Diploma in Orthodontic Therapy Factsheet
The Manchester Orthodontic Therapy programme is delivered over one year and designed to train Dental Care Professionals (DCPs) as Orthodontic Therapists. Successful completion of the programme will allow the student to sit the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, Diploma Examination in Orthodontic Therapy. Attainment of this qualification allows registration with the General Dental Council (GDC) as a qualified Orthodontic Therapist, who is then permitted to work under the supervision and guidance of a Specialist Orthodontist.
Format, content and final examination of the course
A variety of guest speakers will deliver a mix of seminars and lectures to cover the theoretical aspects of the curriculum. Typodont practical exercises will be undertaken, allowing students to develop the necessary clinical skills to perform orthodontic procedures as a student Orthodontic Therapist, under the close supervision of their workplace trainer. Qualified Orthodontic Therapists will also contribute to the teaching, by sharing their expertise and experiences. They will serve as mentors, providing additional support to students as required.
The course is delivered over 11 months, with a one-week induction programme in June, followed by a three-week core teaching programme in August. Additionally, trainees will attend a monthly study day for the duration of the course, to build on existing knowledge and develop exam technique, to prepare them for the final examinations. All clinical practice will take place in the student’s clinical working environment under their trainer’s supervision (please see trainer application form). The trainer must be registered as a Specialist Orthodontist with the GDC.
After successful completion of the programme, including satisfactory workplace reports and completion of end-term assessments, students will then be eligible to sit the Royal College of Surgeons examination. The final examination is designed to assess the trainee’s competence to fulfil the role of a qualified Orthodontic Therapist. This will consist of written and structured oral examinations.
Applications for the course
Students will need to work exclusively in an orthodontic practice with adequate timetabled clinical activity, to achieve the requisite competencies.
The recognised Dental Care Professional Roles eligible for application include:
- Dental Nurses
- Dental Hygienists
- Dental Therapists
- Dental Technicians*
*Dental Technician applicants should demonstrate prior learning and knowledge of clinical dental sciences, patient management and clinical protocols, including cross infection.
Enhanced DBS checks
The course will involve management and treatment of children and/or vulnerable adults. The student will be required to obtain a satisfactory Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service clearance (EDBS) certificate prior to the start of the programme.
Indemnity
The student will be required to obtain appropriate professional indemnity throughout their period of training. It is the trainer’s responsibility to ensure this is implemented.
Cost of course and allocation of placements
- The cost of the course is £13,500 and is non-refundable (pre-payment plans can be arranged).
- An initial, non-refundable deposit of £1,000 is required once an applicant has accepted a place on the programme. This is payable within 5 working days, to secure their place.
- A maximum of 10 places are available each year.
- Selection of students is based on the application form, as well as a structured, online interview
- Trainers of benchmarked applicants, will be contacted for an informal interview, prior to confirmation of the trainee’s place on the programme.
- Admission to the course is by competitive entry only.
Further information / how to apply
- Download the Diploma in Orthodontic Therapy Factsheet here [PDF, 227KB]
- Download the Application Pack here [Word doc, 1.3MB]
- Download the Application Form here [Word doc, 67KB]