Training to become a dentist
There are three main stages to becoming a dentist:-
- Completing an undergraduate dental degree.
- Following this up with a postgraduate degree of training.
- Continued professional development.
With the first two stages of this it is a case of one leading onto the other, however, the latter stage begins once a dentist has actually started his career and will continue until the point of retirement.
Every dentist that works in the UK will have followed the same education and training and will have graduated from one the 13 dental schools in the UK. The dental degree lasts a standard of five years and comprises various elements including clinical elements as well as behavioural and biological training. it is possible to undertake a four year programme if a person already hold at least a 2:1 in a related degree or one that contains the majority part chemistry or biology. In the same way it is also possible to do the five year degree with an initial pre-dental year and this is intended for applicants that do not have the necessary science background such as science A- levels.
Admissions for dentistry is tough and applicants are expected to achieve a very high standard of academic achievement. Typical offers are 5 or more GCSE at grades A/A* and these have to include maths, English and science. A levels must include at least two science subjects including biology and chemistry and general studies is not accepted .
The primary focus of dentistry these days is educating the public about oral health and it is necessary to work with other members of the dental team including nurses and hygienists for instance.
The dental profession is overseen by the General Dental Council.