Becoming an orthodontic therapist

In 1999, a decision by the General Dental Council (GDC) was made to register all dental care professionals (DCPs) (British Orthodontic Society, 2014). Furthermore, two new classes of DCPs were also introduced: clinical dental technicians and orthodontic therapists. In 2007, the first orthodontic therapist course opened at Leeds Dental School, with the first cohort of orthodontic therapists qualifying with a Diploma in Orthodontic Therapy in 2008 (Kettler and Stephens, 2011).

Orthodontic therapists are registered DCPs who are able to carry out a range of orthodontic treatment under the prescription of a supervising orthodontist. They are not expected to diagnose disease and formulate treatment plans. It is recommended that an orthodontist is on site with the orthodontic therapist to provide supervision. Orthodontic therapists carry out treatment under their scope of practice as outlined by the GDC's Scope of Practice (GDC, 2013) if trained, competent and indemnified to do so. The roles and responsibilities of an orthodontic therapists are as follows: