Dentists are graduate level health care professionals who provide preventive and restorative treatments for problems that affect the teeth and mouth. Typically, dentists work in the community as self-employed practitioners in general practice dentistry, providing dental care to the public under the National Health Service (NHS) and/or privately. Other dentists work as salaried staff within a wide ranging variety of organisations including:
- Schools and community dentistry
- Hospital dentistry, including university teaching hospitals
- Armed forces
- Larger, corporate practices
- Industry, for example on a large cruise ship
A general dental practitioner (GDP) typically leads a team made up of dental care professionals (DCPs) and treats a wide range of patients, from children to the elderly.
Dental receptionist
Dental nurse
Dental hygienist
Dental therapist
Dental technician
As of March 2007 there were 21,111 dentists registered with the NHS with 50% of the average dentist’s income being derived from private work. In 1993 that private work figure was 6 per cent. Some larger practices will also employ a practice manager so that the dentists can concentrate on clinical work. On a day to day basis, a dentist is typically responsible for:
- Assessing treatment options and agreeing treatment plans with patients
- Carrying out previously agreed multi-visit clinical treatments, for example root treatment, treating gum disease, crown implants, severe dental decay
- Maintaining patients’ dental records
- Educating patients on oral health care, though this is often done by the dental hygienist
- Management of the practice – recruiting, training, staff management, budget control, stock control of capital equipment and consummables
- Structured CPD (continuing professional development) courses to stay aware of changing developments and clinical practices
- Advising patients of other services such as implants
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