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Course Title: Diploma in Orthodontic Therapy

Course Outline:

SCQF LEVEL 8 (1 year full time)

The School has received provisional approval from The General Dental Council (GDC) to train Orthodontic Therapists. There will be 12 places available for the course commencing in February 2011.

This course will provide learners with the skills and knowledge to perform the role of an Orthodontic Therapist within a variety of clinical settings. There is an initial four week course comprising of core knowledge delivery and clinical skills development with a further 14 study days planned throughout the year. In addition, workplace training comprising of 980 hours will develop the learner’s dexterity skills and will take place within an approved orthodontic practice.

What does it involve?

The course follows the curricular content associated with The Diploma in Orthodontic Therapy as outlined in the GDC document ‘Developing the Dental Team.’

Are there any exams?

There is an external final examination in three parts which is set by the awarding body The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh and includes;

• A written examination focusing on the clinical aspects of the course and the appropriate applied basic science. Each paper will consist of six short answer questions and all six must be answered.
• Case presentations. Learners will present the records of two patients whom he/she has treated to the external examiner. These cases should represent the breadth of the work of an Orthodontic Therapist. These presentations must include complete clinical records and radiographs.
• Oral examination. This will be a structured oral of 15 minutes in which the candidate is questioned over the breadth of the syllabus.

Successful candidates who have completed their coursework and passed all three parts detailed above will be awarded the Diploma in Orthodontic Therapy.

What do I need to start?

You will be registered with the General Dental Council as a Dental Care Professional (DCP) and have a minimum of one year full-time (or part-time equivalent), post-qualification experience. You must also have the written support of a suitably qualified Orthodontic trainer, who is on the Orthodontic Specialist list with the GDC and you must have professional indemnity insurance.

It is anticipated that there will be great demand for this course.

What can I do afterwards?

On successful completion of this qualification you will be able to register with the General Dental Council as an Orthodontic Therapist and work within an orthodontic clinic or practice delivering treatment to a variety of patients supervised and prescribed by an Orthodontist.

How to apply for this course