How Orthodontic Therapists have Changed the Provision of Orthodontic Treatment

By 2007, changes to the Dentist Act meant that the General Dental Council (GDC) permitted the training of Orthodontic Therapists (OTs). Therefore, at this time, the first courses began training this grade of Dental Care Professional (DCP).

The introduction of OTs was in response to a high level of orthodontic treatment need within the UK (estimated at 50% of 11-year-olds requiring orthodontic treatment¹) but a poor orthodontist to patient ratio. Discussions about the role of OTs, initially known as orthodontic auxiliaries, began as early as 1973. A pilot study was conducted at Bristol Dental School in the mid-nineties where dental nurses undertook a four-week training programme, which taught a range of appropriate orthodontic skills. At the end of this pilot, it was found that the students not only had a high level of clinical and theoretical knowledge, but that they also had practical abilities that were closer to orthodontic postgraduate students and thus far surpassed the course organisers' expectations.² The foundations of the training programme for OTs were based on this pilot study and, in 2017, 10 years after the first orthodontic therapist courses started, there were more than 500 orthodontic therapists registered with the GDC in the UK. Typically, courses leading to registration are one year in length and comprise two parts – an initial 4–week core course with additional study days throughout the year based at the training centre, and workplace training in an approved orthodontic practice or hospital orthodontic practice. After completion of the course, including satisfactory workplace reports, success in formative assessments, etc, the student can apply to sit the Diploma in Orthodontic Therapy examination. The minimum requirements stated by the General Dental Council are that the student can be a dental nurse with a recognized qualification, a qualified dental hygienist or dental therapist, or a dental technician with appropriate clinical experience. The local trainer must be on the orthodontic specialist list.