A job you can really get your teeth into
RECRUITMENT
ATRIp to the dentist doesn’t have to fill you with horror — and dentistry can be an exciting and rewarding profession to join.
Sophie adams, 27, who graduated from Liverpool dental School in 2009 and now works at corporate practice IdH in Manchester, says: ‘ The best part of my job is helping and caring for patients throughout their treatment.
‘ dentistry suited my academic abilities, and I enjoyed the work experience at a general practice and in Chester hospital. The hours are also more regular than in many health professions.’
Sophie admits: ‘I enjoy the gory stuff, such as extractions, but root canal work can get tedious. The pay is good, but it wasn’t the main attraction.’
Matt Reeves, head of resourcing at IdH, says: ‘dentistry is changing from just treating dental problems to prevention. educating people about dental and oral health is very rewarding and has a direct impact on patients’ well-being.’
IdH looks for dentists with good communications and team-working skills.
In the past, dentists worked alone or in partnerships, but increasingly they’re working for companies. That can provide flexible career progression.
‘dentistry offers variety, job satisfaction and the chance to make a real difference to people’s lives,’ says Susie Sanderson, of the British dental association (Bda). ‘a healthy smile gives people confidence.’
you need a-levels, usually in chemistry, physics and biology, but requirements vary among the uK’s 13 dental schools, which commonly demand experience shadowing a dentist.
you must be determined — eight applicants chase every dental school place. The course lasts five years, plus a year of vocational training.
pay starts at £30,000, and an established High Street dentist, working alone on mainly nHS work, will earn around £110,000.