Dentistry
This section provides links to the main professional bodies within dentistry and gives information about training to become a dentist.
To work in dentistry you need to undertake relevant training. To practice as a dentist you need to complete an approved dentistry degree and then undertake a year’s vocational training. There are a few accelerated dentistry courses for graduates who have a first degree in an approved science subject.
Profiles
Follow the links below for profiles of common occupations in this sector:
Professional bodies
British Association of Dental Nurses (BADN) - professional organisation representing dental nurses in all areas of practice.
British Association of Dental Therapists - professional organisation for dental therapists. Includes information about careers in dental therapy.
British Dental Association (BDA) - is the professional association and trade union for dentists in the UK. The site has an excellent education and careers section which includes information on becoming a dentist, links to UK dental schools, areas of practice (eg general practice, hospital, community or armed forces dentistry) and professions complimentary to dentistry. It also covers the specialities a dentist can practise in following postgraduate training (eg paediatric dentistry, restorative dentistry).
British Orthodontic Society - has some useful information for students and graduates about entering the field of orthodontics.
British Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (BAOMS) - promotes the advancement of education research and the development of oral and maxillofacial surgery (affecting the mouth, jaws, face and neck), oral surgery and surgical dentistry in the British Isles. The site includes an education and training section, detailed patient information leaflets and a list of UK oral and maxillofacial surgery units.
British Dental Trade Association (BDTA) - useful information for those considering working in the field of dental trade. The site also includes a careers section covering areas such as working in manufacture, in dental laboratories and as a dental dealer.
Faculty of Dental Surgery - professional organisation for dentists, and is a faculty of the Royal College of Surgeons of England. The website includes information and careers and training in dentistry.
General Dental Council (GDC) - works with the public and the profession to protect patients and promote confidence in dental professionals by regulating them in the UK. The site includes a section on dental education, up-to-date registers of dentists, dental hygienists and dental therapists who are qualified to practise dentistry in the UK and lists of dental specialists.
Other useful resources
NHS careers dentistry - dentistry specific section of the NHS careers website.
Dentistry in the armed forces
Army Dental Corps - the Army's website also includes information on professions complementary to dentistry such as dental nurse, dental technician and dental hygienist.
Royal Air Force Dental Careers - working as a dentist in the RAF and information on the dental support roles.
Royal Navy Dental Services - includes profiles of all roles within the dental services.
This article was published on Apr 15, 2013