Orthodontic Therapists assist dentists in completing orthodontic treatment as well as carrying out specific parts of orthodontic treatment (under the prescription from a dentist)themselves. The patient is always under the care of their Orthodontists. Orthodontic Therapists also support patients and conduct emergency assistance by relieving pain or making, inserting or removing appliances safely. To train as an Orthodontic Therapist you must be qualified in dental nursing, dental hygiene, dental therapy or dental technology.
Felicity Cleaver ‘An ounce of practice is worth more than tons of preaching.’
Felicity Cleaver began her career as a dental nurse at the age of 19. She initially had plans to become a general nurse but decided to get into dental nursing instead.
‘I had always dreamed of nursing, as a child I wanted to be a paediatric nurse but as I got older I didn’t think I would be able to emotionally deal with it. So when I saw an advert in the local paper for a Trainee Dental Nurse, I thought it would be perfect as I could become a nurse but the hours would be more sociable!’