UK dataswitch to US
Dental practitioners
advising patients on preventive dental care, leading a dental team to diagnose and treat dental problems and applying fluoride or sealants to teeth. If that's your week, this page is about your job.
The honest answer
AI changes the edges of this job, not the middle: applying dental appliances as per treatment plans is work software can't reach.
What shifts is evaluating dental needs to identify trends in disease patterns. This page scores what today's tools actually do, not headlines.
Your week, as this page understands it
Dental practitioners diagnose dental and oral diseases, injuries and disorders, prescribe and administer treatment, recommend preventative action and, where necessary, refer the patient to a specialist. The job title says “dental practitioners”. The real job is the part underneath: applying dental appliances as per treatment plans. That is the thing someone has to be right about.
The exposed part of this job is specific, and we won’t pretend it is coming back. But dental practitioners is not one task. It is 63 scored ones, and they are nowhere near equally exposed. The most durable of them, on this evidence, is applying dental appliances as per treatment plans, and the ledger below shows exactly why.
Where the work sits, by task weight
- shifting to AI
- 11%
- changing shape
- 4%
- staying human
- 85%
These bars are tasks changing hands, not people being counted out. The ledger below shows which.
Whole-job exposure score 17 out of 100 (14–22 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, across 63 scored tasks. The number is the support for the sentence above it, not a headline about anyone’s future.
How we know this
What is measured: Every published task statement for dental practitioners is rated on five dimensions: can a model produce the output, does the work need a body in a room, does it need a legally accountable person, does it depend on a person being trusted in the moment, and how much data exists. A published formula turns those five ratings into the score; the model never writes the number.
How the bar is built: Each task’s share of the bar is its published importance weight, so a task you do all day counts for more than one you do twice a year.
Release: 2026-q4.1, scores computed 2026-08-04. Read the full method.
Your job, task by task
These are the official task statements for this occupation, in plain English, sorted by what the evidence says is happening to each one. The official wording sits under every line so you can check the rewrite against it.
- 3 of this occupation's scored task statements carry a score that was measured under a different occupation's context, because the statement is shared between jobs and has only been scored once so far. Each one names the occupation it was measured under in the free routes below; none is presented as a measurement for this job.
- ASHE suppresses or does not publish a median for this unit group. We leave it empty rather than interpolating one from sibling groups, which would be a fabricated number.
- Task clusters are not derived in this release, so the task-cluster field is empty and no Collab365 Space routing is attached to this occupation yet.
Shifting to AI
8 tasksTasks today’s tools can already do most of. This is the part we will not soften: where these rows are the bulk of your week, the week changes.
Evaluating dental needs to identify trends in disease patterns
This is reading one thing and writing another: dental needs in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 80 · 2253/01, 2253/02, 2253/04Source: “Evaluate dental needs to identify trends in disease patterns.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 75 out of 100 (71–79 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Spotting patterns in dental need across a population is data analysis using records already held.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Evaluating the effectiveness of dental health educational materials
This is reading one thing and writing another: the effectiveness of dental health educational materials in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 70 · 2253/01, 2253/02, 2253/04Source: “Evaluate the effectiveness of dental health educational materials.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 75 out of 100 (71–79 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Testing whether education material works is straightforward evaluation using collected responses.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Contributing to the overall running of the business
This is reading one thing and writing another: the overall running of the business in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 50 · 2253/01, 2253/02, 2253/04Source: “Contribute to the overall running of the business.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 64 out of 100 (57–71 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Running the business side, from rotas to ordering and reporting, is ordinary office work that software does well.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Handling paperwork and insurance claims for business operations
This is reading one thing and writing another: paperwork in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 50 · 2253/01, 2253/02Source: “Handle paperwork and insurance claims for business operations.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 81 out of 100 (77–85 allowing for uncertainty): very high exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Claims and practice paperwork follow fixed forms and rules, which software completes quickly and accurately.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 4/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Changing shape
5 tasksTasks where the machine takes the producing and a person keeps the checking, the deciding, or the answering-for-it. For most jobs this is the biggest group, and it is where "transformation, not termination" is literally visible.
