How to become a dental technician
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
University
You could do a foundation degree or degree in dental technology approved by the General Dental Council.
It's likely you'll need a degree to do advanced dental technology work.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- at least 1 A level, or equivalent, for a foundation degree
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
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College
You could do a Level 3 Extended Diploma in Dental Technology approved by the General Dental Council.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
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Apprenticeship
You could do the Dental Technician Level 5 Higher Apprenticeship.
If you want to make dental appliances and have direct contact with patients, you could do the Clinical Dental Technician Level 5 Higher Apprenticeship.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship
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Work
You could start as a trainee dental technician with a practice and study part time.
This could take up to 5 years depending on which qualification you do.
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Registration
you'll need to register with the General Dental Council
Professional and industry bodies
You can join the Dental Technologists Association (DTA) for professional development and training opportunities.
Further information
You can find out more about how to become a dental technician from Health Careers.