Get to Grips with Game Changing Dental Technology

Working in dentistry has long been considered a lucrative and secure career, but there is a range of specialist technical roles making a very real difference to people’s experience of dentistry that are equally rewarding. Dental technology is one of the most exciting and fast-moving parts of the profession, with the University of Bolton’s dental technology course helping graduates to excel in this field. Our dental technology degrees are based in our £4.8 million Centre for Dental Sciences, are approved by the General Dental Council and can lead to professional registration as a Dental Care Professional.

Dental treatment is increasingly in demand, with skilled dental technologists developing dental appliances that are transforming oral healthcare. There are several career pathways for a graduate with a dental technology degree:

Dental care practitioner

Dental hygienist

Dental technician

Dental therapist

Maxillofacial technicians

Dental Technology at Bolton

Our dental technology course helps our students to create prosthodontics, such as dentures, and crowns and bridges, to help patients better manage painful dental issues. Graduates of Dental Technology at Bolton University can then also take supplementary training to become a maxillofacial technician, which is critical in the field of facial reconstruction, following accidents or disease.

Dental technicians, also known as dental technologists, may work in dental practices or laboratories, but there are also roles within hospitals and the armed forces too.  

The University of Bolton in Greater Manchester is ranked No.1 in the North West for Spend per Student* and this is certainly reflected in the resources available to students. It’s more than a financial investment in our students, however. As well as our state-of-the-art and purpose-built dental laboratories and processing rooms, our staff are also active in the world of dental technology research which generates a vibrant learning environment. 

Career Opportunities for Dental Technologists

Currently, job vacancies in the dental sector are at an all-time high. As with other industries, this is in part down to Brexit and the pandemic, but also to the increasing demand for dental prosthesis and orthodontic devices. As well as a dramatic increase in cosmetic dentistry, dental technologists are ever-improving the standard and functionality of the devices. Using cutting edge technology, dental technicians are commonly crafting crowns and bridges to replace lost teeth as well as single tooth implants, which are screwed in and often used to replace teeth lost while playing sports, such as rugby.    

Dental Craftsmanship

Studying under the care of our dental experts in our Centre for Dental Sciences, our students learn how to create precision models from the impressions taken by doctors and dentists. You will work with a full range of different materials, including gold, stainless steel, plastic and porcelain, to craft and build devices, such as veneers, so that they fit seamlessly into the patients’ mouths. You will develop your skills in precision modelling, sculpting and ceramics, as well as learning how to bend wire to make retainers that fit exactly. You will also create bespoke mouth guards for help with bruxism (teeth grinding).

Why Study Dental Technology at Bolton

Our dental technology course creates graduates that are ready to take up a dental technologist role in industry. Our professional degrees have been developed to equip you with everything you will need in this role. Perfectly combining the theoretical, academic side with the hands-on practical side, this includes an in-industry work placement so that you can put your learning into practice and get the on-the-job experience that will set you aside from other graduates. It’s also really important that you can choose your specialism before you leave us. Your specialised module in the final year will help you to carve out your future career path, under the guidance and with the support of our learning and teaching team; welcome to #UniAsItShouldBe.

Discover our dental technology course in more detail.

*The Guardian University Guide 2022