Dental therapist jobs Ireland are among the most dynamic and rewarding roles in today’s dental sector. Dental therapists are multi-skilled clinicians who help patients of all ages improve their oral health, support dentists, and provide preventive, restorative, and paediatric care. As the demand for dental services continues to rise, Irish dental clinics and HSE practices are seeking dental therapists for both part-time and full-time roles in cities and rural areas alike.
What is a Dental Therapist?
A dental therapist is a licensed dental care professional, trained to carry out a range of clinical treatments and oral health education, typically under the prescription of a dentist. Dental therapists can provide many of the same treatments as dental hygienists but with a broader clinical remit, including some restorative procedures for children and adults. The role originated in public health dentistry but is now recognised and valued in general, specialist, and hospital dental practices throughout Ireland.
What Does a Dental Therapist Do?
The day-to-day duties of a dental therapist are diverse and patient-focused, combining clinical skill, preventive care, and patient education. Here’s what a dental therapist can do in Ireland:
- Conduct oral health assessments and risk screening
- Take dental x-rays
- Scale and polish teeth, apply fluoride varnishes, and sealants
- Provide preventive and oral hygiene education for all ages
- Place fillings in both baby and adult teeth
- Extract primary (baby) teeth under local anaesthetic
- Perform pulpotomies and place stainless steel crowns on primary teeth
- Take dental impressions and make study models
- Support the dentist with paediatric and special care patients
- Refer complex cases or those beyond scope to dentists or specialists
- Maintain meticulous patient records and infection control standards
What can a dental therapist do? In summary, dental therapists fill the gap between dental hygienists and dentists, focusing on prevention and minimally invasive restorative work, especially for children and young people.
How to Become a Dental Therapist in Ireland
If you’re asking, how to become a dental therapist, here’s the pathway:
- **Education**: Complete a recognised degree or diploma in Dental Therapy. In Ireland, the University of Dublin (Trinity College) offers a BSc in Dental Science (Dental Hygiene and Therapy), typically a three-year full-time programme. UK graduates with a Diploma in Dental Therapy or combined Dental Hygiene & Therapy degree are also accepted.
- **Registration**: You must register with the Dental Council of Ireland in the Division of Dental Hygienists. Ireland does not have a separate register for dental therapists; the combined register includes hygienists and therapists.
- **Work experience**: Some employers prefer candidates with clinical experience in paediatrics, community dentistry, or public health, but new graduates are welcome.
- **Ongoing CPD**: Dental therapists must undertake continuous professional development to maintain registration and stay updated with best practices.
How long does it take to become a dental therapist? Usually, three years of full-time university education, with additional time for registration.
Eligibility and Requirements to Work as a Dental Therapist in Ireland
- Hold a recognised Dental Therapy or Dental Hygiene & Therapy degree/diploma (Irish or UK qualification, or EU equivalent with NARIC recognition).
- Be registered (or eligible to register) with the Dental Council of Ireland.
- If from outside the EU/EEA/UK: Hold a valid Irish work permit/visa. Dentistry Jobs Ireland can advise on visa sponsorship, Atypical Working Scheme, and relocation support.
- Possess excellent English language proficiency. IELTS or OET may be required for non-native speakers.
- Provide proof of professional indemnity and up-to-date CPR training.
- Pass Garda vetting/police clearance and occupational health checks as required by clinics.
Requirements to work as a dental therapist in Ireland are strictly regulated, ensuring patient safety and clinical excellence.
What is the Salary of a Dental Therapist in Ireland?
How much does a dental therapist make? The average dental therapist salary in Ireland (2024) ranges from:
- Entry level: €36,000 – €42,000 per year (public sector/HSE roles, with incremental increases)
- Private practice: €42,000 – €55,000 per year, with some senior or specialist roles earning €60,000+
- Hourly rates: €20 – €30 per hour, depending on location, experience, and sector
Dublin, Cork, and Galway clinics often offer higher pay. Some roles are salaried; others are paid per session, day, or patient, especially in private practice.
Why Become a Dental Therapist?
- **Diverse clinical scope:** Combine hygiene, prevention, and restorative care
- **High patient impact:** Work directly with children, families, and vulnerable groups
- **Career growth:** Progress to lead therapist, practice management, or clinical education
- **Work-life balance:** Enjoy regular daytime hours; both part-time and full-time roles available
- **Professional recognition:** Be part of an essential, expanding workforce
- **Excellent salary and benefits:** Competitive pay and CPD opportunities
- **International mobility:** Irish registration is respected worldwide, especially across the UK and EU
What Makes a Great Dental Therapist?
- Excellent clinical skills and attention to detail
- Empathy and strong communication with children and nervous patients
- Ability to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team
- Adaptability to different clinical settings and patient needs
- Commitment to ongoing professional development and best practice
- Passion for oral health promotion and patient education
Interview Questions for Dental Therapist Jobs
- Why did you choose to become a dental therapist?
- What treatments are within your scope of practice?
- Describe your approach to managing a nervous child in clinic
- How do you keep up with current guidelines and CPD?
- Give an example of how you worked with a dental team to improve patient outcomes
- How would you handle a situation where a parent is anxious about their child’s treatment?
- What infection control protocols do you follow?
- How do you prioritise your caseload in a busy clinic?
Typical Workplaces for Dental Therapists in Ireland
- General dental practices (private and mixed NHS/HSE)
- Community dental clinics
- Hospital dental departments
- Paediatric specialist practices
- Orthodontic and special care dental services
- Mobile/community oral health teams
Jobs are available nationwide, with the greatest demand in cities like Dublin, Cork, Limerick, and Galway, but also in rural and underserved communities.
Current Market for Dental Therapist Jobs in Ireland
The Irish dental sector is undergoing major growth, with more practices recognising the value of dental therapists in delivering preventive and restorative care. The number of registered dental therapists in Ireland is increasing annually, and with the HSE’s focus on improving access to children’s oral health services, job prospects are excellent. Dentistry Jobs Ireland lists new dental therapist jobs every week—across HSE, private, and mixed practices.
Employers are seeking professionals skilled in digital dentistry, oral health promotion, and special care dentistry. EU and international dental therapists with the right qualifications and language skills are very welcome.
Testimonial: From South Africa to Ireland
“Moving to Ireland as a dental therapist was a dream come true. Dentistry Jobs Ireland made the process seamless—from guiding me through registration and securing my visa, to finding a job in a modern clinic in Galway. The support has been fantastic, and I love helping kids and families here every day.”
– Priya N., Dental Therapist, Galway
Dental Therapist Jobs Video
Map: Dental Therapist Jobs in Ireland
https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/embed?mid=1gWz8AsF1NqP3R_yQn0BMnkXIG4uRCuA&ehbc=2E312F
Apply for Dental Therapist Jobs in Ireland
Ready to advance your dental therapy career? Search current dental therapist jobs Ireland or register your CV for the latest roles. Our team will guide you through every step—from application and registration, to interviews and relocation.
Contact & Social Links
- Website: https://dentistryjobs.ie/
- Phone: +353 21 601 0016
- Email: [email protected]
- Social: Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram | Twitter
Keywords for SEO
Dental therapist jobs Ireland, dental therapist jobs, how to become a dental therapist, what is a dental therapist, what can a dental therapist do, how much does a dental therapist make, what does a dental therapist do, dental therapist salary, requirements to work as a dental therapist in Ireland, dental therapy jobs, dental therapist interview questions, dental therapist eligibility Ireland, dental therapist salary Ireland, HSE dental therapist jobs, paediatric dental therapist jobs, apply for dental therapist jobs Ireland.