Dentist
Check people’s teeth and mouths, diagnose problems and help keep every smile in great shape!
Also known as: orthodontist, general dental practitioner (GDP)
About the job
A day in the life – Dentist
What it's like
Fancy getting your teeth into an exciting career in healthcare? As a dentist, you’ll help people keep their teeth healthy and strong. You’ll check patients’ mouths, treat any problems and explain how they can care for their teeth and gums.
You’ll use medical instruments to carry out delicate procedures. Remember, patients may be anxious or upset about their treatment. It’s important you’re able to reassure them and help them relax.
As a dentist, you could work in a few different areas.
A dental practice. As a general dental practitioner (GDP), you’ll look after private and NHS patients. You may be self-employed, a partner in a practice or a salaried employee. You’ll carry out a range of dental treatments and refer patients to a dental hygienist or dental therapist for certain procedures. You’ll also keep dental records for each patient.
Public dental service. You'll provide care to vulnerable people. This could see you working with children, elderly patients or adults with additional support needs. You may also care for homeless people, care home residents or prisioners.
Hospital. A hospital-based dentist will do specialised work. This can range from restorative dentistry to holding clinics and even performing oral surgery! You'll also likely spend time teaching others and carrying out research.
Corporate practice. You’ll provide general dental services for employees of a large business.
Armed forces. You’ll treat service personnel – this can include travel to combat zones.
Some dental practices offer facial aesthetics work, like botox injections or lip fillers. As a dentist, you’ll assess and refer patients for these treatments. You can carry out the treatments yourself if you do additional, accredited training.
You could also work in dental public health – a relatively new and expanding field. You’ll assess the dental health needs of the regional population, rather than treat individuals. For example, you may run a children’s oral health campaign after studying local data that suggests young people in the area suffer higher-than-average levels of tooth decay. Public health dentists will often visit schools as part of Childsmile.
Hours
Your hours can vary depending on the area you work in. In most settings, you’ll do Monday to Friday.
If you’re part of an out-of-hours rota, you may need to work some evenings and weekends.
You’ll work slightly longer and more irregular hours if you’re based in a hospital. This could include night shifts.
Part-time hours are often available.
Environment
Your practice will be clean, sterile and well-organised.
Physical proximity is a big part of this job – you’ll work just inches from your patient’s face.
You may treat certain patients in their own homes, or work with young people in a school.
Explore more information about this job
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Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
Life sciences Healthcare
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Top specialised skills
These are the top specialised skills that have been found in job vacancies across Scotland. From March 2024 to March 2025.
- dentistry
- dental surgery
- orthodontics
- cosmetic dermatology
- cosmetic dentistry
- endodontics
- vormetric transparent encryption (vte)
- tooth bleaching
- dental implant
- ceramic reconstruction (cerec)
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- taking responsibility
- time management
- taking initiative
- developing a plan
- attention to detail
- empathising
- observation
- problem solving
- verbal communication
- listening
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Biology
Chemistry
Human Biology
Physics
University
To become a dentist in Scotland, you must complete a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) degree. You’ll likely need at least five Highers at AAAAB to be eligible for this course.
The Scottish Wider Access Programme (SWAP) offers an Access to Medical Studies course. This allows people who have been out of education for a few years to gain a qualification that will allow entry to a degree course.
To apply for a SWAP course, you'll need to have been out of education for either:
three years if your highest qualifications are at National 5 level
five years if you studied Highers
Remember, before you start a BDS degree, you must sit the UK Clinical Aptitude Test (UKCAT).
College
Getting qualifications at college, such as an HNC or HND, could help you progress to university. Applied Sciences is a useful subject to study at college.
Getting experience of working in health-related roles is valuable. Volunteering is a fantastic way to build the skills you’ll need to become a dentist. Search for health-based opportunities on Volunteer Scotland.
To work as a dentist in Scotland, you’ll need to be approved for membership of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme.
All potential dentistry students must undergo screening for blood borne viruses (Hepatitis B and C, and HIV).
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