FOI ref: FOI-2024-2045

You asked

I request information on how many orthodontists are currently registered to practice in the UK. I wish to know how many of them are practice owners and how many are consultants.

We said

Thank you for your request.

We produce statistics on the numbers of people in different occupations from the Annual Population Survey (APS), a household survey based on interviews with people resident in households in the UK.  

Occupation information is coded at 4 digit level, based on the Standard Occupational Classification 2020 (SOC20). Under this classification, orthodontists would be included in the classification group 2253 - Dental practitioners. The classification does not give a more detailed breakdown. Based on the APS there were an estimated 33,300 dental practitioners in the UK for the survey period January to December 2023.

You may be able to find more specific information relating to your query from the General Dental Council (GDC) who hold more detailed dental registration information.