Dental therapists are the future of dentistry – and here’s why

Lorena Pivoda, dental therapist and Dentistry Award winner, shares her thoughts on the future of dentistry – and why dental therapists are crucial to its success.

Over the recent years I feel that the opportunities for dental therapists have become more readily available. With the overall increase in demand for dental treatment since the pandemic and the NHS being overwhelmed with ever increasing waiting times, having a dental therapist within the dental team would help to support patients and clinicians by sharing the workload.

There has been more awareness of dental therapists and their scope of practice. Earlier this year leading dental clinicians were speaking publicly on BBC news about the issues with the NHS dental contract and how the backlog can be alleviated. There were discussions about dental therapists to work and how they can help to provide a better quality and more efficient dental service within the NHS.

Dental therapists are essential to the future of dentistry, addressing several key challenges in the field. One of the most pressing issues is the limited availability of NHS appointments, particularly for the new patients seeking access to dental services. By having dental therapists available in the practices, they can conduct examinations and provide treatment under direct access within their scope of practice, helping to alleviate some of the strain on the system. 

On a personal note, I have found great fulfilment in working with children through the Dental Wellness Trust, delivering oral health education and prevention programmes in schools. This hands-on involvement not only promotes effective toothbrushing but also allows dental therapists to identify early signs of both dental and non-dental issues.

Increase patient intake

Beyond individual patient care, dental therapists have the potential to shape the future of dental education – whether in schools, universities, or community settings – ensuring the next generation of therapists is well- equipped to meet evolving needs.

In recent years, the role of dental therapists has gained increasing recognition and respect within the dental profession. A skilled and motivated dental therapist, confident in their ability to work within their scope, is a valuable asset to any dental team. When supported by a well-rounded portfolio, a dental therapist is not only more likely to receive treatment referrals from colleagues but also to inspire greater trust among patients, making them more inclined to book appointments directly.

Furthermore, winning industry awards not only highlights your expertise as a highly trained dental therapist, but also reinforces your credibility in providing high-quality care. It demonstrates to both colleagues and patients that you are trusted to handle a broad range of treatments with excellence.

For practice owners, integrating a dental therapist into the team can significantly benefit the practice’s growth. A dental therapist can help increase patient intake and retention, streamline workflows by taking on routine tasks, and allow the dentist to focus more complex procedures such as prosthodontics.

This results in both time saving and more efficient allocation of resources, ultimately contributing to the practice’s bottom line. Additionally, dental therapists can provide valuable support in maintaining a well-rounded, patient-centred approach, offering both preventative care and treatment within their scope.

For instance, when patients come in for a routine hygiene appointment and have composite bonding, maintenance polishing can be performed to help preserve the fresh appearance and extend the longevity of the bonding. This comprehensive approach not only improves patient satisfaction but also enhances the overall success of the practice.

Another area where dental therapists can be utilised is in smile design. They can assist with trial smiles and use temporary materials within scope of practice. I would like to reach out to the societies of dental therapists to better understand the scope of work, particularly in relation to modern technologies such as CEREC (Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics).

Looking at modern-day dentistry, which is continually evolving with the advancement of technology, I see the future of dental therapists integrating tools like the Itero scanner into routine examinations and hygiene appointments. I am fortunate to work alongside supportive dental clinics and mentors who recognise the value of a dental therapist’s contribution. With the Itero scanner, I can show patients a clear, visual representation of their oral health, helping them better understand their condition and the necessary steps for improvement.

‘Truly rewarding’

Dental therapy and hygiene is a truly rewarding career. Personally, I find great satisfaction in seeing patients return or request to be seen exclusively by me. I value the teamwork that develops between myself and my patients, especially after hygiene or gum treatments, when they actively engage with the oral health aids I recommend and achieve exceptional results.

I also enjoy helping patients who haven’t had a dental appointment in years, taking a slow and steady approach to ease them into care and help them acclimatise to the dental environment.

Another aspect of my work I find fulfilling is restorative dentistry. I appreciate the process, from assessing the cavity to working with the composite materials. I particularly enjoy the stages of cavity preparation, using tools like the pink Kuraray’s cavity detector and the sandblaster, which allows me to provide conservative dentistry while ensuring the best outcomes for my patients.

Winning multiple dental awards has further strengthened my confidence and solidified my sense of purpose as a clinician. These achievements have inspired me to continue aligning my passion for dentistry with my professional growth, motivating me to strive for excellence in my practice, I am deeply humbled and grateful to everyone for the recognition and the milestones I’ve reached in my career journey.

Looking ahead, I am excited not only about my own future but also about the promising path that lies ahead for dental therapists.

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