Dentist
Check people's teeth and mouths and treat any problems.
Also known as: orthodontist, general dental practitioner (gdp)
About the job
Salary
Source: National Careers Service
Weekly
£668
Entry level
£1,849
Experienced
Monthly
£2,894
Entry level
£8,013
Experienced
Yearly
£34,728
Entry level
£96,154
Experienced
2,200
people are currently employed
Low growth
100 more jobs in 5 years
These figures refer to this job and similar ones with comparable skills and qualifications. They only apply to Scotland. Source: Oxford Economics
A day in the life — dentist
What it's like
Dentists help people keep their teeth and gums healthy and strong. You’d check patients' mouths, 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, so 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.
Hours
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Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Here are some of the skills you'll need to do this job:
- taking responsibility
- time management
- taking initiative
- developing a plan
- attention to detail
- empathising
- observation
- problem solving
- verbal communication
- listening
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore the sections shown for more information about getting into this career.
You might have qualifications which are not shown here but will allow you access to a course. You can compare your qualifications by looking at their SCQF Level. For more information about this, check out the SCQF website.
Always contact the college, university or training provider to check exactly what you'll need.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Biology
Chemistry
Human Biology
Physics
You'd need an honours degree in dentistry. To enter a dentistry degree, you'd need:
National 5 qualifications
at least five 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:
three years if you studied at National 5 level
five years if you studied Highers
It'll help if you have work or volunteering experience when apply for courses.
Volunteering experience can help when you apply for course. Use Volunteer.scot to browse opportunities in health-related roles.
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).
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