Organising and maintaining dental health programmes
The software now makes the first pass at dental health programmes, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 60 · 2253/01, 2253/04Source: “Organise and maintain dental health programmes.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 48 out of 100 (41–55 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Programme planning, scheduling and paperwork are structured office tasks.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Coordinating orthodontic services with other dental and medical services
The software now makes the first pass at orthodontic services, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 75 · 2253/03Source: “Coordinate orthodontic services with other dental and medical services.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 56 out of 100 (49–63 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Referrals and appointment coordination are structured administrative tasks with clear rules.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Identifying and selecting equipment, instruments and materials for specific tasks
The software now makes the first pass at equipment, instruments and materials, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 70 · 2253/03Source: “Identify and select equipment, instruments, and materials for specific tasks.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 49 out of 100 (42–56 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Choosing the right instruments and materials for a procedure follows documented specifications, though someone still sets the tray out.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Staying human
50 tasksTasks that stay with a person, because they happen in the physical world, because the rules need someone accountable, or because the value is that a specific person does them.
Formulating treatment plans for patients' teeth and mouth tissue
The rules require a named, qualified person to answer for treatment plans, and that person cannot be a piece of software.
importance 95 · 2253/01, 2253/02, 2253/03, 2253/04Source: “Formulate treatment plans for patients' teeth and mouth tissue.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 30 out of 100 (23–37 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Software can suggest a plan from charts and images, but only a registered dentist may decide treatment.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 3/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Applying dental appliances as per treatment plans
This work happens in the physical world: dental appliances, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 90 · 2253/01, 2253/02, 2253/03, 2253/04Source: “Apply dental appliances as per treatment plans.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Fitting an appliance happens in the patient’s mouth.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 3/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Carrying out oral or periodontal surgery on the jaw or mouth
This work happens in the physical world: oral, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 95 · 2253/01, 2253/02, 2253/04Source: “Carry out oral or periodontal surgery on the jaw or mouth.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Oral surgery is done with instruments inside a patient’s mouth.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 4/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Show the other 53 tasks
Estimating costs for orthodontic work procedures
shifting to AIThis is reading one thing and writing another: costs in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 50 · 2253/03Source: “Estimate costs for orthodontic work procedures.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 79 out of 100 (72–86 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Costing a course of treatment against a fee list is routine arithmetic and paperwork.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 4/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Maintaining patients' dental records
shifting to AIThis is reading one thing and writing another: patients' dental records in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 80 · 2253/01Source: “Maintain patients' dental records.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 66 out of 100 (62–70 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Keeping dental records up to date is structured writing-up that software already does to a usable standard.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Recording and maintaining patient data or treatment records
shifting to AIThis is reading one thing and writing another: patient data in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 70 · 2253/03Source: “Record and maintain patient data or treatment records.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 66 out of 100 (62–70 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Writing up and keeping treatment records is close to what document software already does reliably.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Overseeing the purchase of supplies
shifting to AIThis is reading one thing and writing another: the purchase of supplies in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 50 · 2253/01Source: “Oversee the purchase of supplies, gear, and equipment.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 64 out of 100 (60–68 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Ordering and stock control is routine purchasing work that software already handles end to end.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Referring people to a dentist or other dental health practitioner
changing shapeThe software now makes the first pass at people, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 60 · 2253/02Source: “Refer people to a dentist or other dental health practitioner as required.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 56 out of 100 (49–63 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Working out who to refer to and writing the letter is well-documented paperwork software handles.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Making referrals to doctors and other medical specialists
changing shapeThe software now makes the first pass at referrals, but someone has to be answerable for the result, and it cannot be the software. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 60 · 2253/03Source: “Make referrals to doctors and other medical specialists.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 48 out of 100 (41–55 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: The referral itself is routine paperwork, though deciding a patient needs a doctor is the dentist's clinical call.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 2/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Communicating effectively using various media to ensure clarity and understanding across all interactions
staying humanThe value here is that a specific person handles using various media and stands behind it. That is earned, not computed.
importance 60 · 2253/03Source: “Communicate effectively using various media to ensure clarity and understanding across all interactions.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 39 out of 100 (32–46 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Producing clear written and spoken material is a strength of current tools, though delivery to patients happens in person.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 2/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Advising patients on preventive dental care
staying humanThe value here is that a specific person handles patients and stands behind it. That is earned, not computed.
importance 95 · 2253/01, 2253/02, 2253/04Source: “Advise patients on preventive dental care.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 38 out of 100 (31–45 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Preventive dental advice is abundantly documented and easy to generate, though people act on it when a person they trust says it.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 2/4 · how much data exists 4/4.
