How to become a reconstructive scientist

What is a reconstructive scientist

Reconstructive scientists are also known as maxillofacial prosthetists. They are registered clinical scientists who specialise in prosthetic reconstruction with patients who need corrective treatment for:

• congenital abnormalities
• deformities following cancer treatment
• burns and other traumatic injuries

They design, construct, and fit bespoke medical devices, including:

• realistic silicone or acrylic prostheses
• therapeutic splints
• titanium skull and jaw plates

Once the prostheses or surgical implant has been fitted, it is monitored over time to make sure it continues to meet the patient’s needs.

Starting your career as a reconstructive scientist

Choosing subjects at school

School subjects that could lead to a career as a reconstructive scientist include:

• English
• Maths
• Biology
• Physics
• Design and Technology
• Art
• Engineering

Speak to your guidance teacher or careers adviser about subjects offered at your school.

Education and training pathway

There are different education and training pathways to becoming a reconstructive scientist. 

NHS Scientist Training Programme (STP)

The STP is one route to becoming a reconstructive scientist in the NHS.

As a trainee, you’ll complete a 3-year programme of work-based learning supported by a university-accredited master’s degree at SCQF level 11. It is part-funded by the National School of Healthcare Science.

To apply for the STP, you’ll need an undergraduate honours degree in Dental Technology at SCQF level 10 accredited by the General Dental Council (GDC). You’ll also need experience as a GDC-registered dental technician.

You can also apply with a master’s in Dental Technology or a relevant postgraduate science degree and a dental technology qualification accredited by the GDC.

Find out more about clinical scientist training on the NHS Education for Scotland Healthcare Science website.

Health and Care Professions Council

Once you complete your training, you’ll register with the HCPC as a clinical scientist.

Clinical scientists are one of 15 health and care professions in the UK regulated by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

Find out more about the HCPC.

Get to know the role

As a reconstructive scientist, you’ll work to design, construct, and apply medical devices for patients who need constructive treatment. These devices include:

• realistic silicone or acrylic prostheses
• therapeutic splints
• titanium plates for the skull and jaws

You could work on any area of the body, but it will often be the face, jaw, and skull.

Learning and development

As a reconstructive scientist, you’re expected to undertake continuous professional development (CPD) activities to:

• keep your knowledge and skills up to date
• maintain your registration with the HCPC

Clinical scientists must meet the HCPC’s standards for CPD. Learn more about the HCPC’s guidance on CPD activities.

Career progression

Healthcare Scientists are often at the forefront of advances in science and technology. As a reconstructive scientist, you could be involved in researching new treatment techniques or developing innovations in prosthetic technology.

With further training and experience, you could develop your career and move into management or teaching roles.

Professional bodies

To work as a reconstructive scientist in NHSScotland, you’ll need to have completed the necessary training and register with the following organisations:

• General Dental Council (GDC)
• Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)

Once qualified as a reconstructive scientist, you can join the following professional organisations:

• Institute of Maxillofacial Prosthetists and Technologists (IMPT)
• Academy for Healthcare Science (AHCS)