The first group of qualified orthodontic therapists have graduated from the Bristol Dental Hospital .
The students have successfully completed a 12 month course, which involved a four-week intensive program led by consultant orthodontists, and a placement program, which involved treating patients under a registered specialist orthodontist trainer.
The new qualification, piloted back in October 2007, is part of a government drive to improve the speed and quality of orthodontic care .
Sarah Bain, head of dental care professional training, said she was "absolutely delighted to the see the first orthodontic therapists qualify" and added that the first batch of graduates "will now make a significant impact on the number of patients accessing orthodontic care".
Orthodontic therapists are the newest group of dental care professionals (DCPs) created by the General Dental Council (GDC) .
They can assist dentists in carrying out orthodontic treatment and also help to reduce waiting lists for more specialised treatments by providing routine and emergency procedures themselves.