Maintaining stocks of dental equipment and materials to ensure patient care
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: stocks of dental equipment, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 2253/01Source: “Maintain stocks of dental equipment and materials to ensure patient care.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 38 out of 100 (31–45 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Ordering and record keeping are easy, but stock still gets checked and put away by hand.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Providing advice on oral health and guidance on maintaining teeth
staying humanThe value here is that a specific person handles advice and stands behind it. That is earned, not computed.
importance 75 · 2253/03Source: “Provide advice on oral health and guidance on maintaining teeth, gums, and oral hygiene.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 38 out of 100 (31–45 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Oral health guidance is abundantly documented and easy to generate, though it lands better said to someone directly.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 2/4 · how much data exists 4/4.
Writing fabrication instructions or prescriptions for clinical dental technicians or dental technicians
staying humanThe rules require a named, qualified person to answer for fabrication instructions, and that person cannot be a piece of software.
importance 75 · 2253/01, 2253/02, 2253/04Source: “Write fabrication instructions or prescriptions for clinical dental technicians or dental technicians.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 35 out of 100 (28–42 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Lab prescriptions are structured documents, but a registered dentist must issue them from a real examination.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 3/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Instructing patients on the importance of adhering to prescribed treatment plans
staying humanThe value here is that a specific person handles patients and stands behind it. That is earned, not computed.
importance 80 · 2253/03Source: “Instruct patients on the importance of adhering to prescribed treatment plans.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 34 out of 100 (27–41 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: The explanation is easy to produce, but whether a patient sticks to a plan often depends on who told them.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 2/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Evaluating treatment options to address dental health issues
staying humanThe rules require a named, qualified person to answer for treatment options, and that person cannot be a piece of software.
importance 85 · 2253/01Source: “Evaluate treatment options to address dental health issues.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 30 out of 100 (23–37 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Weighing up options against evidence drafts well, but a registered dentist must make the call.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 3/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Training staff in specific job roles to enhance performance
staying humanThe value here is that a specific person handles staff and stands behind it. That is earned, not computed.
importance 60 · 2253/01Source: “Train staff in specific job roles to enhance performance.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 30 out of 100 (23–37 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Training material is easy to produce, but coaching someone into a role happens between people at work.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 2/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Using x-rays to diagnose dental conditions
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: x-rays, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 2253/02Source: “Use x-rays to diagnose dental conditions.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 23 out of 100 (16–30 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Reading dental images is something software does well, but taking them is hands-on and the law restricts who may.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 3/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Assessing patients to identify abnormalities of jaw development
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: patients, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 95 · 2253/03Source: “Assess patients to identify abnormalities of jaw development, tooth position, and other dental-facial structures.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 20 out of 100 (13–27 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Software reads jaw and tooth measurements well, but examining the patient and deciding is a registered dentist’s job.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 3/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Planning a course of treatment with patients
staying humanThe rules require a named, qualified person to answer for a course of treatment, and that person cannot be a piece of software.
importance 85 · 2253/01, 2253/03Source: “Plan a course of treatment with patients.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 15 out of 100 (11–19 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; someone qualified has to answer for it; the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Deciding and agreeing a course of dental treatment is the practice of dentistry, which by law only a registered dentist may do.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 4/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 2/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Adhering to current best practices in dental nursing
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: current best practices, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 50 · 2253/03Source: “Adhere to current best practices in dental nursing.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 13 out of 100 (6–20 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Best practice is written down, but following it chairside is something a registered person does, not a document.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 2/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Involving family members or carers in patient care decisions
staying humanThe value here is that a specific person handles members and stands behind it. That is earned, not computed.
