All about becoming a dentist in the UK
The focus of dental care is prevention - educating the public on how to look after their mouths and teeth. However, when problems do occur, team members can use a variety of sophisticated techniques to treat the patient's problems. The members of the dental team can pursue their careers in a variety of areas - the family dental practice, the community dental service, dental hospitals, universities, industry or the armed forces. Under Careers options, we explain these pathways.
ABOUT THE JOB
A dentist has the opportunity to pursue several careers offering intellectual and practical challenge, service to society and a respected place in the community. Essential qualities are a liking for people and an interest in their welfare, as well as good eyesight and manual dexterity.
Oral and dental health is a very important part of general health. The ability to smile, eat and talk without pain, discomfort or embarrassment contributes greatly to a sense of well being. Dentists are health care professionals who are experts in the diagnosis and treatment of a range of problems that affect the mouth and teeth.
This demands diagnostic, clinical and social skills. Some dentists will become teachers or lecturers in dental schools, others will be employed in hospitals or community clinics, but most will become general dental practitioners. Often, they will be managing a team of people encompassing dental nurses, hygienists, receptionists and others, so good administrative and managerial abilities are needed.
After qualification there are a variety of areas in which you can choose to practise :
-- Family practice;
-- Hospital dentistry;
-- Community dentistry;
-- Armed forces dentistry;
-- Corporate bodies;
-- Dentistry in industry;
-- University teaching and research.
QUALIFICATION
There are thirteen dental schools in the UK, each located in a major city. Dental courses usually last five years and lead to a bachelor's degree (either BDS or BChD).
The courses include a sound academic education combined with theoretical and practical training in all aspects of dental practice. Subjects studied include anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pathology, behavioural sciences and dental materials science, as well as clinical skills in all dental disciplines. The academic requirements for entrance to dental school are high. They vary according to the school and so should be checked individually.
Some dental schools offer a "pre-dental" year for suitable candidates lacking the relevant science subjects.
Once qualified, dentists continue to update and further their knowledge, through a wide range of short courses. There is also the possibility of studying for further postgraduate qualifications, sometimes on a part-time basis.
REGISTRATION
On qualifying and before being able to practise, dentists must register with the General Dental Council, the profession's governing body. Dentists must follow ethical guidelines in their dealings with patients and failure to do so may call their continued registration into question.
For more information go to this page of the British Dental Association and look at the linked list on the left of the page.
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