|
|
Your career as a dentist - more than just a job
What to know before embarking on a dentist career |
 |
What is a dentist? |
|
A dentist is a registered primary healthcare professional highly educated and specialized in the care of teeth, gums, bone support and the mouth. They help people maintain and improve their oral health, quality of life and appearance with treatment delivered to everyone - the healthy, the ill, the young, the elderly, the disadvantaged and those with special needs.
A career in dentistry affords the opportunity to be your own boss and to own a dental practice. As independent entrepreneurs, dentists set and maintain their own regular hours. The dentist has a legal responsibility to lead a team of healthcare professionals in the delivery of dental health services to ensure best practice is achieved in all functions of the dental practice.
B.D.S., B.D.Sc., B.Dent. or B.O.H.D.Sc are the post-nominal letters indicating the degree granted to a dentist by an Australian university dental school . They stand for Bachelor of Dental Surgery, Bachelor of Dental Science, Bachelor of Dentistry and Bachelor of Oral Health in Dental Science respectively. There are no differences between the training provided by these bachelor programs.
A career in dentistry would be a good position for you if you are detail oriented, have strong interests in medical sciences and business, possess good eye-hand coordination and manual dexterity along with strong interpersonal skills. In addition, if you have the capacity for 3-dimensional thinking, have artistic ability to construct form and design and find being a good listener with sensitivity to the needs of others as personally rewarding, you have some qualities that make you well suited to perform a dentist job .
|
| |
What do dentists do? |
|
Dentistry is the art and science of prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of conditions, diseases, and disorders of the oral cavity and its associated structures. The dentist’s role includes a variety of duties that are focused on improving the quality of life for their patients by preventing and treating oral disorders.
As part of dental services, a dentist’s job may include:
- Perform comprehensive oral health assessments that include a health history, dental charting, oral cancer screening, decay screening, periodontal disease screening, saliva testing, jaw analysis, tooth staining and colour analysis and taking vital signs (blood pressure, pulse, blood glucose, respiration);
- Perform dental examinations to determine a diagnosis and develop a treatment plan;
- Prescribe, expose, process and interpret X-rays;
- Make impressions of the teeth for study models and oral appliance fabrication;
- Present to the patient their oral condition and treatment options to gain consent to proceed to the provision of dental treatment;
- Educate patients on oral health care and prevention;
- Counsel patients on plaque control, good nutrition, smoking cessation and systemic health;
- Perform clinical treatment agreed upon by the patient to restore , remove , repair , replace , realign , remedy and retain teeth, form and function;
- Administer and monitor effects of local anaesthetics, conscious sedation and nitrous oxide sedation in the dental practice;
- Prescribe medications to reduce the burden of infection or prevent infection;
- Refer patients to specialist dentists or physicians for further examination and treatment;
- Maintain concise, complete and accurate patient dental records on paper and/or computer;
- Provide supervision over allied dental health professionals working in the dental practice;
- Conduct staff recruitment, training and management;
- Stay abreast of new developments through continuous professional development (CPD);
- Market services and educational messages to the public
Dentists will increasingly provide care and instruction aimed at preventing the loss of teeth with a greater focus on biology of oral disease than restore and repair. Improvements in dental technology are allowing dentists to offer more effective and less painful treatment to their patients.
A dentist must practise under legislative regulations much like other registered health professionals such as nurses, physicians, pharmacists, physical therapists, optometrists, osteopaths, chiropractors and psychologists. Registration to practise a dentistry job in Australia requires proof of successful completion of an accredited university dental degree evidence by the Dental Board of the state or territory in which you intend to reside and practise and once granted must be renewed annually. Some state and territories may require dentists to participate in continuing professional development (CPD) for the renewal of their registration.
The process of registration represents the strongest form of protection for the public from unqualified individuals and unsafe practices. It is illegal to practise dentistry without registering with the appropriate Dental Board and punishable by conviction and fine.
|
| |
If you are considering a career in dentistry you should: |
|
- Take high school courses with broad exposure in mathematics, science, chemistry, biology, speech, psychology, computers and physics
- Apply for work experience in dental practice or community dental clinic
- Have an enthusiasm for lifelong learning
- Have good near-sighted and colour vision
- To perform detailed and precise work
- Have good interpersonal communication skills
- To give full attention to what others are saying
- To provide information, education and advice to people of all ages and gender from diverse cultural backgrounds
- To instil motivation toward healthy goals
- To explain clear ideas and details
- To be sensitive to the needs of others
- Have good manual dexterity
- To grasp, manipulate and assemble objects
- Have a working knowledge of computers
- To design, calculate and process using advanced technological equipment
- Be able to prepare, understand and act on written materials (letters, reports, summaries)
- To analyse, plan, organise and problem solve
- Have good organizational and time management skills
- Enjoy working co-operatively with others in a team environment
- Be interested in the delivery of health care throughout your dentist career
|
| |
Where do dentists work? |
|
The dentistry profession offers men and women of all ages, races and ethnic backgrounds exceptional dental career opportunities to treat a diverse group of patients in a variety of settings. Dentistry is changing rapidly, creating many opportunities and challenges in oral health.
