What’s the Difference Between a Dentist and a Dental Therapist?

What’s the Difference Between a Dentist and a Dental Therapist?

28 February 2025

At The Briars Dental Centre, we pride ourselves on delivering exceptional dental care through our multidisciplinary team of specialists and dental professionals. Our innovative approach combines advanced technology with personalised care to ensure optimal outcomes for our patients. While you may meet both dentists and dental therapists during your journey with us, each plays a distinct yet equally valuable role in providing the comprehensive care that sets The Briars apart. Understanding these roles is key to appreciating how our team works together to deliver the transformative results our patients expect. But it does pose the question – what’s the difference between a Dentist and a Dental Therapist?

What is a Dentist?

Dentists are highly trained professionals who lead our patient care teams at The Briars. After completing five years of university education and extensive clinical training, our dentists provide comprehensive oral healthcare using advanced digital technology, including:

• Detailed diagnostics using CBCT scanning and iTero digital imaging
• Complex dental procedures such as dental implants and root canal treatment
• Advanced cosmetic dentistry, including veneers and complete smile makeovers
• Comprehensive treatment planning using 3D visualization
• Management of complex oral health conditions
• Specialist in-house referrals and coordination of multidisciplinary care

Our dentists oversee your overall oral health journey, ensuring every treatment plan is tailored to achieve optimal results while maintaining comfort and confidence throughout your care.

What is a Dental Therapist?

Dental therapists at The Briars are focused on preventative and routine restorative care. Working alongside our dentists, they focus on helping patients maintain excellent oral health through:

• High-quality routine fillings for adults and children
• Professional cleaning and polishing using Guided Biofilm Therapy
• Preventative treatments including fissure sealants
• Gentle removal of baby teeth when necessary
• Personalised oral health education and technique refinement
• Integration with our digital workflow for precise treatment planning

Our dental therapists excel in creating comfortable, relaxed experiences for patients while delivering the premium care you expect from The Briars.

How Our Team Works Together

At The Briars, we believe the key to exceptional dental care lies in seamless collaboration between our dental professionals. Here’s how our team approach benefits you:

Comprehensive Assessment and Planning

Your dentist oversees your overall care plan, using advanced digital imaging to diagnose and plan treatments. When appropriate, our dental therapists deliver specific aspects of your care under this guidance, ensuring consistent, high-quality results.

Efficient, Premium Care

This collaborative approach means you receive the right care from the most appropriate specialist at the right time. It allows us to:

• Reduce waiting times without compromising on quality
• Focus on preventative care to protect your long-term oral health
• Provide specialist attention for complex treatments
• Maintain consistently high standards across all treatments

The Briars Difference

What truly sets our team apart is how we combine expertise, technology, and patient comfort to deliver exceptional results. In our luxurious, state-of-the-art practice, you’ll experience:

• Seamless digital workflows using iTero scanning and 3D imaging
• A coordinated approach to complex treatments
• Preventative care that helps avoid more extensive procedures
• A comfortable, confidence-inspiring environment
• Clear communication at every stage of your treatment

Your Journey at The Briars

Whether you’re seeing one of our dentists or dental therapists, you can be confident in receiving premium care that aligns with our commitment to excellence. Every member of our team contributes to creating positive, lasting transformations for our patients.

Expert Care You Can Trust

Our dental therapists undergo extensive training and adhere to the same exacting standards as our dentists. They excel in:

• Delivering gentle, high-quality preventative care
• Creating calm, supportive experiences
• Working with nervous patients and children
• Contributing to long-term oral health success

Ready to Experience The Briars Difference?

We understand that choosing a dental care provider is an important decision. Whether you’re seeking routine care or considering more complex treatment, our team is here to help you achieve your dental goals with confidence.

So now you know ‘what’s the difference between a Dentist and a Dental Therapist’ – contact us today to learn more about how our dentists and dental therapists can work together to transform your smile. Call our friendly team on 01635 40311, or book your consultation online.