Dentistry and Dental Technology, what’s the difference?

While dentists are responsible for caring for patients by preventing and treating problems affecting the mouth and teeth, dental technicians develop the actual equipment needed to support this.

Dental Technology is more science-based, as you’ll be involved in the design, manufacture and repair of a variety of orthodontic items needed to treat patients; such as braces, dentures and crowns. Rather than working in a dental surgery, you’re more likely to be based in a laboratory within a practice or hospital.

Some responsibilities may include:
● Developing prosthetics, such as mouth guards and retainers
● Constructing dentures to replace missing or irregular teeth
● Using computer-aided design to create digital dental technology devices

You're likely to specialise in a particular area; such as orthodontics, which uses devices to straighten teeth, or maxillofacial, where you work with patients after an accident to reconstruct damaged areas in the mouth and teeth.

The need for dental technicians is expected to grow faster than many other health professions and there are plenty of opportunities for career progression, as well as great earning potential; it is one of the most lucrative areas of dentistry, with those specialising earning upwards of £40k.

The Dental Technology degree at the University of Bolton in Greater Manchester equips you with the technical skills needed to get your career off to a great start, as well as the foundations to work in a dental practice and support patients with their teeth and dental care; giving you a well-rounded knowledge of this sector.

Courses are developed by academic experts with input from industry partners, and you’ll study subjects within the fundamental areas of oral anatomy and physiology. You’ll also have the opportunity to get hands-on with the latest equipment in our specialised laboratories where you’ll learn the biomechanics and biomaterials science behind dental appliance design.

Find out more about Dental Technology degrees at the University of Bolton and enrolling in January 2021. We’re proud to be known for our teaching quality, supportive and friendly learning environment and award-winning Student Services; welcome to #UniAsItShouldBe.