This section provides you with information about training to become a dentist, as well as the different areas of practice in which dentists work. It contains information about professionals complementary to dentistry (PCDs), and a section on practising dentistry in the UK for dentists from outside the UK.
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.
The Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) degree
The Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) can be taken at 13 university dental schools in Britain. The course lasts 5 years and typically includes the study of basic medical and dental science and practical training in all aspects of dental practice. Information on courses is available from each dental school and you must contact them for details.Postgraduate education
It is possible for an overseas qualified dentist to come to the UK in order to undertake postgraduate training. In order to take clinical courses, where the course is connected to a post in hospital, advice and information on the courses available is offered by:National Advice Centre for Postgraduate Dental Education
c/o Faculty of Dental Surgery
Royal College of Surgeons of England
35-43 Lincoln's Inn Fields
London WC2A 3PN
Telephone: 020 7869 6804
Fax: 020 7831 9438
Website: www.rcseng.ac.uk/dental/fds/nacpde
Personal callers may be seen by appointment by the Dental Adviser. It is recommended that overseas graduates wishing to enter postgraduate training contact the Advice Centre at least one year before they plan to enter the UK. NACPDE will provide a list of approved training posts and will keep your details on file to support you during the various stages of the application process. Although the training posts are open to competition from both UK and overseas dentists, you cannot take on an approved training post without being registered with the NACPDE. The centre also oversees available posts for clinical attachments and observerships. It also publishes a Guide to postgraduate degrees, diplomas and courses in dentistry, which is available on its website.
Courses in each area are organised by the local dean of postgraduate dentistry and further information may also be available from them.
Short courses
There are many short postgraduate training courses available on a wide variety of subjects offered by commercial training companies, regional postgraduate centres, specialist dental societies and dental manufacturers. BDA Branches and Sections also organise local meetings and the Association holds seminars and an annual conference which comprises clinical sessions. The publication Dental Practice includes a monthly calendar of courses and meetings. BDA members can obtain a copy from the BDA Information Centre.
The postgraduate deans' offices in each area publishes a directory of courses.