Dentist

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through a university course.

University

You'll need to complete a 5-year degree in dentistry approved by the General Dental Council , followed by 1 to 2 years of postgraduate dental training.

You might be able to do a 4-year degree course if you already have a degree in a relevant subject, for example biomedical sciences.

When you apply for a dentistry course, you could be asked to take the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) or BioMedical Admissions Test (BMAT). They test the skills you'll need on the course, like critical thinking, problem solving, data analysis, communication and scientific knowledge.

You might be able to apply for a 4-year dental degree course if you've already got at least an upper second class degree (2:

• 1) in biology, chemistry or a biomedical subject.

There's a lot of competition for places at dental schools.

Entry requirements:

• 3 A levels, or equivalent, including biology and chemistry

Entry requirements:

Entry requirements:

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Skills:

• knowledge of medicine and dentistry
• customer service skills
• physical skills like movement, coordination and dexterity
• thinking and reasoning skills
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• excellent verbal communication skills
• the ability to work well with your hands
• the ability to read English
• sensitivity and understanding
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• the ability to learn through your work
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• the ability to use your judgement and make decisions
• leadership skills
• complex problem-solving skills
• knowledge of English language
• concentration skills
• knowledge of psychology
• knowledge of biology

What you'll do:

Dentists promote good oral hygiene, diagnose and treat teeth and mouth problems and help prevent dental disease

You will:

• lead a dental team to diagnose and treat dental problems
• see patients for routine check ups
• perform treatments like fillings, extractions and fitting dentures and bridges
• whiten teeth
• take X-rays and give local anaesthetics
• refer patients to a dental hygienist or dental therapist

Location : You could work at a dental practice, at a health centre or in an NHS or private hospital.
Uniform : You may need to wear a uniform and protective clothing.

Salary:

Starter : £34,728
Experienced : £96,154

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

35 - 40 hours a week

Working Pattern is as a contractor / self-employed managing your own hours

Career Path:

As a dentist in general practice you could go on to become a partner in the practice or set up your own practice.

In hospital dental services, you can follow the same career structure and training pathway as a hospital doctor. For example, you could also specialise in implant or paediatric dentistry.

You could serve as a dentist in the armed forces. You can find more information on dentistry in the military from the:

• British Army
• Royal Air Force
• Royal Navy

As a consultant, you'll often find work opportunities in the private sector.

With experience, you could lead a team, or manage a unit or department.

You could also progress to teaching and training student dentists and other healthcare professionals.