importance 50 · 2253/03Source: “Involve family members or carers in patient care decisions.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 12 out of 100 (5–19 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Bringing families into a decision depends on a live conversation where people feel heard.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 3/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Selecting, using, maintaining and storing equipment, tools and materials appropriately
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: equipment, tools and materials, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 60 · 2253/03Source: “Select, use, maintain, and store equipment, tools, and materials appropriately.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 10 out of 100 (3–17 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Choosing kit is easy, but using, cleaning and storing it is handwork.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Making dental devices, such as dentures, crowns, bridges, inlays or appliances for straightening teeth
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: dental devices, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 2253/01, 2253/03, 2253/04Source: “Make dental devices, such as dentures, crowns, bridges, inlays, or appliances for straightening teeth.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 9 out of 100 (2–16 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Designing a crown or denture is now digital, but making the actual device is workshop and chairside work.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Instructing dental officers and dental nurses in orthodontic procedures and techniques
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: dental officers, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 60 · 2253/03Source: “Instruct dental officers and dental nurses in orthodontic procedures and techniques.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 9 out of 100 (2–16 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world; the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Teaching clinical technique means demonstrating it with a patient or model in front of you.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 2/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Offering preventive dental services to maintain oral health
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: preventive dental services, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 90 · 2253/01Source: “Offer preventive dental services to maintain oral health.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 6 out of 100 (0–13 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it; the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Advice is easy to produce, but applying fluoride or sealants and reassuring the patient happens at the chair.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 3/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 2/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Prescribing or administering antibiotics, antiseptics or compresses to treat infection or injury
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: antibiotics, antiseptics or compresses, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 2253/01, 2253/02, 2253/04Source: “Prescribe or administer antibiotics, antiseptics, or compresses to treat infection or injury.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 6 out of 100 (0–13 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Prescribing is restricted by law to registered prescribers, and giving the treatment is hands-on.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 4/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Providing preventive dental services to protect against endodontic issues
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: preventive dental services, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 2253/02Source: “Provide preventive dental services to protect against endodontic issues.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 6 out of 100 (0–13 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it; the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Preventive treatment is applied at the chair, even though the advice writes itself.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 3/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 2/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Delivering preventive dental services to prevent periodontal disease
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: preventive dental services, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 2253/04Source: “Deliver preventive dental services to prevent periodontal disease.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 6 out of 100 (0–13 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it; the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: The advice is easy to produce, but preventive treatment is delivered at the chair.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 3/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 2/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Performing dental radiographs, x-rays) to assess oral health
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: dental radiographs, x-rays), in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 90 · 2253/01, 2253/02, 2253/04Source: “Perform dental radiographs (x-rays) to assess oral health.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 5 out of 100 (0–12 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Software reads dental x-rays well, but taking one means positioning the patient, and radiation rules say who may do it.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 3/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Leading a dental team to diagnose and treat dental problems
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: a dental team, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 2253/01, 2253/02, 2253/04Source: “Lead a dental team to diagnose and treat dental problems.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 4 out of 100 (0–11 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it; the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Leading a clinical team through diagnosis and treatment happens in the surgery with the team present.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 3/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 2/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Performing clinical treatments to restore teeth affected by decay and treat gum disease
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: clinical treatments, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 95 · 2253/01Source: “Perform clinical treatments to restore teeth affected by decay and treat gum disease.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Restoring teeth and treating gums is handwork at the chair.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 3/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Cleaning teeth to restore natural colour and improve oral health
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: teeth, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 90 · 2253/01Source: “Clean teeth to restore natural colour and improve oral health.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Cleaning teeth is done with instruments by hand.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 3/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Filling pulp chamber and canal with endodontic materials
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: pulp chamber, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 90 · 2253/01, 2253/02Source: “Fill pulp chamber and canal with endodontic materials.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Filling a root canal is precise handwork inside the tooth.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 3/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Removing diseased tissue, using surgical instruments
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: diseased tissue, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 90 · 2253/01, 2253/02, 2253/04Source: “Remove diseased tissue, using surgical instruments.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Cutting away diseased tissue is hands-on surgery, and doing it without dental registration is a criminal offence.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 4/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Applying fluoride or sealants to teeth
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: fluoride, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 2253/01, 2253/02, 2253/04Source: “Apply fluoride or sealants to teeth.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Painting fluoride or sealant onto teeth is hands-on chairside work by a registered dental professional.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 2/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Operating dental air turbines for specific dental procedures
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: dental air turbines, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 2253/01, 2253/02, 2253/04Source: “Operate dental air turbines for specific dental procedures.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Using a drill in someone’s mouth is physical work.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 3/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Providing pain relief to patients using anaesthetics and analgesics
