Dentist

Career path and progression

As a dentist in general practice you could go on to become a partner in the practice or set up your own practice.

In hospital dental services, you can follow the same career structure and training pathway as a hospital doctor. For example, you could also specialise in implant or paediatric dentistry.

You could serve as a dentist in the armed forces. You can find more information on dentistry in the military from the:

• British Army
• Royal Air Force
• Royal Navy

As a consultant, you'll often find work opportunities in the private sector.

With experience, you could lead a team, or manage a unit or department.

You could also progress to teaching and training student dentists and other healthcare professionals.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

• knowledge of medicine and dentistry
• customer service skills
• physical skills like movement, coordination and dexterity
• thinking and reasoning skills
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• excellent verbal communication skills
• the ability to work well with your hands
• the ability to read English
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

• pass enhanced background checks

Related subjects

Most relevant

• Biology - Dentists need a deep understanding of human biology, including the structure of teeth, gums, bones, and the wider oral cavity. Knowledge of how the body heals, how infections spread, and how diseases develop is essential for diagnosing problems and planning treatments.
• Chemistry - Dentists work with a wide range of chemical materials, from anaesthetics and antiseptics to filling compounds and bonding agents. Understanding chemical reactions and how different substances interact with human tissue helps them choose the right materials and use them safely.

Also relevant

• Physics - Dentists use X-rays to diagnose problems hidden beneath the surface of teeth and gums, which relies on understanding how radiation works. They also use tools like lasers and ultrasonic scalers, where knowledge of forces, waves, and energy is helpful.
• Mathematics - Dentists calculate precise dosages of anaesthetics and medications based on a patient's age and weight. They also interpret X-ray measurements, manage treatment plans with specific timings, and handle the financial side of running a dental practice.
• Psychology - Dentists regularly work with anxious or fearful patients, including children, and need to understand how to put people at ease. Building trust, managing patient behaviour, and communicating sensitively about treatment options are all important parts of the job.
• Business - Dentists often become partners in a dental practice or set up their own, which means managing budgets, staff, and day-to-day operations. Understanding how to run a business – from pricing treatments to marketing the practice – is important for career progression.
• Design and Technology - Dentists carry out precise, hands-on work such as fitting crowns, bridges, and dentures, which requires excellent manual dexterity and an understanding of materials. The practical, problem-solving skills developed in Design and Technology mirror the kind of detailed craftsmanship dentistry demands.