If you’ve been booked in with our dental therapist, you might be wondering what they do, how they’re qualified, and why you’re seeing them instead of a dentist. The short answer? Dental therapists are highly trained clinicians who play a vital role in your oral health and your care is in very capable hands.

In this article, we’ll be sharing more about our own in-house dental therapist, Priscilla, so you can get to know the person behind the role and learn more about the kind of care she provides. In the meantime, here’s everything you need to know about why dental therapy matters and why you might be seeing Priscilla as part of your treatment…

What Is a Dental Therapist?

For many years, dental hygiene therapists have been an essential part of the dental team, traditionally working in NHS, army, and community hospital settings. However, modern private practices like ours have recognised just how important their role is in providing better access to care and helping patients receive the right treatment sooner.

Since 2013, when Direct Access legislation came into force, dental therapists can now see patients and provide treatment without needing a prescription from a dentist—though they still work closely alongside the rest of the dental team. This collaboration means patients can be seen more quickly while ensuring every treatment plan is safe, consistent, and of the highest quality.

What Can a Dental Therapist Do?

The scope of a dental therapist’s work is broad, and their role is vital in maintaining your long-term oral health. Priscilla describes it perfectly:

“I love every opportunity to meet patients and provide them with the highest standard of care that I would expect myself.”

Here are just some of the treatments dental therapists provide:

  • Evaluations of oral health – including taking X-rays, impressions, and educating patients on how to improve their dental health

  • Hygiene and gum treatment (periodontal therapy)

  • Filling treatments for adults and children to restore decayed or damaged teeth

  • Extraction of children’s teeth to relieve infection, pain, or assist orthodontic treatment

About Priscilla

Priscilla began her journey by graduating from the University of Newcastle with a degree in Biomedical Science, before going on to qualify as a Dental Therapist at the University of Leeds. During her studies, she developed a special interest in helping nervous and anxious patients, including children who may have had difficult dental experiences in the past.

To deepen her expertise, Priscilla completed additional training in Inhalation Sedation at the University of Liverpool, allowing her to provide gentle, calming care for those who experience dental anxiety.

With over 13 years of experience working as a dental therapist in the North East, Priscilla has built an impressive skill set that continues to grow. In recent years, she has expanded into private dentistry, completing advanced courses in:

  • Teeth whitening

  • Restorative dentistry and composite techniques (white fillings to the highest standard)

  • ICON whitening treatment, which lifts fluorosis and white spot lesions for a more even tooth appearance

Priscilla joined the team at Union Quay Dental in 2022, where she now works closely with our dentists to provide both hygiene and restorative care. Her role not only supports patients directly but also allows our dentists to focus on more complex cases—ensuring everyone receives timely, high-quality treatment.

“I was, and still am, a nervous patient myself! My aim is to encourage patients to have confidence in themselves regarding their oral health—but also in dentistry as a whole.”

Why Patients Benefit from Seeing a Dental Therapist

Seeing a dental therapist can make your journey smoother and more efficient. You might see Priscilla for hygiene treatment, gum care, fillings, or preventive advice—all delivered with a gentle and patient-focused approach.

Here’s why it matters:

  • Shorter waiting times for appointments

  • More focused, personalised care

  • Team-based treatment planning for the best results

  • Comfortable, reassuring visits—especially for nervous patients

A Vital Part of Your Dental Care

Dental therapy is about empowering patients, improving access to treatment, and delivering care that’s both effective and compassionate. With clinicians like Priscilla on our team, we’re proud to offer a wider range of services while keeping your experience as comfortable as possible.

📞 Book your appointment today or ask our reception team to learn more about seeing Priscilla for your next visit.