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: pain relief, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 2253/01, 2253/02, 2253/04Source: “Provide pain relief to patients using anaesthetics and analgesics.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it; the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Numbing a patient means injecting them, which only a registered dental professional may do.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 3/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 2/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Treating exposure of pulp by pulp capping using dental instruments
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: exposure of pulp, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 2253/01, 2253/02, 2253/04Source: “Treat exposure of pulp by pulp capping using dental instruments.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Pulp capping is done with instruments inside the tooth.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 3/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Using hand instruments for dental treatments
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: hand instruments, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 2253/01, 2253/02, 2253/04Source: “Use hand instruments for dental treatments.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Hand instruments are used by hand.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 3/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Removing irritating edges of fillings and correct occlusions
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: edges of fillings, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 2253/01, 2253/02, 2253/04Source: “Remove irritating edges of fillings and correct occlusions, using dental instruments.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Adjusting a filling and the bite is done with instruments in the mouth.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 3/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Treating malformations of oral structures
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: malformations of oral structures, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 2253/01, 2253/02, 2253/04Source: “Treat malformations of oral structures.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Treating malformed oral structures is clinical handwork.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 3/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Wearing gloves for protection against infectious diseases
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: gloves, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 2253/01, 2253/02, 2253/04Source: “Wear gloves for protection against infectious diseases.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Putting gloves on is physical.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Carrying out dental fillings to restore damaged teeth
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: dental fillings, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 95 · 2253/02Source: “Carry out dental fillings to restore damaged teeth.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Placing a filling is handwork in the mouth.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 3/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Administering local anaesthetic to patients to facilitate pain-free dental procedures
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: local anaesthetic, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 90 · 2253/02Source: “Administer local anaesthetic to patients to facilitate pain-free dental procedures.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Injecting an anaesthetic is a physical act on a patient.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 3/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Extracting teeth as required to address endodontic conditions
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: teeth, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 90 · 2253/02Source: “Extract teeth as required to address endodontic conditions.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Taking a tooth out is physical work with instruments.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 3/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Fitting dentures to replace missing teeth as part of endodontic treatment
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: dentures, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 2253/02Source: “Fit dentures to replace missing teeth as part of endodontic treatment.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Fitting dentures means adjusting them in the patient’s mouth.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 3/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Fitting dental appliances in patients' mouths to realign teeth
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: dental appliances, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 95 · 2253/03Source: “Fit dental appliances in patients' mouths to realign teeth.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Fitting braces happens inside the mouth.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 3/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Removing fixed appliances, orthodontic adhesives and cement
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: fixed appliances, orthodontic adhesives and cement, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 90 · 2253/03Source: “Remove fixed appliances, orthodontic adhesives and cement.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Taking off appliances and cement is handwork at the chair.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 3/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Changing or repairing archwires inside a patient's mouth
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: archwires inside a patient's mouth, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 2253/03Source: “Change or repair archwires inside a patient's mouth.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Working on wires inside a mouth is physical.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 3/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Fabricating labial and lingual arch wires
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: labial, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 2253/03Source: “Fabricate labial and lingual arch wires.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Bending arch wires is made by hand.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 3/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Taking dental impressions for diagnostic and treatment purposes
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: dental impressions, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 2253/03Source: “Take dental impressions for diagnostic and treatment purposes.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Taking an impression means putting a tray or scanner into a patient's mouth.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 2/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Cleaning and preparing tooth surfaces
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: tooth surfaces, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 2253/03Source: “Clean and prepare tooth surfaces.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Preparing tooth surfaces is done with instruments.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 3/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Making a patient's orthodontic appliance safe in the absence of the orthodontist
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: a patient's orthodontic appliance safe, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 2253/03Source: “Make a patient's orthodontic appliance safe in the absence of the orthodontist.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Making a loose appliance safe means physically dealing with it in the mouth.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 3/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Working safely and independently in a patient's mouth following the orthodontist's prescription
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: this work, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 2253/03Source: “Work safely and independently in a patient's mouth following the orthodontist's prescription.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Working in a patient’s mouth is physical by definition.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 3/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Cleaning teeth to restore natural colour and treat periodontal disease
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: teeth, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 90 · 2253/04Source: “Clean teeth to restore natural colour and treat periodontal disease.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Scaling and cleaning teeth is done with instruments by hand.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 3/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
What this job pays, and how many people do it
- Median pay
- No median pay figure is published for this exact group, so there is none here. We would rather show you the gap than a number borrowed from somewhere else.The ONS doesn't publish a reliable pay figure for this exact job (too few people in its survey sample), so none is shown here.
