusal bite registrations.
The scope of practice for Orthodontic Therapists is regulated by the General Dental Council (GDC).
Typical job title:
Orthodontic Therapist
Support Services:
At Orthodontic Team Training we are proud to offer the following Support Services.
- Mentoring support from a previous apprentice on note taking, revision aids, assignment research, presentation ideas.
- Support for new employers from previous employers in trainer sessions
- Learning Resources - Access to online learning materials, recorded webinars, and comprehensive module guides.
- Tutor Support - Ongoing guidance and assistance from course tutors throughout the programme
- Wellbeing and Pastoral Support - Confidential support available for any personal or professional challenges that may impact the learning journey.
- Regular 1-1 tripartite reviews
Entry requirements:
Applicants must be registered on the General Dental Council Register as a dental nurse, dental hygienist, dental therapist or dental technician. OTT expects at least 2 years of post-qualification clinical experience. All applicants must hold an enhanced DBS certificate, evidencing their current employer.
Ofsted reportTrainer, Employer and Apprentice Commitment
| Apprentice | Trainer | Employer |
|---|---|---|
| Apprentices must currently be a registered DCP working closely with their trainer, in a clinical role within the specialist Orthodontic practice for a minimum 30 hours per week | Trainers are to be available to support apprentices throughout both their clinical and theoretical learning journeys via dedicated tutorial times (to be decided between the trainer and apprentice) and close clinical contact. | An apprenticeship placement is an agreement between your employer, the training provider and Gov.Uk. Your employer must commit to the requirements as set out by EFSA and be registered with the apprenticeship service and be guided by the Apprenticeship funding rules and assessment plan |
| Due to the competitive nature of the application process, apprentices must ensure that they meet the ideal entry requirements prior to submitting their application. This must include their Unique Learner Number (ULN). | Trainers are to be available to attend and partake in ‘Trainer sessions’ and tripartite reviews with their apprentice on 3 - 4 occasions during the teaching calendar. | |
| Upon successful application, the apprentice must continue to fulfil the essential clinical working time as above, working closely with their trainer for a minimum of 30 hours per week for an apprenticeship. | Trainers must complete a calibration and training exercise set by the programme as a GDC requirement, to ensure that quality of training is standardised and consistent across all apprentices. | |
| Apprentices must attend all training sessions throughout the course calendar. Students must be prepared to travel to the training centre in Leamington Spa for compulsory face to face sessions during the blended learning programme. | Trainers must facilitate the apprentice being absent from the clinic to allow their attendance to all set core study sessions. | |
| Appropriate IT must be available for flexible and continuous use (an up to date laptop device is preferred) providing access to Google software system. | Trainers will need to allow access to practice IT devices for the apprentice to access their online learning environments. |
For full details of the standard, visit the official Skills England page here:
Orthodontic Therapist Apprenticeship Standard
Ready to take the next step?
If you would like further information, please contact applications@orthodonticteamtraining.com
