Dentists are medical healthcare professionals who work with patients to treat dental and oral disease and injuries and to prevent dental health problems.
What does a dentist do? Salaries | Typical employers | Qualifications and training | Skills
As a dentist, you will examine patients’ dental and oral hygiene, offer advice and carry out dental and surgical procedures.
Typical duties include:
- carrying out examinations in a surgery or hospital, or in community locations such as nursing homes
- operating technical equipment such as X-ray machines
- working with other medical professionals such as health visitors and dental nurses
- keeping accurate records of patients’ dental structure (which may need to be used to identify individuals)
- keeping up to date with developments in dentistry
- working with a medical nurse and a medical receptionist
- continuing training and specialising
- leading and supporting a dental team
- providing more complex treatment in a hospital setting to patients who have suffered disease or facial injuries
You may be required to work some overtime and weekend slots, but hours tend to be a lot more regular than those of medical doctors.
Graduate salaries
Newly qualified dentists in the NHS start by completing dental foundation training (vocational training in Scotland) on an annual salary of £36,288, according to the NHS website. Salaries at this stage are set by the Department of Health so aren’t open to individual negotiation.
Earnings will increase as you progress and will depend on whether you choose to work in an NHS or private practice, a community setting or a hospital.
Typical employers of dentists
- High street dental practices. (Most dentists in these settings are self-employed contractors and mix NHS and private work.)
- Community dental clinics, which can include providing dental care in patients’ homes and other locations when patients cannot access high-street dental care (eg children with special needs or elderly people).
- Hospitals.
- Private health organisations.
- The armed forces.
- Public health organisations.
Foundation dentist applications are coordinated by Health Education England and NHS Education for Scotland, and advertised on a national portal.
Qualifications and training required
To work as a dentist, you will need to have a degree in dentistry approved by the General Dental Council. This is typically a five-year course with high entry requirements – often three As at A level or equivalent (although this may be lower at some institutions), including chemistry and biology.
Some dental schools offer one-year pre-dental courses to broaden access to other students. There are a few accelerated four-year courses available for candidates who already have at least a 2.1 in a relevant undergraduate degree (in biology or chemistry, for example).
You may need to take a test such as the UK clinical aptitude test (UKCAT) or BioMedical Admissions Test (BMAT) for your course.
Key skills for dentists
- A thorough and methodical approach.
- Manual dexterity.
- Teamwork skills.
- Strong and clear communication skills, with the ability to adapt your communication to suit different patients.
- Organisational skills.
- Business skills.
FAQs
Dentists remove tooth decay, fill cavities, and repair fractured teeth. Dentists diagnose and treat problems with patients' teeth, gums, and related parts of the mouth. They provide advice and instruction on taking care of the teeth and gums and on diet choices that affect oral health.
What is the job description of being a dentist? ›
A Dentist is a licensed professional who examines, diagnoses, treats, and advises patients on dental issues. They clean teeth, fill cavities, perform extractions and surgeries, and promote oral health.
What does the dentist do? ›
What does a Dentist do? Evaluates the overall health of their patients while advising them about oral health and disease prevention. Performs clinical procedures, such as exams, fillings, crowns, implants, extractions and corrective surgeries. Identifies, diagnoses and treats oral conditions.
What is a dentist's explanation for kids? ›
The dentist is a doctor who is specially trained to care for teeth. When you visit for a checkup, your dentist will look at your teeth and gums to check for any problems. The dentist also wants to make sure your teeth are developing properly as you grow.
What is the role of a dental nurse? ›
The role of a dental nurse is to work alongside and assist dentists, therapists and hygienists in the care of patients. It is a varied job and can include everything from supporting with routine examinations to advanced specialist treatments.
What does a dentist do in daily life? ›
Dentists dedicate a significant portion of their day to perform thorough cleanings, remove plaque and tartar, and examine patients' oral health. They also educate patients on proper oral hygiene practices and provide personalized recommendations for maintaining optimal oral health.
What are the strengths of a dentist? ›
You must be competent, reliable, honest, accountable for your actions and be able to remain cool and calm under pressure. Being a skilled negotiator is critical in most professions and dentistry is no different.
What are the professional behavior of a dentist? ›
Some “Dos” and “Don'ts” of professionalism in dentistry
Be truthful, courteous and respectful towards patients at all times. Listen to patients and be empathetic. Get to know the needs, desires and priorities of your patients. Maintain clinical competency.
Is being a dentist hard? ›
Becoming a dentist is undoubtedly a challenging journey, filled with academic rigor, intense training, and a commitment to lifelong learning. However, with determination, resilience, and a passion for improving oral health, these challenges can be overcome.
What do most dentists major in? ›
The majority of dental students, however, still majored in biology and chemistry. Dental schools look for students who demonstrate a strong ability to handle a rigorous course load, which will hopefully translate to their success with the academic curriculum of dental school.
The most important qualities a good family dentist should have are being knowledgeable, being an expert in their field, and being trustworthy.
What are the 4 pillars dentistry? ›
Beneficence (doing good) Non-maleficence (to do no harm) Autonomy (giving the patient the freedom to choose freely, where they are able) Justice (ensuring fairness)
What do dentists fill with? ›
Teeth can be filled with gold; porcelain; silver amalgam (which consists of mercury mixed with silver, tin, zinc, and copper); or tooth-colored, plastic, and materials called composite resin fillings. There is also a material that contains glass particles and is known as glass ionomer.
What is the job description of an orthodontist? ›
Examines patients and treats common orthodontic problems. Interprets x-rays, impressions, and additional diagnostic tests. Discusses diagnoses, treatment options, and costs with patients. Treats patients using braces, retainers, and other orthodontic appliances.
What is it called when you work at a dentist? ›
Dental assistants work in dental offices under the supervision of dentists. They have excellent interpersonal, organizational and listening skills. Dental assistants perform a variety of patient care and administrative duties.
What is the job description of an engineer? ›
Responsibilities by Level
Implements tools or systems for managing infrastructure or projects. Ensures technical aspects of work are performed in accordance with applicable regulations or project plans. Provides advice on project planning and design process. Investigates problems in construction or renovation projects.
In what situations do dentists have ethical responsibilities? ›
Under this principle, the dentist's primary obligations include involving patients in treatment decisions in a meaningful way, with due consideration being given to the patient's needs, desires and abilities, and safeguarding the patient's privacy.