- People doing this job
- 34,800in the UK, 2026.nomis-aps · Apr 2025-Mar 2026 (latest APS 12-month period)This headcount comes from a survey, not a census, so treat it as a good estimate rather than an exact count.
What is deliberately not here: a forecast of how many of these jobs exist in ten years. Where an official projection exists for a market we publish it with its vintage; where it does not, we leave the space empty rather than borrow the other country’s number.
Why this is shifting
The reason is boringly specific. Most of what is shifting here is reading one thing and writing another: dental needs in, a record out. The rows above are exactly that shape: evaluating dental needs to identify trends in disease patterns and evaluating the effectiveness of dental health educational materials. What it cannot do is be answerable: dental appliances need a named person the rules will accept, and software cannot be that person. Which is why this page talks about your tasks changing, not your job ending.
Your move
Over a pint: what I’d tell you if you were my friend
Start with what does not change: applying dental appliances as per treatment plans is the middle of this job, and the evidence on this page says it stays with a person.
So, given all that: 11% of this job's task weight sits in rows the software is already learning, 4% in rows that change shape rather than disappear, and 85% in rows it is nowhere near. That is the position, measured across 63 scored tasks. It is not a forecast about you.
So the thing worth your attention is not the job going away. It is the layer around it. Evaluating dental needs to identify trends in disease patterns is the part turning into software, and being the person who understands that layer is worth money.
This week: one thing
Ask the one question. Find whoever is bringing new software into your workplace (the manager, the office, whoever runs the system) and ask them what it is meant to do to dental needs, and what it is not meant to touch. Ten minutes, this week, before anyone decides it for you.
- What you end up holding
- a straight answer about what is actually being rolled out, and when
- How long it takes
- ten minutes
If there’s nobody obvious to ask, or you’d rather not ask your manager: Put the same question to your union rep, your shift lead or the person who has been there longest, in person, over a break. Same ten minutes, same answer, and you will usually get a straighter one. Write down what they say. The note is the artifact, and it tells you whether dental appliances are in scope or not. Nothing to log into, no licence needed.
Over the next 90 days
Get inside the tool rollout rather than waiting for it. Over the next ninety days, ask to be in the group that tests, checks or signs off whatever new system arrives near organising and maintaining dental health programmes. It is usually an unglamorous seat that nobody fights for, and it is the one that decides how the software is used on your job rather than to it.
Over the next 12 months
On this evidence I would not retrain out of this job, and I will say that plainly rather than hedge it. The task list here is dominated by work that stays with a person. What I would do with a year is get formally recognised for the layer around it (the systems, the compliance, the planning), so you are the one who understands the software instead of the one it is done to. Before you pay for anything, spend an hour with National Careers Service. It is free and government-funded, and it is listed below with the rest of the free routes.
The roads out of here, and why I am not sending you down them
I looked at the obvious moves out of this job, and here is what I found.
I checked the 12 nearest UK occupations to dental practitioners (nearest by the work that AI is not taking, not by job title), and none of them survived. The closest was dental nurses: only about 9% of its durable work is work you already do. And on the numbers you do not need one. This job scores 17/100 here, with only 11% of the task list in the top band, and “advise patients on preventive dental care” is not work that hands over cleanly. None of them beats deepening what you already have.
How that was checked: this job was compared against all 412 UK occupations in this release on their official task statements, and the 12 nearest were examined one by one. A move that turns on an industry, an employer or a qualification rather than on the work itself will not show up in a check like that. And this release carries no licence register, so anything you are weighing needs that looked up separately.
3 moves I checked and rejected
These are the obvious-looking jumps. They are here with their reasons rather than quietly dropped, because the ones that fail are worth knowing about. It is one less thing to turn over at night.
Dental nurses
Why it looked obvious: It came up as a near neighbour because one of your tasks is on their list in the same words: “perform dental radiographs (x-rays) to assess oral health”. Across the whole of both lists that adds up to about 9% of the work in that job the software is not taking.
