Becoming a Dentist

The work

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 dental practitioners in the community taking private and NHS patients.

General practice dentists' work involves providing patients with a range of services including:

• dental treatments such as fillings, extractions, fitting dentures and bridges
• taking X-rays and administering local anaesthetic
• keeping dental records for each patient
• in larger practices, instructing a dental hygienist or dental therapist to perform certain treatments.

Some dentists specialise in a particular type of treatment. Dentists who own a practice are also responsible for the day-to-day running of the business, and managing and leading a team. 

Dentists can also work in the following:

Community Dental Service - this involves caring for people with special needs, specifically young children, but also those with physical or mental disabilities, and the elderly.

Hospitals - in this area dentists will carry out specialised dental work, for example, restorative dentistry, orthodontics, and oral surgery. Patients may have complex facial injuries, and they are usually referred by general dental practitioners or doctors. 

Universities - this includes teaching and researching dentistry; some dentists become senior lecturers or professors.

Corporate practice - this involves working for a large business providing general dental services to company employees.

Armed Forces - dentists in this field will be expected to perform operations in both war and peace times.

Dentists use a range of dental and surgical techniques and instruments. 

Hours and Environment

Hours worked by dentists vary according to where they work. Part-time work is often possible.

Dentists working in general practice will usually work between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday. Some practices run evening or weekend surgeries to accommodate patients' needs. They may also work an out of hours rota system. Dentists working in hospitals may work slightly longer and more irregular hours including nights, weekends and on-call duties. Working in the Community Dental Service, in universities, and the corporate sector more regular hours are likely.

Dental surgeries are usually clean, sterile and well lit. Dentists working for the Community Dental Service may need a driving licence for visiting patients. Hospital dentists will carry out some procedures in an operating theatre.

Dentists wear a tunic, surgical gloves and safety glasses for protection and to reduce the risk of cross infection. 

Skills and Interests

To be a dentist you should:

• be genuinely interested in the welfare of your patients
• have a high level of manual dexterity and good eyesight
• be able to concentrate for long periods of time
• have a real interest and ability in science
• have excellent communication skills to explain treatments and oral hygiene to patients 
• be friendly and sympathetic, able to put anxious patients at ease
• have a professional and confident manner to gain the trust of your patients
• be able to relate well to a wide range of people
• have good leadership skills to motivate your staff to work well as a team
• have the business and management skills to run a dental practice.

Entry

To become a dentist you will need a degree from one of the thirteen UK university dental schools; the British Dental Association hold details, see Further Information. A degree in dentistry usually takes five years of full-time study, and results in a bachelor's degree (BDS or BChD). On graduation, and before being able to practise, you must register with General Dental Council.

To gain entry onto a degree course you are likely to need three A levels at grades ranging from AAA to ABB, usually including chemistry or another science, plus maths, and supporting GCSEs. In Scotland, applicants need five H grades with typical grades of AAAAB, normally including chemistry.

If you do not have qualifications in science, some dental schools run a one year pre-dental course designed to prepare you for an approved dentistry degree. 

Please check with colleges or universities for exact entry requirements.

Approved dentistry degree courses cover all the theoretical and practical aspects of dental practise including clinical training and experience. On the course 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 related structures of the head and neck. 

Training

When you have graduated from dental school you will begin a period of vocational training (VT), working under supervision in an approved dental practice. 

When you have completed the VT stage, the next step in many cases is to join an established practice as an associate. This involves working as a self-employed dentist in a practice owned by another dental professional. With experience, you may go on to become a partner in an established practice, or set up on your own.

As a qualified dentist, you can specialise further by doing a  postgraduate training course in a specialised area of dentistry. As a dentist you are encouraged to continue maintaining and developing your skills and knowledge throughout your career; check the General Dental Council website for details.

Dentists from overseas
NHS reforms intend to speed up the registration process for dentists from overseas. Non-EU dentists will take the General Dental Council’s International Qualifying Exam (IQE) which tests the knowledge and skill of dentists whose primary qualifications are not recognised for full registration. Check with the British Dental Association or General Dental Council for details; see Further Information.

Opportunities

The majority of dentists work in general practice and are mainly self-employed. Around 10% of dentists work in the Hospital Dental Service and 6% in the Community Dental Service. It is possible to move from one branch of dentistry to another.

Corporate bodies such as Boots now offer dental services. These, together with Personal Dental Services (commissioned locally by the NHS) and the proposed Dental Access Centres, may increase the number of employed dentists in general practice.

NHS reforms will see a range of incentives aimed at attracting dentists on career breaks back into the profession, including an estimated £4000 ‘welcome back’ grant, refresher training and flexible working options.

Annual Income

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

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/private work, and the running costs of the business. 

A trainee dentist during the vocational training year can earn around £28,000.
Qualified and experienced dentists doing NHS work can earn around £80,000.
Senior dentists in the community dental service can earn up to £71,000.
Consultant (hospital) dentists can earn around £96,000.

Further information