Understanding and recognition of dental therapy have come far in recent years, says Cat Edney, but how can the increased attention be used to maximise its potential in practice?
When I first began writing this column, I was frequently asked why we needed to ‘explain’ dental therapy at all. Even within the profession, it often felt like we were the footnote – an afterthought in a system that hadn’t quite worked out where we belonged. But today, the conversation is changing. Dental therapy is no longer just a concept I am having to explain at conferences or confined to the pages of policy white papers. It’s become a popular topic – and people are finally starting to pay attention to the profession.
We’ve seen tangible shifts in the time since Dental Therapy Explained started. In 2023, The Prime Minister (Rishi Sunak) mentioned dental therapists in a public address – a first in UK history. He may have fumbled over the registered title but at least it was there being said.
Later, the NHS began issuing PIN numbers to therapists, a half-way house that brings us closer to parity and recognition within state-funded care. We’re on workforce planning documents, invited to roundtable discussions, and perhaps most tellingly, we’re a hot topic in many a conversation about the future of dentistry.
Rising numbers
We’ve also seen a notable increase in clinicians entering the dental therapy profession. The University of Bangor has recently launched a fully funded dental therapy top-up year, following in the footsteps of Essex, helping to expand training routes for existing dental care professionals.
‘Dental therapy is becoming visible, viable, and vocally valued’
Additionally, although a regulatory loophole has now been addressed, there was a period during which overseas-qualified dentists registered in significant numbers as dental therapists. This has, in some cases, brought a wealth of knowledge and clinical experience to the role, further strengthening the therapy-led model.
There are challenges with this, of course – as there are with any surge in workforce. Questions around scope, support, career trajectory and assimilation into UK dental culture will continue to emerge. But overall, it signals a shift: dental therapy is becoming visible, viable, and vocally valued.
A shift in mindset
However, instead of just looking at the numbers, it’s worth recognising the mindset shift that has happened. Dental therapists are no longer being mistaken for dental hygienists who were taught a few things about fillings. We’re seeing more therapists delivering restorative treatments, paediatric care and increasingly diagnostics.
In some practices, dental therapists are the linchpin of efficient, profitable shared care models. We’re reducing waiting lists, increasing access, and improving patient outcomes – particularly in practices that understand how to implement shared care workflows well.
What’s both surreal and satisfying is how quickly the tide seems to be turning. I’ve spoken on stages where just a few years ago the only therapist present was me. Now, I see therapy-led teams, therapist educators, therapist practice owners and therapists being cited in government strategy. We’re not just present – we’re helping to shape policy.
It wasn’t long ago that therapists struggled to get names on websites, let alone inclusion in NHS coding or referral pathways. Now, some integrated care boards are actively building therapist-led clinics, and patient-facing platforms are finally using the term ‘dental therapist’ with clarity. These are real, material changes – the kind that impact not only how we work, but how we’re perceived.
What’s still missing?
Of course, visibility is not the same as equality. There are still clear inconsistencies in how the therapist model is utilised – both in private and NHS systems. Some regions still reject Tier 2 referrals from therapists, despite guidance. We still face confusion around prescribing rights, lack of respect and understanding amongst our colleagues, and patchy support in education and mentoring.
There are also concerns about the sustainability of growth. If we’re going to keep on this trajectory of integration, we need to ensure there’s a structure behind that growth: one that includes better funding for postgraduate training, clarity on career pathways, and a firm grip on scope and governance.
‘There are challenges, but as we have seen in the last few years, dental therapists are up for the challenge’
Because what is recognition without resource? How many clinics are willing to actually put in the work to make this new way of working click?
I do believe we’re heading into a promising time – if we continue to lead with integrity and clarity. Our strength lies within collaborative systems where every clinician thrives in their role. Shared care is not about hierarchy; it’s about creating a harmony that puts the patient in the centre of dentistry. There are challenges, but as we have seen in the last few years, dental therapists are up for the challenge.
Catch up with Cat’s previous columns:
- Therapy-led and thriving: a case study in smart practice evolution
- How crucial is semantics in regulation?
- The influence of mentorship on professional growth
- Dental therapy – love at first bite?
- A step-by-step strategy for becoming a therapy-led practice.
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