General dentistry practice: Most dentists work as self-employed practitioners in general practice providing dental care to the public in private, corporate and/or public sector dental health services to offer a full range of dental services to identify and treat dental diseases as well as provide preventive oral health services to save and protect teeth. Many dentists start out as an assistant dentist remunerated either by salary or commission before choosing to pursue their dental career either in solo private practice or in partnerships (group practice) with other dentists. There is also a trend for dentists to work in more than one sector within their working week.
Specialty dentistry practice: This type of dental practice concentrates its services to a specialised area of oral health care, which can be periodontics , paedodontics , endodontics , orthodontics , prosthodontics , oral surgery , oral pathologist and special needs dentistry . A specialist’s primary purpose must be to render a service to patients and the community, which requires knowledge and skill beyond those which could normally be expected in the relevant area of general dental practice. A specialist dentist is expected to demonstrate expertise through experience as a general dentist before attaining a higher degree of at least three years duration.
Please refer to the attached pdf for more information on
Public Sector Dental Health Services: Salaried dentists, both general and specialist, work in the community dental clinics in regional, rural and remote areas to provide routine and emergency dental services for eligible school children, the elderly, the socio-economically disadvantaged and people with intellectual and physical disabilities who hold a Pension card, Health Care card or Seniors card. Patients are on waiting lists to be seen. Dental clinics within primary and secondary schools aim to ensure that children have the opportunity to reach adulthood with good oral health and to develop the skills to maintain it. Australia offers dentists the opportunity to provide dental care in unique cultural environments throughout their dental career .
The Australian Defence Force (Army, Navy or Air Force): Dental care is available in military dental clinics on ships and at bases. Each of the armed services provides a comprehensive range of dental care for members of the service and in some circumstances their families. Dental graduates enter the armed services with the officer rank as an Army Captain, a Flight Lieutenant or a Navy Lieutenant, while specialist dentists enter the armed forces with a higher rank. Scholarships are available and dental graduates are readily accepted into the defence force reserve with promotion available over time.
Hospital dental clinics: Special needs dental care is offered through the hospital dental clinics for the members of the community with chemical, medical, mental and physical challenges. Dentists treat patients alongside physician colleagues often in operating rooms and emergency departments. Hospital dental clinics also represent the clinical training facility for students in many of the dental programs. Dentists in this setting have recognised qualifications as academic educators and researchers.
International Health Care: Australian general and specialist dentists provide oral health services to populations abroad. During their dental career , many dentists volunteer for 2 to 3 weeks per year to bring dentistry to aid people in developing countries to give routine services to the disadvantaged persons as well as in response to natural and manmade disasters.
Dentistry offers stimulating dentist career options in addition to private practice with excellent opportunities as educators, researchers, professional relations managers, editors and consultants.
Educators: Dentists can apply the skills and knowledge from their work experience in teaching the clinical, technical and theoretical aspects of dentistry to students in all of the dental sciences in the TAFE and University programs. An academic dentistry career combines teaching, research, community service and patient care. Faculty members work in an intellectually stimulating and exciting academic environment. Career opportunities and dentistry jobs for academic dentists are excellent at this time.
Researchers: Research careers offer opportunities to generate new knowledge and be on the cutting edge of scientific discoveries on dental materials and general principles of dental treatments, mouth physiology, systemic health and oral health and hygiene that ultimately impact patient care. Research is a component of advanced degrees and can be conducted in the dental laboratory, hospital or university training program. Many dentist researchers have faculty positions at universities.
Professional Relations Managers: Dentist can be employed as a professional relations manager by product and service companies in the dental industry to communicate brand alliance and corporate directions with dental careers professionals . The work involves guiding decision-making processes by communicating value of products, programs and services to dental professionals through education facilities and professional associations. Dentists are ideal candidates for these positions in their experience in developing strong relationships, marketing and the direct impact they have on both the dental profession and the public.