Why I am not recommending it: Almost none of it is work you already do: about 9% of the durable side of that job. That is a different job, not a next step. This release publishes no median pay for that job, so I cannot show you what the move costs or pays. I do not recommend a move I cannot price.
Medical and dental technicians
Why it looked obvious: It came up as a near neighbour because one of your tasks is on their list in the same words: “make dental devices, such as dentures, crowns, bridges, inlays, or appliances for straightening teeth”. Across the whole of both lists that adds up to about 4% of the work in that job the software is not taking.
Why I am not recommending it: Almost none of it is work you already do: about 4% of the durable side of that job. That is a different job, not a next step. This release publishes no median pay for that job, so I cannot show you what the move costs or pays. I do not recommend a move I cannot price.
Health associate professionals n.e.c.
Why it looked obvious: It came up as a near neighbour on the work AI is not taking: you already maintain patients' dental records, and their equivalent is to maintain dental equipment. Across both published task lists that is about 3% of the durable work in that job.
Why I am not recommending it: Almost none of it is work you already do: about 3% of the durable side of that job. That is a different job, not a next step. This release publishes no median pay for that job, so I cannot show you what the move costs or pays. I do not recommend a move I cannot price.
What I’d stop worrying about
A friend tells you what not to spend fear on. This is that list.
The headline number you read somewhere
The big “X% of jobs” figures are about the whole economy, not about you. The number that describes your job is on this page: 11% of its task weight, across 63 scored tasks. Every row behind it is printed above with the source. Check ours; ignore theirs.
The headlines about your trade disappearing
They are usually about the technology, not the timetable. Changes to work like applying dental appliances as per treatment plans arrive through rules, insurance and money, slowly and visibly. This page tracks the task evidence and will move when it moves.
Retraining out of a job that is holding up
On this evidence I would not spend money leaving. Spend it on the layer around the job instead: the tools, the paperwork, the planning. That is where the change actually is.
The “obvious” next job everyone suggests
I checked the obvious moves and most of them did not survive. The reasons are printed with the routes above, including the pay and the gate. A move that fails on the numbers is worth knowing about so you can stop turning it over at night.
You are reading the United Kingdom figures
The United States splits this work across more than one official group, of which Dentists, General is the closest. The pay and employment figures are not directly comparable, and we do not average them together.
Switch to the United States page →partial match
The other groups this work is counted across:
In US official statistics this job is counted as Dentists, General, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, Orthodontists, Prosthodontists and Dentists, All Other Specialists. Pay is shown separately for each of those groups (medians cannot be averaged together), while the task list and the scores on this page are for this group only.
Your route through this
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No Space for this job, but one for what is happening to it
Nothing Collab365 runs is built for dental practitioners, and we are not going to point you at the nearest one and call it a fit.
There is one that is not about a job title at all. The AI Authority is about being the person who directs these tools at work rather than the person they get compared to. That is worth saying here, because 11% of the work on this page is already inside what they can do.
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The AI Authority is a general community about working with AI, not a course for dental practitioners. You do not need it to act on anything here: the moves above cost nothing and stand on their own. The data on this page is the same either way.
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Questions people ask about this job
- Will AI replace Dental practitioners?
- Not as a job, but it is already doing parts of the work. Across the 63 official task statements scored for Dental practitioners (United Kingdom, SOC 2253), 11% of the importance-weighted core work is made of tasks today's AI could already do most of. The overall exposure score is 17 out of 100 (range 14–22, band: minimal). That is a statement about tasks, not about headcount: this measures what AI could do, not whether any employer adopts it, whether the law allows it, or whether doing the routine parts faster creates more demand for the human parts. Figures are from release 2026-q4.1.
- Which tasks in “Dental practitioners” can AI already do?
- The highest-scoring tasks in release 2026-q4.1 are: “Handle paperwork and insurance claims for business operations” (81/100, very high); “Estimate costs for orthodontic work procedures” (79/100, high); “Evaluate dental needs to identify trends in disease patterns” (75/100, high). Each score comes from five published 0–4 ratings turned into a number by a published formula, and each carries the model's one-sentence reason on the page.
- Which tasks in “Dental practitioners” stay human?
