Dentist
What is the work like?
Dentists work with the public to promote oral health, prevent dental disease and treat problems affecting the mouth and teeth. Many dentists work as general practice dentists in the community, taking private and NHS patients.
As a general practice dentist, your work could involve providing patients with a range of services including:
- dental treatments, such as teeth whitening, fillings, extractions, fitting dentures and bridges
- taking X-rays and administering local anaesthetic
- referring patients to a dental hygienist or dental therapist for certain treatments.
You would also keep dental records for each patient and, if you were running your own practice, you would be responsible for the day-to-day management of the business and dental team.
You could also work in:
- the Community Dental Service – providing treatment to people with special needs, young children and the elderly
- hospitals – carrying out specialised dental work, such as restorative dentistry, orthodontics and oral surgery.
- universities – teaching and researching dentistry
- corporate practice – working for a large business providing general dental services to company employees
- the armed forces – providing dental treatment and operations for soldiers in both war and peace times.
In all areas of dentistry you would use a range of dental and surgical techniques and instruments.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
You will need a degree in dentistry, which takes around five years to complete and leads to a degree (BDS or BChD). When you graduate, you also need to register with General Dental Council (GDC) before you can practice. The British Dental Association has details of approved courses.
To get onto a degree you will usually need three A levels at grades ranging from AAA to ABB, including chemistry (or another science) and maths. You will also need at least five GCSEs (A-C) including English, maths and science subjects. Check with dental schools for exact details because alternative qualifications may also be accepted, and some schools offer a one year pre-dental course to those without science A levels.
When you apply for a degree in dentistry, you may also be asked to take the UK Clinical Aptitude Test (UKCAT). Universities use this test to help them select students with the personal qualities and mental abilities needed for a career in medicine. Your university will tell you if you need to take the test.
During the dentistry degree you will study areas ranging from psychology and sociology to medicine and microbiology. You will specifically examine the structure and function of oral and dental tissues and gain practical experience through clinical training and work placements.
You may need a driving licence to work in the Community Dental Service, because this involves visiting patients in a variety of clinics.
What further training and development can I do?
When you have graduated from dental school you will begin a period of work-based vocational training (VT), working under supervision in an approved dental practice. After this, the next step many trainee dentists take is to join an established dental practice as an associate, which involves working as a self-employed dentist in a practice owned by another dental professional.
With experience, you could go on to become a partner in the practice or set up on your own.
As a qualified dentist, you can specialise by doing further postgraduate training in a specific area of interest, for example orthodontics (straightening or moving teeth).
To keep your registration with the GDC, you need to complete around 250 hours of professional development (CPD) every five years. Check the GDC website for further details.
Dentists from overseas
New NHS reforms intend to speed up the registration process for non-EU dentists. If you qualified outside the EU, you will take the GDC Overseas Registration Examination (this replaces the International Qualifying Exam). Check with the British Dental Association or GDC for more information.
Where can I go for more information?
37 Wimpole StreetLondon
W1G 8DQ
Tel: 020 7887 3800
Bristol
BS99 3EY
Tel: 0845 606 0655
London
W1G 8YS
Tel: 020 7935 0875
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser at learndirect Careers Advice, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
Dentists in general practice are mostly self-employed. Their annual income varies depending on the amount and type of work they do, the combination of NHS and private work, and costs involved in running a business.
- Qualified and experienced dentists doing NHS work can earn between £60,000 and £115,000 a year.
- Senior dentists in the community may earn around £75,000.
- Consultant (hospital) dentists can earn between £70,000 and £160,000.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
Your hours of work could vary depending on the type of dentistry you practise and the sector you work in. Part-time hours are often possible.
In general practice, the Community Dental Service, a university or the corporate sector, you would usually work between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday. However, to meet the needs of patients you may cover occasional evening or weekend shifts and an out-of-hours rota. In a hospital, you could work slightly longer and more irregular hours, possibly including nights shifts.
Dental surgeries are usually clean, sterile and well lit. In a hospital you would carry out some procedures in an operating theatre. You would wear a tunic, surgical gloves and safety glasses for protection and to reduce the risk of cross infection.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- good hand-eye coordination
- the ability to concentrate for long periods of time
- an interest and ability in science
- excellent communication skills to explain treatments to patients
- empathy and a friendly and sympathetic approach
- the ability to put anxious patients at ease
- a professional and confident manner
- leadership skills
- business and management skills to run a dental practice.
What opportunities are there?
You will find most opportunities in general practice, as a self-employed dentist. But you could also work with the Hospital Dental Service or the Community Dental Service.
If you are looking to return to dentistry following a career break, there may be incentives and training packages available locally to encourage you to get back to practice. Check with your local dental school for details.
Jobs are advertised in publications such as the British Medical Journal and the British Dental Journal and on websites like NHS Jobs.
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