An orthodontic therapist is a central figure in treating orthodontic patients. Orthodontics is a branch of dentistry involving the straightening and aligning of teeth. An orthodontic therapist is different to a dental therapist. They are able to carry out a number of orthodontic procedures including adjusting braces already placed on teeth, placing some types of removeable braces, taking moulds of the mouth, preparing teeth surfaces for a brace, placing retainers on teeth and giving advice about wearing braces.
An orthodontic therapist must already be a qualified dental professional and then studies for one year at university in order to qualify as an orthodontic therapist in the UK. Once qualified, they might choose to work in general dental practice helping orthodontic patients with their ongoing brace care. They might also opt to work in a dental hospital setting or community clinic setting where they would treat orthodontic patients with more complex oral conditions and less common oral diseases such as cleft lip and palate and facial deformities.
Visit the rest of this floor to learn about what life is like as an orthodontic therapist in Wales!
Useful links: