Dentist - Career Prospects
General Dental Practice
The vast majority of Dentists will be found in general practice. The newly qualified graduate is expected to complete one year as a Vocational Trainee, gaining experience in an accredited VT practice.
The opportunity then exists to become an Associate and eventually a practice Principal. All dental practices are privately owned and may be subcontracted by local Health Authorities to provide NHS dentistry under the terms of the General Dental Services .
Practices vary in size, ranging from the small independent practices run by a single-handed practitioner to larger practices staffed by a number of professionals catering for a range of special interests. General practice is very much a home of the self-employed.
Exciting new salaried opportunities for general practitioners are being created in the larger corporate groups such as Boots and Oasis whilst positions in the Community Dental Services provided by local Health Authorities, and roles within the Armed Forces or large commercial companies with in-house dental service also exist and offer salaried careers for those who prefer greater job security.
Community Dental Services (CDS)
The CDS provides dental care for those with special needs. In particular the CDS looks after young children who need special help as well as elderly and housebound people and patients with mental or physical disabilities.
The Armed Forces
Although the opportunities to travel abroad are diminishing, a comprehensive service is provided for Services men and women. Dentists are commissioned as officers and financial scholarships may be available to study as an undergraduate.
Industrial Dentistry
Some companies with large numbers of employees provide dental services. For example, oil companies and some airlines provide facilities for general dental services as an employee benefit.
Corporate Bodies
A recent development in dentistry in the UK is the emergence of a number of “Corporates” such as Boots. Boots have introduced dental facilities to a large number of their High Street shops that are staffed by well-qualified and experienced Dentists, Hygienists and Dental Nurses. Adult patients are treated on a private basis and their children under the terms and conditions of the NHS.
Hospital and University careers
Many graduates wish to increase their specialised knowledge with a view to taking up a consultant post later as an Oral and Maxillo Surgeon or perhaps carrying out research and teaching undergraduates. Specialist appointments in areas such as oral medicine, orthodontics, endodontics, paedodontics, are a few of the other career pathways available.