Editor: Dentists can apply their skills and knowledge toward informing and educating the dental profession on current issues, techniques and research. This position can involve a professional magazine, journal or textbook and requires writing skills, self-motivation, good organisational and time management skills (deadlines), attention to detail and creativity.
Consultant: Dentists who have achieved clinical excellence and a high level of integrity and quality in their dentistry can choose to share their achievements with dental professionals on the speaker circuit to deliver education lectures and hands-on courses. Dental product companies have vested interest in establishing working relationships with exceptionally skilled clinical dentists.
Statistics and information on dentists in the Australian labour market
|
| |
How do you become a dentist in New South Wales? |
|
Dentistry offers excellent career opportunities for the high school graduate and non-traditional student (i.e. an individual who is over 23 years of age, an individual seeking a career change or re-entry or an individual from a culturally diverse background).
To become a qualified dentist and achieve a dental career, you must complete rigorous academic and professional requirements. The minimum standard in tertiary education is 5 years of full time study. The University of Sydney offers a graduate level Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDent) degree program of 4 years full time study following the achievement of an undergraduate 3 year bachelor degree:
The University of Sydney, Faculty of Dentistry; Camperdown, Surry Hills, Sydney Dental Hospital and Westmead campuses.
http://www.dentistry.usyd.edu.au/student/bdent.php
Entry requirements:
- Completion of a Bachelor degree in any discipline from an accredited university
- Taking studies in anatomy, physiology, chemistry, physics and biology can be beneficial
- GAMSAT Admissions test (Graduate Australian Medical School Admissions Test) http://www.gamsat.acer.edu.au/
- Participation in a semi-structured interview
- Assess relevance of the course to your career plans
- Participation in a practical aptitude test
- Assesses manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination
Graduates of the University of Sydney BDent program will be fully qualified to practise a dentistry job upon completion of the four-year course.
In addition, from 2009 Charles Sturt University will be offering a two year Graduate Diploma of Dental Science after completing a three year Bachelor of Dental Science:
http://www.csu.edu.au/student/dentistry/courses.htm
The Mutual Recognition Act of 1992 allows for dentist graduates and practicing dentists to apply for registration to practice their equivalent occupation in any state or territory in Australia as well as New Zealand (Trans Tasman Agreement). Enquiries for practice in New South Wales should be made to the Dental Board of NSW for the specific documentation they require: http://www.dentalboardnsw.org.au/dentists/default.aspx
|
| |
What career paths exist for dentists? |
|
New South Wales offers dentists pathways to complete further education of one to eight years to advance their dentistry career within the dental workforce. Universities in Australia are facilitating post-graduate certificates and diplomas, masters degrees and doctorate degrees to offer advanced clinical skills, academic positions, dental research and specialist dentist qualifications.
- Graduate Certificate in Clinical Dentistry (restorative)
- Study of 6 months to 1 year
- Full time study of 12 weeks
- Broaden skills in restorative procedures in the general dental practice
- Represents a foundation for study in prosthodontics
- University of Sydney, Faculty of Dentistry Visit website
- Entry Requirements:
- B.D.S. or equivalent qualification
- Minimum of two years of general dental practice experience
|
|
- Graduate Diploma in Clinical Dentistry (restorative)
- Study of 1 to 2 years
- Five 2-week blocks of full time work
- Provide a high level of knowledge and skills in the areas of restorative dentistry, prosthodontics and oral implants
- Builds on the Graduate Certificate to form a basis for the MDSc in prosthodontics
- University of Sydney, Faculty of Dentistry Visit Website
- Entry Requirements:
- B.D.S. or equivalent qualification
- Minimum of two years of general dental practice experience
|
|
- Graduate Diploma in Clinical Dentistry (oral implants)
- Study is part time in 3 semesters (1.5 years)
- Acquire knowledge and skills to provide oral implant treatment in general dental practice
- University of Sydney, Faculty of Dentistry Visit Website
- Entry Requirements:
- B.D.S. or equivalent qualification
- Experience in dento-alveolar surgery
|
|
- Graduate Diploma in Clinical Dentistry
(conscious sedation and pain control)
- Study is part time in 10 weeks over 2 years
- Provide a high level of knowledge and skills in the area of administration of sedation and resuscitation
- Credential in Pain Management recognised by the Dental Board of NSW
- University of Sydney, Faculty of Dentistry Visit Website
- Entry Requirements:
- B.D.S. or equivalent qualification
