Professional (Higher) Diploma in Orthodontic Therapy
Trinity College School of Dental Science is inviting applications to the Professional (Higher) Diploma in Orthodontic Therapy. The course will commence on Monday, 24th of August 2026. It is a twelve-month, full-time course.
The Professional (Higher) Diploma in Orthodontic Therapy is awarded by the University of Dublin, Trinity College, and it is a registerable qualification with the Dental Council. The initial core course, Introduction to Clinical Practice, is delivered in the Dublin Dental University Hospital (DDUH). The core course runs for 20 days over alternate weeks between the end of August and the end of October. Subsequently, students will train in their work placements under the direct supervision of an orthodontic specialist or consultant orthodontist for approximately eleven months. During the work placement period, students will return to DDUH for fourteen training days, spread over the remaining months.
The programme is aimed at those who have qualified in either Dental Hygiene or Dental Nursing. Applicants must have at least two years’ full-time post-qualification workplace experience in a private orthodontic practice or public health orthodontic clinic and must be appropriately registered with the Dental Council during those two years. Note: Students must remain registered with the Dental Council for the duration of the course. Furthermore, applicants must have a current BLS certificate at the time of application.
The written support of a suitably qualified orthodontist trainer, who is on the Orthodontic Specialist Register of the Dental Council (Ireland), is required. Trainers must attend a Training the Trainer course to prepare them for their role as a trainer for the applicant. Please note that a trainer can supervise only one student in any given year.
Successful candidates will be required to show evidence of Hepatitis B & C screening and Hepatitis B immunity. They will also be subject to An Garda Síochána vetting.
Interviews will be held on Thursday, 16th April 2026, and shortlisted applicants must be accompanied by their prospective workplace trainer. In addition, the proposed workplace will be assessed after the interviews to ensure that facilities are suitable for the clinical workplace training.
Closing date: 5 pm on Monday, 16th March 2026.
Programme details, the application form and other relevant forms can be found here. Please note that there is an temp issue updating the TCD website page. Therefore, we have added the relevant documents below. https://www.tcd.ie/dental/undergraduate/diploma/orthodontic-therapy/
All application forms must be submitted separately in Word format, in one email, with the subject line Orthodontic Therapy Mature Application_Name_2026
All applications and enquiries must be submitted to [email protected] (Tel 01 612 7220).
Application Fee: €35 – payments can be made online - please see the information pack for details. Closing date for the application fee is 5 pm on Monday, 16 March 2026. Please send the receipt with your application.
Note: Garda forms and blood test results are required for successful applicants only. Applicants are not required to submit this information with their initial application. Please do not submit any personal information, such as Garda forms or blood results, until instructed to do so.
Applying for this programme 2026 2027 - here is what to expect.pdf
Orthodontic Therapy Information Pack 2026 2027.pdf
Student Application form 2026.docx
Trainer Application Form 2026.docx
Trainer Supervisor Commitments Form 2026.docx
Outline Work Placement Form 2026.doc