Orthodontic Therapy

What is an Orthodontic Therapist?

Orthodontic therapists are registered dental healthcare professionals who carry out certain parts of orthodontic treatment. These are treatments which may only be carried out under the supervision of a dentist registered in the orthodontic division of the Register of Dental Specialists. The orthodontist examines the patient and indicates to the orthodontic therapist the course of treatment to be provided. All dental work carried out by the orthodontic therapist must be inspected and approved by the orthodontist.



Orthodontic Therapy: The course for you?

If you are a qualified dental hygienist or dental nurse, currently registered with the Dental Council and with at least two years’ workplace experience in an orthodontic practice or a public health orthodontic clinic, then this could be the course for you. You should be highly motivated, with excellent manual dexterity, a willingness to learn and good communication skills. You also need the written support of a qualified orthodontist trainer.



Orthodontic Therapy at Trinity

This course is based in the Dublin Dental University Hospital beside Trinity’s campus. Clinical facilities are of a very high standard. Class sizes are small, so that students receive considerable staff input into their progress throughout the programme. The course is very practical throughout, allowing students to progressively develop practical clinical skills. Graduates of the Trinity School of Dental Science and Dublin Dental University Hospital are highly sought after due to the extensive clinical exposure obtained during this programme.

Your degree and what you’ll study

The course covers the following modules delivered over 12 months:



Professional Development, Biomedical Sciences, Principles of Orthodontics, Orthodontic Records, Communication and Patient Motivation, Removable Orthodontic Appliances, Fixed Orthodontic Appliances.



Students are required to complete a portfolio of experience which includes;

› a clinical logbook, two case presentations and five interim tests/assignments, and three written examinations

› a final examination which consists of a clinical case, an oral examination, a written examination and an OSCE.

Check Dental School website in early January for course information and how to apply: See: www.tcd.ie/dental



Applicants must satisfy the following prerequisites:

› Dental Hygiene or Dental Nursing qualification

› Current registration with the Dental Council

› Professional indemnity insurance

› Negative HBsAg and Hepatitis C antibody test result

› Garda (Police) vetting

› Current BLS certificate



Candidates must have at least two years’ full-time workplace experience in a private orthodontic practice or a public health orthodontic clinic and be registered with the Dental Council.



Written support from a suitably qualified orthodontist trainer, registered with the Dental Council, is required.



The Orthodontist trainer is required to attend for interview alongside their applicant.



Trainers must attend a ‘Training the Trainers’ course prior to the start of the Diploma.



All offers of admission to this course are made subject to health screening.



Students will be required to undergo Garda vetting.

12 months

Career opportunities

The Professional Diploma in Orthodontic Therapy conferred by Trinity entitles graduates to register immediately after graduation as an orthodontic therapist on the Register of the Irish Dental Council. Most orthodontic therapists work in specialist orthodontic practices or within specialist orthodontic units/departments in the public health service. The opportunity exists to teach or become involved in research. The opportunity to work abroad also exists, but may require you to sit some local examinations in the country of choice.