- About 85% of this job's task weight sits in work that scores low for AI exposure. The lowest-scoring tasks in release 2026-q4.1 are: “Clean teeth to restore natural colour and treat periodontal disease” (0/100, minimal); “Work safely and independently in a patient's mouth following the orthodontist's prescription” (0/100, minimal); “Make a patient's orthodontic appliance safe in the absence of the orthodontist” (0/100, minimal). Low scores usually mean the task needs a body in a room, a legally accountable human, or trust built in real time. Those are the three things the scoring rubric treats as gates rather than obstacles.
- What should someone working in “Dental practitioners” do about AI?
- Start from the ledger rather than the headline: 11% of this job's weighted core work is exposed, and roughly 85% is not. The practical move is to spend more of your week on the tasks that score low, the ones above, and to get fluent at directing AI through the tasks that score high, because those are the parts that change whether or not you are ready for them. This page does not predict your job, and nothing here is career advice tailored to you: the score describes the occupation, not the person.
- How is the AI exposure score for Dental practitioners calculated?
- Each official task statement for the occupation is rated on five published 0–4 dimensions (output replicability, physical embodiment, licensed accountability, real-time human trust, and data availability) by claude-opus-5 using scoring prompt task_scoring_v1.0. The model never writes the score; a published formula turns the five ratings into a 0–100 number, so every score can be recomputed by hand. The occupation figure is the importance-weighted mean across 63 scored tasks. The prompt, the rubric, the formula and the full dataset are published at https://futureproof.collab365.com/method and https://futureproof.collab365.com/data/2026-q4.1 under CC BY 4.0.
Where these numbers come from
About the data on this page
- The ONS doesn't publish a reliable pay figure for this exact job (too few people in its survey sample), so none is shown here.
- This headcount comes from a survey, not a census, so treat it as a good estimate rather than an exact count.
- The match between this job and its counterpart in the other country is partial, so the two pages count slightly different groups of people.
- 3 of this occupation's scored task statements carry a score that was measured under a different occupation's context, because the statement is shared between jobs and has only been scored once so far. Each one names the occupation it was measured under in the free routes below; none is presented as a measurement for this job.
- ASHE suppresses or does not publish a median for this unit group. We leave it empty rather than interpolating one from sibling groups, which would be a fabricated number.
- Task clusters are not derived in this release, so the task-cluster field is empty and no Collab365 Space routing is attached to this occupation yet.
- Task statements
- gaisi-indexProcessing: catalogue-bridge → ssc-relatedness-weighting → task-scoring → score-aggregation
- Task weights
- gaisi-index (relatedness)
- Scores
- Rubric task_scoring_v1.0, model claude-opus-5, computed 2026-08-05.
- Pay and employment
- no pay figure published for this groupnomis-aps (Apr 2025-Mar 2026 (latest APS 12-month period))
Figures on this page come from release 2026-q4.1, published 2026-08-05. Every release keeps its own permanent address, so a figure you cite in March is still there, unchanged, in November.
The plain-English wording on this page is assembled directly from the task statements and the published ratings, not written by hand for this occupation. That is why it is specific, and it is also why we say so.
The routes and free resources further up are today’s, not the release’s (last reviewed 2026-08-05). A route is an offer, not a historical fact, so it moves on its own clock.
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Cite this
Everything on this site is published under CC BY 4.0. Quote it, chart it, sell something built on it. Just say where it came from, and cite the dated release rather than the site, so the figure you quote stays checkable.
Plain text
Collab365 (2026). Collab365 Futureproof: task-level AI exposure for US and UK occupations, release 2026-q4.1 (methodVersion 2.0.0, promptVersion task_scoring_v1.0). https://futureproof.collab365.com/data/2026-q4.1. Licensed CC BY 4.0. Built with O*NET data (USDOL/ETA, CC BY 4.0); ONS data (Open Government Licence v3.0); GAISI task framework (arXiv:2507.22748, MIT); BLS data (public domain).
BibTeX
@misc{collab365futureproof2026q41,
title = {Collab365 Futureproof: task-level AI exposure for US and UK occupations, release 2026-q4.1},
author = {{Collab365}},
year = {2026},
url = {https://futureproof.collab365.com/data/2026-q4.1},
note = {Release 2026-q4.1, methodVersion 2.0.0, promptVersion task_scoring_v1.0, CC BY 4.0}
}Data as of release 2026-q4.1, published . Releases never change after publication; when the figures move, a new dated release is published beside this one and this one stays exactly where it is.