If you're considering starting or progressing a career in dental care and exploring apprenticeship routes, you may have come across two roles that sound similar but serve distinct purposes: Oral Health Practitioner and Dental Hygienist. At Tempdent we often get asked: “What’s the difference between the two?” Let’s break it down.
Understanding the Oral Health Practitioner role
An Oral Health Practitioner (OHP) is a relatively new and exciting role within the dental profession, with a ‘prevention first approach’ to dental care. If you were to look at the role in terms of progression, it holds greater responsibility and scope than a Dental Nurse, but less responsibility than a Dental Hygienist or Dental Therapist.
This role is ideal for GDC-registered Dental Nurses or other GDC-registered dental care professionals who want to expand their clinical skills and work more autonomously. Through Tempdent’s Level 4 Oral Health Practitioner Apprenticeship, learners are trained to:
- Work directly in patients’ mouths under the direction of a Dentist.
- Apply fluoride varnish, take impressions, and conduct plaque and debris scoring.
- Deliver oral health education and preventative interventions in community settings such as schools and care homes.
- Conduct general health screenings such as blood pressure and diabetes checks.
OHPs often work in schools, care homes, and community clinics, promoting oral health and supporting behaviour change through motivational education. Their focus is to protect a person’s oral health, before it becomes a problem. This role is community-focused, blending oral health with broader public health initiatives – as oral and overall health go hand in hand.
What does a Dental Hygienist do?
A Dental Hygienist is a registered dental professional who plays a critical role in preventing and treating periodontal (gum) disease, maintaining oral hygiene, and promoting systemic health.
Dental Hygienists typically:
- Conduct oral health assessments and cancer screenings.
- Scale and polish teeth, often under local anaesthetic.
- Apply fluoride and sealants.
- Provide tailored oral health advice and refer patients for further treatment.
- Work in clinical settings such as dental surgeries, hospitals, and community dental services.
Dental Hygienists may also treat patients with complex medical conditions, such as those recovering from head and neck cancer surgery, and often collaborate with other healthcare professionals.
Which path is right for you?
If you're a GDC-registered Dental Nurse who is passionate about community health, education, and preventative care, and looking to progress in your career, becoming an Oral Health Practitioner is a fulfilling next step. It’s a fantastic way to build on your dental nursing experience and make a real impact in public health.
If you're aiming for a more clinical, treatment-focused role, with greater autonomy and responsibility, then training to become a Dental Hygienist may be your goal.
Did you know that Tempdent’s Level 4 Oral Health Practitioner Apprenticeship is a nationally recognised entry pathway to the Level 6 Dental Hygienist Apprenticeship?
Ready to start your journey?
At Tempdent, we’re proud to offer the Level 4 Oral Health Practitioner Apprenticeship, designed to elevate your career and empower you to provide preventative dental care and education within the wider community. With quarterly intakes and government funding available, there’s never been a better time to take the next step!
If you have questions or want to explore your options, feel free to reach out to our team. We’re here to support you every step of the way.
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