LOOKING for a career to make you smile? Then consider dentistry.
Not only is it well paid with a steady demand for services, but it’s also a career where you can improve people’s confidence and wellbeing too.
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Official figures show there are almost 35,000 registered dentists nationally and around 60,000 registered dental care professionals.
About 85 per cent of the dental workforce works in independent general dental practices while the remainder are employed in NHS community services or hospitals.
With more and more Brits demanding a dazzling Love Island-style smile, interest in oral care has never been higher.
However, the ongoing dentist shortage has made national headlines as patients queue to join NHS practices, but it offers plenty of opportunity for people looking to make dentistry their new career.
Here’s the bite-sized guide to getting into dentistry from Sun Jobs.
What types of dental jobs are there?
As well as becoming a qualified dentist, there are several additional jobs including dental nurses who assist dentists, during a patient’s appointment and dental hygienists who clean patients’ teeth and show them how to care for their oral health.
Orthodontists specialise in the treatment of irregularities with the alignment of the teeth and jaw, including overbites and underbites while an orthodontic therapist is a dental care professional who helps dentists when they perform orthodontic treatments.
Dental technicians are dental professionals who create dental appliances including dentures, crowns and bridges and you can also qualify as a dental nurse and dental receptionist.
You can find out more at https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/job-profiles/dentist
What salary can I expect?
This will depend entirely on the job. The average salary for a private practice dentist is a hefty £115,000 while NHS-only dentists are paid around £173,000.
Orthodontists can expect around £97,000 and orthodontic therapists average £58,000.
For a dental hygienist job, the current average annual salary is £52,000 and dental nurses can expert £23,000.
What qualifications will I need?
Again this varies hugely according to the job.
Dental Nurse is regarded as an entry-level role but to be fully qualified, you will still need to take a course in dental nursing which is approved by the General Dental Council.
This may be a Foundation Degree in Dental Nursing, a Certificate of Higher Education in Dental Nursing or the Level 3 Diploma in Dental Nursing.
Training as a dentist is a major commitment and requires a five-year Bachelor’s Degree in Dental Surgery.
Check what you would need to study at healthcareers.nhs.uk/explore-roles/dental-team/roles-dental-team.
What personal qualities will I need?
Dental work requires an unusual combination of practical and emotional skills.
You’ll need good eyesight and manual dexterity but must also be caring and able to reassure nervous patients and put them at ease.
You must be comfortable with caring for people, have an interest in healthcare and be willing to keep up with the latest advances in medicine and science.
Ready to chews a dentistry career? Here are the (tooth) picks of the week from Sun Jobs.
Dental Nurse, GG Orthodontics, Winchester
Make the move from normal nursing to the dental world with this exciting orthodontics job.
The Job: GG Orthodontics has an opportunity for a Dental Nurse to join its practice in Winchester, Hampshire.
What You’ll Do: As a Dental Nurse, your focus will be on maintaining high standards of patient care at all times, assisting the dentist with a variety of tasks and treatments.
You’ll Need: In order to be considered for this role, you will be a GDC registered Dental Nurse. Orthodontic experience is not essential as training can be provided.
You will be positive, enthusiastic and honest, and someone adept at motivating both themselves and others to achieve excellent patient results.
Apply Now: See further details of this Dental Nurse role, along with other roles with GG Orthodontics, here.
Dental Hygienist, Beacon Dental Care, Malvern
Fill in the gaps in your working week with this part-time hygienist role.
The Job: Beacon Dental Care is hiring a Dental Hygienist to join its friendly team in Malvern.
What You’ll Do: You will work Mondays and Tuesdays from 9am-5pm, be responsible for a range of dental treatments from whitening to cleaning.
You’ll provide assistance, maintain records, and communicate with patients to ensure high levels of patient care.
You’ll Need: You’ll need a qualification in dental hygiene and be registered with the General Dental Council.
Post-qualification experience in a dental practice is essential, while knowledge of the SOE practice management system would be an advantage and excellent communication skills are a must.
Apply Now: See more details of role, along with other opportunities with Beacon Dental Care.
EU/PLVE Dentist, Mydentist, Woodbridge
Make the move to the UK with this supported dentist relocation package.
The Job: Mydentist is providing opportunities for qualified overseas Dentists looking for their first role in the UK, within the largest network of practices in the country.
What You’ll Do: You will receive a welcome payment towards relocation costs; a fully funded clinical mentorship program with a dedicated dentist mentor in your practice.
Mydentist can also provide a Health & Care visa if you need sponsorship to work in the UK.
You’ll Need: You will be a qualified dentist with a desire to relocate to and work in the UK.
Apply Now: Apply for this position, or see other jobs at Mydentist.
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This post first appeared on thesun.co.uk
