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Tell me about it
Dentists diagnose and treat disease and injuries that affect the
mouth, teeth and gums. They also advise patients on how to care
for their teeth and mouths to prevent problems arising.
Most dentists work as general dental practitioners (GDPs), treating
patients privately or under the National Health Service. They normally
check the patient's mouth, teeth and gums for signs of problems
before giving treatment. This might include taking x-rays, administering
local anaesthetic, drilling decayed teeth and filling cavities,
performing root fillings and extractions, and fitting crowns, bridges
and dentures to replace teeth or parts of teeth. In some practices,
dentists also scale and polish teeth or coat them to help prevent
decay; in other practices, a dental hygienist may carry out this
work. GDPs employ dental nurses to help them in the surgery, and
may also work with other dentists, dental hygienists and receptionists.
In the Community Dental Service, dentists treat patients who cannot
attend a GDP, such as young children who need special help, and
elderly and housebound people. They may also be involved in dental
health screening in schools.
Hospital dentists deal with complex medical conditions, abnormalities
and facial injuries, carrying out highly specialised treatment on
patients referred by a GDP or doctor.
Entry level
You must have a recognised qualification before you can practise
as a dentist. In the UK, this usually means a BDS or BChD degree
in dentistry from one of the 13 dental schools. Entry to these courses
is extremely competitive and you would normally need three science
A levels/Advanced Highers or five H grades, all at very high grades
and including chemistry. Alternatively, if you don't have the right
grades or subjects, you can apply to some dental schools for a pre-dental
year before starting your degree. You would also normally need GCSE/S
grade (A-C/1-3) English, and many dental schools ask for physics,
maths and biology at this level.
Making the grade
Your dental degree would last five years, combining academic education
with theoretical and practical training in all aspects of dental
practice. The subjects studied include anatomy, physiology, biochemistry,
pathology, behavioural sciences and dental materials science, in
addition to clinical skills.
Once qualified, you must register with the General Dental Council
and undertake one year's supervised vocational training in an approved
dental practice. If you want to work as a hospital dentist, you
must then continue for several years with further training in a
hospital setting.
Whatever your specialism, you would be required to update and further
your knowledge through short courses and/or studying for further
postgraduate qualifications.
Personal qualities
To succeed as a dentist, you should have a calm, reassuring manner,
very good communication skills and the ability to relate to people
from a wide range of backgrounds. Good eyesight and manual dexterity
are essential, together with the ability to concentrate for long
periods of time and to describe complex procedures to patients.
You must be good at science and interested in promoting good healthcare.
Looking ahead
There are approximately 31,000 registered dentists in the UK, with
some 22,000 working as GDPs, almost 3,000 in the Hospital Dental
Service and 1,800 in the Community Dental Service. Other dentists
work in industry or the armed forces.
Overall career opportunities are excellent, with very little unemployment
and sufficient flexibility to allow movement between the different
areas of dentistry.
You can develop your career as a GDP by buying a partnership or
dental practice, or even setting up a new practice. As a hospital
dentist, you would follow a defined career structure, needing appropriate
postgraduate qualifications for promotion. There is also a formal
career structure for dentists in the Community Dental Service, while
dentists in the armed forces are commissioned officers and follow
a very structured career path. You may be able to work abroad or
take up voluntary work overseas.
Alternative suggestions
Other options within the sphere of oral care include dental
hygienist, dental nurse, dental
technician and dental therapist. In the broader healthcare field,
you might consider training as a doctor.
Take-home pay
You could expect to earn around £25,000 during your vocational
training year. Beyond that, your income as a dentist would depend
very much on the branch of dentistry you choose. Full-time GDPs
typically earn £77,000 to £83,000 a year but this must
take account of the amount of work they do, their overheads, and
whether take on NHS or private work. Senior house officers in hospital
dentistry earn around £40,000.
Effects
GDPs can choose the hours they work. However, many offer some evening
and Saturday morning surgeries, as well as normal Monday to Friday
opening hours. Many dentists are 'on call' for emergency treatment.
Hospital dentists have less flexible hours. They usually spend some
time 'on call', which can result in long working sessions. Dentists
in the Community Dental Service, universities and industry work
more regular hours. Part-time work is also possible.
The work can be physically very tiring as it involves a great deal
of standing and bending of the spine.
Sources of information
British Dental Association: www.bda-dentistry.org.uk
Dental Education Resources on the Web: www.derweb.co.uk/career/career.html
General Dental Council: www.gdc-uk.org
NHS Careers: www.nhscareers.nhs.uk
CRCI: JC
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