UK AI Job-Risk Index · SOC 2010 3218
Ranks #182 of 293 for AI exposure (1 = most exposed)
How exposed to AI are medical and dental technicians?
42/100
AI exposure score (percentile across all 365 occupations DfE scored)
Medium#182
of 293 UK occupations (1 = most exposed)
£27,515
median full-time pay (ONS ASHE 2020) · 24,000 employee jobs
Medical and dental technicians sits in the medium exposure band: its abilities overlap with current AI applications more than about 42% of the 365 UK occupations the Department for Education scored. Lower exposure usually means more of the work depends on physical, practical or in-person abilities that current AI applications do not cover well. It does not mean the job will be untouched by technology.
Underlying scores: AIOE (all AI) -0.30, LLM exposure -0.30 (standardised; 0 is the average occupation). Skill level: Level 3. Pay and job counts are 2020 figures, so use them to compare occupations rather than as current salaries.
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Job titles in this occupation
Titles the ONS SOC 2010 coding index places in unit group 3218 (30 of 46 shown). If your job title is here, this page uses the right figures for you.
ocularist · limb fitter · trichologist · cardiographer · dental fitter · denture maker · audiometrician · ecg technician · eeg technician · equine dentist · oral hygienist · dental ceramist · dental engineer · dental mechanic · dental hygienist · dental therapist · equine orthotist · medical engineer · appliance officer · dental technician · hearing therapist · trauma technician · cardiac technician · dentist's mechanic · instrument curator · medical technician · clinical technician · dental radiographer · dental technologist · orthotic technician
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Lower-risk related jobs
Occupations in the same SOC 2010 major group (Associate professional and technical occupations) with a lower AI exposure score, highest-paid first. Pay difference is against £27,515 (ONS ASHE 2020 median, full-time). Switching usually needs retraining; this is a starting point, not advice.
| Occupation | Exposure | Median pay | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Police officers (sergeant and below) | 30/100 | £41,641 | +£14,126 |
| Fire service officers (watch manager and below) | 22/100 | £35,885 | +£8,370 |
| Prison service officers (below principal officer) | 25/100 | £31,093 | +£3,578 |
| Police community support officers | 25/100 | £26,783 | −£732 |
| Conservation and environmental associate professionals | 39/100 | £22,005 | −£5,510 |
Occupations with similar exposure
- Paramedics (43/100)
- Energy plant operatives (43/100)
- Physiotherapists (42/100)
- Senior police officers (42/100)
FAQ: Medical and dental technicians and AI
Will AI replace medical and dental technicians?
The index does not predict job losses. Medical and dental technicians has an AI exposure score of 42/100 (medium band), ranking #182 of 293 UK occupations, where 1 is the most exposed. Lower exposure means more of the work relies on abilities current AI applications cover less well.
How does this compare with similar jobs?
Medical and dental technicians is one of 9 occupations in its SOC 2010 sub-major group in the index; 8 of the others are more exposed to AI.
How much do medical and dental technicians earn?
Median gross annual pay for full-time employees was £27,515 in ONS ASHE 2020 (Table 14), across about 24,000 employee jobs. These are 2020 figures, so use them to compare jobs rather than as current salaries.
Which related jobs are less exposed to AI?
In the same major group, lower-exposure occupations include Police officers (sergeant and below) (30/100, £41,641), Fire service officers (watch manager and below) (22/100, £35,885), Prison service officers (below principal officer) (25/100, £31,093).
Where does this data come from?
AI exposure uses Department for Education (2023) AI Occupational Exposure (AIOE) scores; pay and job counts come from ONS ASHE 2020. Job titles come from the ONS SOC 2010 coding index.
Source: Department for Education (2023), The impact of AI on UK jobs and training (AIOE scores); ONS ASHE 2020 Table 14; job titles from the ONS SOC 2010 coding index (v7). Exposure is not a prediction of job loss. Methodology · Embed this data
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