Diploma in Orthodontic Therapy (DipOT) course
The Orthodontic Therapy Courses for 2027-2028
The FDS now offers two acclaimed diploma courses in Yorkshire and Belfast, providing students with professional accreditation.
Apply for 2027-28 courses, open to both trainees and trainers, and read more information.
The Yorkshire Orthodontic Therapy Course will run in collaboration with the Northern Ireland Medical and Dental Training Agency (NIMDTA). Both programmes aim to train students as orthodontic therapists.
To complete the diploma, participants must undertake an approved training programme and pass a final assessment.
- £13,500.00
Suitability
The GDC-approved courses are aimed at qualified orthodontic nurses and dental care professionals (DCPs) who wish to treat orthodontic patients in the UK and develop their clinical and academic skills.
Learning outcomes
After attending either course, you will:
- be eligible to take the final assessment;
- practise the skills required by the General Dental Council to operate orthodontics as an orthodontic therapist upon successful completion on the exam;
- become an accredited orthodontic therapist.
Format
The one-year course is delivered in two parts and will be carried out at the following institutions:
- For the Yorkshire course, there will be an initial four-week core course at Leeds Dental Institute.
- For the Belfast course, there will be an initial four-week core course at the Northern Ireland Medical and Dental Training Agency (NIMDTA).
Both courses will be taught by leading consultants, orthodontic specialists and orthodontic therapy tutors. This is followed by eight additional study days in various locations. The courses will also involve workplace training in an approved orthodontic practice or hospital orthodontic practice.
Additional information
Course content
You will cover a variety of topics during both courses to include:
- patient care, including assessment, treatment plans, patient management and disease identification/education;
- communication with patients, colleagues and the wider healthcare community;
- professionalism, including ethical and legal obligations, teamwork and development of yourself and other;
- management and leadership.
Diploma fees
The cost of each course is £13,500.
The course is non-refundable.
How to apply
Apply online, or contact ejones@rcseng.ac.uk for more information.
There are 14 places available for the Yorkshire Orthodontic Therapy Course and six places available for the Belfast Orthodontic Therapy Course.
Admission to the courses is by competitive entry.
Orthodontic Therapy logbook
The Orthodontic Therapy course has a website for trainees, trainers, orthodontic therapy tutors and course directors to access their online logbooks. Use your username and password to log on.
Orthodontic Therapy website
Visit the Orthodontic National Group website.
Booking options
Please complete and return the application form by 18 December 2026.