Dentists diagnose and treat disease and injuries that affect the mouth, teeth and gums. They also advise patients on how to care for their teeth and mouths to prevent problems arising. Most dentists work as general dental practitioners (GDPs), treating patients privately or under the National Health Service.

They normally check the patient's mouth, teeth and gums for signs of problems before giving treatment. This might include taking x-rays, administering local anaesthetic, drilling decayed teeth and filling cavities, performing root fillings and extractions, and fitting crowns, bridges and dentures to replace teeth or parts of teeth. In some practices, dentists also scale and polish teeth or coat them to help prevent decay; in other practices, a dental hygienist may carry out this work. GDPs employ dental nurses to help them in the surgery, and may also work with other dentists, dental hygienists and receptionists.

In the Community Dental Service, dentists treat patients who cannot attend a GDP, such as young children who need special help, and elderly and housebound people. They may also be involved in dental health screening in schools.

Hospital dentists deal with complex medical conditions, abnormalities and facial injuries, carrying out highly specialised treatment on patients referred by a GDP or doctor.

Entry level

You must have a recognised qualification before you can practise as a dentist. In the UK, this usually means a BDS or BChD degree in dentistry from one of the 13 dental schools. Entry to these courses is extremely competitive and you would normally need three science A levels/Advanced Highers or five H grades, all at very high grades and including chemistry. Alternatively, if you don't have the right grades or subjects, you can apply to some dental schools for a pre-dental year before starting your degree. You would also normally need GCSE/S grade (A-C/1-3) English, and many dental schools ask for physics, maths and biology at this level.

Making the grade

Your dental degree would last five years, combining academic education with theoretical and practical training in all aspects of dental practice. The subjects studied include anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pathology, behavioural sciences and dental materials science, in addition to clinical skills.

Once qualified, you must register with the General Dental Council and undertake one year's supervised vocational training in an approved dental practice. If you want to work as a hospital dentist, you must then continue for several years with further training in a hospital setting.

Whatever your specialism, you would be required to update and further your knowledge through short courses and/or studying for further postgraduate qualifications.

Personal qualities

To succeed as a dentist, you should have a calm, reassuring manner, very good communication skills and the ability to relate to people from a wide range of backgrounds. Good eyesight and manual dexterity are essential, together with the ability to concentrate for long periods of time and to describe complex procedures to patients. You must be good at science and interested in promoting good healthcare.