Orthodontic Therapists

Cambridge Orthodontic Practice is proud to announce that we are adopting a new model for the practice by the introduction of Orthodontic Therapists. This new model has been extremely successful in countries such as US and Sweden. It has been shown to greatly improve treatment efficiency and patient care. More and more practices in the UK are now adopting this model which will form the basis of the successful modern orthodontic practice of the future. 

Cambridge Orthodontic practice has therefore become a training centre for “Orthodontic Therapists” affiliated to the University of Central Lancashire. Please note that we only select candidates that are already in our employment to be trained as therapists.

It has been recognised by the General Dental Council that well qualified Dental Nurses or Dental Hygienists are capable of dealing with allot of the day to day procedures that have till now only been able to be done by a qualified General Dentist or Specialist Orthodontist. A new qualification has been introduced, that of an Orthodontic Therapist. To qualify for this position a nurse must first complete her Dental Nursing qualification, as well as an Orthodontic Dental Nursing qualification. Having passed both of these exams the nurse will participate in an extensive interviewing process to see if they will be accepted at one of the few dental universities for their Orthodontic Therapist course. Once a nurse has been accepted and allocated a place on a course, the practice where she works and the specialist she will work alongside, are also involved in the training process. 
The training consists of academic and practical training at the University combined with in house training by her orthodontist mentor in the practice. The specialist she works along side will also be trained by the University to monitor her work and have their teaching skills assessed.

At the end of the 12 month course the nurse will sit the University exam as well as The Royal College of Surgeons exam to determine whether she is capable to qualify as an Orthodontic Therapist. If she is successful, the qualification will be granted and the newly qualified Therapist will be able to register with the General Dental Council and become able to work alongside a specialist orthodontist under prescription and in direct supervision carry out procedures such as general oral hygiene checks, changing of arch wires, bonding of fixed braces and at the end of treatment the de-bonding of a fixed appliance. 

The role of an Orthodontic therapist is to help a specialist orthodontist. They will not do any treatment planning of patients, but instead will work under the supervision of a specialist to their treatment plan. This will free up surgery time and allow patients to be treated more efficiently, which will help reduce waiting lists and ensure all those that need braces have them fitted in the fastest possible time. More quality time will also be spent with patients, which will improve patient care.

Book your appointment today.