Dentist

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
General Dental Council: www.gdc-uk.org
NHS Careers: www.nhscareers.nhs.uk

CRCI: JC