|
|
- Graduate Diploma in Forensic Odontology
- Study is full time over 1 year
- Provide a high level of knowledge and skills in the areas of basic sciences and forensic dentistry
- Achieve ability to work as a forensic odontologist in a supervised environment
- University of Melbourne, School of Dental Sciences Visit Website
- Entry Requirements:
- B.D.S. or undergraduate degree in medicine, anthropology, anatomy or law
- Previous experience in forensic odontology looked upon favourably
|
|
- Graduate Diploma in Community Oral Health & Epidemiology
- Study is full time for 1 year
- Acquire a higher level of biological and epidemiological knowledge and clinical expertise for the effective practice of community dentistry
- Preparation for dentists to take on oral health public service and planning roles as well as a career in research
- University of Sydney, Faculty of Dentistry Visit Website
- Entry Requirements:
- B.D.S. or equivalent qualification
- Minimum of one year of general dental practice experience
|
|
- Master of Dental Science
(Community Oral Health and Epidemiology)
- Study is full time for 2 years includes a research thesis
- Comprehensive studies in preventative dentistry, public health and epidemiology and dental public health
- Preparation for dentists to take on oral health public service and planning roles as well as a career in research
- University of Sydney, Faculty of Dentistry Visit Website
- Entry Requirements:
- B.D.S. or equivalent qualification
- Minimum of one year of general dental practice experience
|
|
- Master of Dental Science (Prosthodontics)
- Study of 3 to 4 years full time
- Acquire a higher level of biological knowledge and clinical expertise for the provision of prosthodontics services
- Gives eligibility for a specialist registration (Prosthodontist) by the Dental Board of NSW
- University of Sydney, Faculty of Dentistry Visit Website
- Entry Requirements:
- B.D.S. or equivalent qualification
- Minimum of two years of general dental practice experience
|
|
- Master of Dental Science (Paedodontics)
- Study of 3 to 4 years full time with clinical rotations
- Acquire a higher level of biological knowledge and clinical expertise for the provision of paediatric dental services
- Gives eligibility for a specialist registration (Paediatric Dentist/Paedodontist) by the Dental Board of NSW
- University of Sydney, Faculty of Dentistry Visit Website
- Entry Requirements:
- B.D.S. or equivalent qualification
- Minimum of two years of general dental practice experience
- Complete the primary examinations of the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons or equivalent
Visit Website
- Attend an interview
|
|
- Master of Dental Science (Periodontics)
- Study of 3 to 4 years full time includes a research thesis
- Acquire a higher level of biological knowledge, scientific analysis and clinical expertise for the provision of periodontic services
- Gives eligibility for a specialist registration (Periodontist) by the Dental Board of NSW
- University of Sydney, Faculty of Dentistry Visit Website
- Entry Requirements:
- B.D.S. or equivalent qualification
- Minimum of two years of general dental practice experience
- Complete the primary examinations of the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons or equivalent
Visit Website
- Attend an interview
|
|
- Master of Dental Science (Orthodontics)
- Study of 3 to 4 years full time includes a research thesis
- Acquire a higher level of biological knowledge, scientific analysis, clinical and technical expertise for the provision of orthodontic services
- Gives eligibility for a specialist registration (Orthodontist) by the Dental Board of NSW
- University of Sydney, Faculty of Dentistry Visit Website
- Entry Requirements:
- B.D.S. or equivalent qualification
- Minimum of two years of general dental practice experience
- Attend an interview
- Attend both written and clinical assessments
|
|
- Master of Dental Science (Oral Medicine and Oral Pathology)
- Study of 3 years full time includes a research thesis
- Acquire advanced diagnostic and clinical skills in non-surgical management of oral diseases and the care of medically-compromised patients both in hospital and non-hospital settings
- Gives eligibility for a specialist registration (Oral Medicine and Oral Pathology) by the Dental Board of NSW
- University of Sydney, Faculty of Dentistry Visit Website
- Entry Requirements:
- B.D.S. or equivalent qualification
- Minimum of two years of general dental practice experience
|
|
- Doctorate of Clinical Dentistry (Endodontics)
- Study of 3 years full time
- Advanced development of clinical, academic and research skills in endodontics
- Gives eligibility for a specialist registration (Endodontist) by reciprocity by the Dental Board of NSW
- University of Melbourne, School of Dental Science
Visit Website
- Entry Requirements:
- B.D.S. or equivalent qualification finishing in the top 5 – 10%
- Minimum of two years of general dental practice experience
- Primary Fellowship, postgraduate diploma or higher degree, CPD and a strong record in research publications are favourable
|
|
- Doctorate of Clinical Dentistry (Special Needs Dentistry)
