Dentist
Career outlook for dentist
UK Salary Ranges
Entry-level
£34,728
£34,728
Experienced
£96,154
£96,154
Currently employed in Scotland
2,100
Salary information is provided by the "National Careers Service". "Oxford Economics" supplies job forecasts and employment figures. Due to COVID-19 the jobs market is constantly changing. Some of the information may not reflect the current situation.
What's it like?
Dentists help people keep their teeth and gums healthy and strong. You’d check patients' mouths and treat any problems and explain how they can care for their teeth and gums.
You’d carry out delicate procedures using medical instruments. Patients might be anxious or upset about their treatment, being able to reassure and relax them is important.
Many dentists work as general dental practitioners (GDPs) in the community, looking after private and NHS patients. As a GDP you’d be self-employed and run your own practice. You’d mange the business and lead your team to provide a good dental service to your patients.
You'd carry out dental treatments such as:
- filling teeth
- extracting teeth
- fitting dentures and bridge
- whitening teeth
As part of treatments you’d also take X-rays and give local anaesthetics.
You’d refer patients to a dental hygienist or dental therapist for certain treatments. You’d also need to keep dental records for each patient.
Some dentists practices offer facial aesthetics work, also known as anti-wrinkle treatments. These are non surgical cosmetic treatments, for example Botox injections or lip fillers. You could assess and refer patients for these treatments, or carry them out yourself. You'd need to do further, accredited training to carry out these treatments.
There are other places you could work, such as:
- for a community dental service, treating people with special needs, young children and the elderly
- in a hospital doing specialised dental work such as restorative dentistry, orthodontics and oral surgery
- in corporate practice providing general dental services for the employees of a large business
- for the armed forces treating services personnel, including in combat zones
In all these areas, you'd use a range of dental and surgical techniques and instruments. In a hospital you would carry out some procedures in an operating theatre.
You could also work in dental public health. This is a relatively new and expanding field. You'd assess the dental health needs of the regional population rather than treat individuals. You'd then make sure that dental services meet those needs. You'd work with other dentists, NHS professionals, government departments and related agencies.
You can learn more about an NHS career as a dentist on their website.
Working conditions
Hours
Environment
UK employment status
Full-time
32%
Part-time
9%
Self employed
59%
Create a qualification route
We've found some examples of the qualifications that could help you get this job.
Discover my routeSearch course options
Thinking about your future? There are lots of courses available that could interest you. Use our course search to explore course options.
Find coursesSearch job opportunities
If you're looking for your new career our job search can help you. Discover interesting opportunities and decide your next steps.
Find a jobTop skills
Here are some of the skills needed for this job. Sign in to see how your skills match up.
- Listening
- Verbal communication
- Problem solving
- Observation
- Empathising
- Attention to detail
- Developing a plan
- Taking initiative
- Time management
- Taking responsibility
Skills Explorer
Your skills can help you choose the career that's right for you. You can build your skills through work, study or activities you do in your spare time.
Our Skills Explorer tool will help you understand what skills you have and match them to jobs that might suit you.
Use the Skills Explorer toolGetting in
Entry requirements for courses can change. Always contact the college, university or training provider to check exactly what you'll need.
Qualifications
You'd need an honours degree in dentistry. To enter a dentistry degree, you'd need:
- National 5 qualifications
- at least 5 Highers at AAAAB or above including Chemistry and another science subject (preferably Biology or Human Biology)
The Scottish Wider Access Programme (SWAP) offers an Access to Medical Studies course. This allows people who have been out of education for a few years to gain a qualification that will allow entry to a degree course.
To apply for a SWAP course, you'll need to have been out of education for either:
- 3 years if you studied at National 5 level
- 5 years if you studied Highers
It'll help if you have work or volunteering experience when apply for courses.
Useful subjects
- English (essential)
- maths or physics (essential)
- biology (preferably human biology), chemistry and another science (essential)
You will also need
Before applying to dental school you must sit the UK Clinical Aptitude Test (UKCAT).
You need to be approved for membership of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme run by Disclosure Scotland.
All potential dentistry students are required to undergo screening for blood borne viruses (Hepatitis B and C, and HIV).