- Study of 3 years full time
- Advanced development of clinical, academic and research skills in special needs dentistry
- Gives eligibility for a specialist registration (Special Needs Dentistry) by reciprocity by the Dental Board of NSW
- University of Melbourne, School of Dental Science
Visit Website
- Entry Requirements:
- B.D.S. or equivalent qualification finishing in the top 5 – 10%
- Minimum of two years of general dental practice experience
- Primary Fellowship, postgraduate diploma or higher degree, CPD and a strong record in research publications are favourable
|
|
- Master of Philosophy (Dentistry)
- Full or part time study including a research thesis
- Minimum of 1 year or maximum of 2 years full time
- Minimum of 2 years or maximum of 4 years part time
- Supervised research leading to the production of a thesis
- Articulate to the Doctorate of Philosophy (Dentistry) degree
- University of Sydney, Faculty of Dentistry
Visit Website Choose ‘Master of Philosophy (Dentistry)’
- Entry Requirements:
- B.D.S. with first or second class honours
|
|
- Doctorate of Philosophy (Dentistry)
- Full or part time study including a research thesis
- Minimum of 3 years or maximum of 4 years full time
- Minimum of 3 years or maximum of 8 years part time
- Supervised research leading to the production of a thesis – no coursework
- University of Sydney, Faculty of Dentistry
Visit Website - choose ‘Doctorate of Philosophy (Dentistry)’
- Entry Requirements:
- B.D.S. with first or second class honours
- Masters degree
|
|
A career in dentistry can fulfil your needs through offering service to others, a balanced lifestyle, self-employment, an attractive earning potential, status and prestige and a variety of dental career options. |
| |
Dentist Jobs and Career Opportunities |
|
Dental caries is Australia’s most prevalent health problem, edentulism the third most prevalent and periodontal disease the fifth most prevalent. Caries and periodontal disease account for 90 percent of all tooth loss and over 38% of Australians had untreated dental decay. More recent estimates suggest that 11 million people are suffering new decay each year.
The demand for dental care is projected to grow and with the large number of dentists expected to retire in the next 20 years, new dentists will be needed in private practice, as teachers/researchers and in public sector dentistry. New information too is emerging about the relationship of oral health to general health, which makes a career in dentistry an important health profession for the future.
Advancements in dental technology will provide a more efficient and effective use of the dentist’s time in providing quality dentistry all along his/her dental career.
|
| |
Where can I get more dentistry job information in NSW? |
|
- Your school careers advisor
- Your local dental practice
- The Australian Dental Association (NSW Branch)
Tel: (02) 8436-9900
Fax: (02) 8436-9999
Email: adansw@adansw.com.au
- The University of Sydney, Faculty of Dentistry
Tel: (02) 9351-8308
Email: enquiries@dentistry.usyd.edu.au |
| |
Information Websites |
|
- The Australian Dental Association, Inc. (National)
Visit Website
- The Australian Dental Association, Inc. (National) Policy Statement on Specialisation in Dentistry
Visit Website
- The Australian Dental Association (NSW Branch) Ltd
Visit Website
- The University of Sydney, Faculty of Dentistry
Visit Website
- The Job Guide 2006 state occupation information
Visit Website
- AIHW Dental Statistics and Research Unit Publication list on dentistry
Visit Website
- Statistics and information on dentists in the Australian labour market
Visit Website |
| |
Interstate University Websites |
|
Dentistry offers many rewarding career options that combine science and technology with helping people enhance and maintain their oral health. Tomorrow’s dentists will be on the cutting edge of advanced technology, making the practice of a dentistry job even more challenging and rewarding.
A career in dentistry is exceptional and considered one of the ten most trusted and ethical professions. It offers the opportunity to be your own boss, to own a dental practice, to combine art and science as well as providing personal rewards and flexibility to balance a professional and personal life.
Studies in the field of dentistry lead to a range of dental careers . With the appropriate qualifications, you can secure dentistry jobs as hygienists, assistants, therapists, prosthetists and technicians or as a qualified Dentist you could be managing a team of dental specialists in your practice.
The NSW Branch of the Australian Dental Association provides you with great information regarding careers and jobs in dentistry ; we can help you with your decision to become a dentist or oral health graduate professional in NSW or throughout Australia.
If you are interested in oral health care , a rewarding career in dentistry awaits you. Learn about existing dental roles and available dentist positions or simply contact us to obtain more dental careers or dentistry courses information. |
SEO - Search Engine Optimisation by The SEO Works Company - SEO Sydney Australia
|