Career paths in dentistry

Whether you are seeking guidance after graduation or considering expanding your skills later in your career, we can help you navigate your professional path in dentistry. All members have access to our career hub resources and files, simply log in to keep exploring. Not a member? Join today.

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How to become a dentist

Learn how to become a dentist in the UK. This section covers dental degrees, dental schools, training routes and answers to common student questions.

Getting your first job in dentistry

Prepare for life after graduation with our comprehensive guide to training options including DFT and DVT to help you secure your first job in dentistry.

Career options

What specialty training and career options are available to me? Find the answers to your questions in this section.

Professional development

Find out about CPD recommended by the regulator as well as how to write a CV and what's involved in specialty training.

Volunteering and working abroad

There are many other dental career options open to qualified dentists, including the possibility of working abroad or volunteering to participate in dental projects in developing countries.

Overseas dentists working in the UK

Dentists who qualified overseas need to comply with a variety of requirements before working in the UK.

For student members

Apply to our Future Leaders Programme

Our Future Leaders Programme offers an unprecedented introduction into the world of dental leadership, providing insider knowledge across various domains such as governance, policy and research, education, PR and media, and more. BDA student members can apply now for the 2024/25 cohort.

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Popular blogs

Your application process through Oriel

As you approach the end of your time at university, you will have to apply through Oriel for Dental Foundation Training (DFT) in England, Northern Ireland, and Wales or Vocational Training (VT) in Scotland.

The Future Leaders Programme: A unique experience

BDA Student Committee vice-chair Joshua Kennedy on his experiences of the Future Leaders Programme (FLP), and his recommendations to others considering joining it.

The importance of gender equality in dentistry

Women play a huge role in the development of dentistry, however, there is still work to do on gender equality. Nadia Ahmed shares her experiences throughout her career, and as Chair of the BDA Central Committee for Hospital Dental Services. 

Unique challenges face women in dentistry

Women play a huge role in the development of dentistry, however, there is still work to do on gender equality. Lauren Harrhy shares her experiences throughout her career.

Balancing priorities as a woman in dentistry

Women play a huge role in the development of dentistry, however, there is still work to do on gender equality. Laura Cross shares her experiences throughout her career.

Improving equality in leadership roles

Women play a huge role in the development of dentistry, however, there is still work to do on equality. Ellie shares her experiences and views on equality in dentistry.

Representation of women in dentistry

Women play a huge role in the development of dentistry, however, there is still work to do on gender equality. Roz shares her experiences throughout her career in dentistry and on committees.

Navigating your Dental Foundation Training

The transition from a university environment to working in your approved practice can feel daunting. Despite looking forward to this transition throughout your final year of dental school, independently conducting examinations and treatment planning may seem intimidating.

Dental adventures in the Canadian Backwoods and Arctic

Dentistry can be challenging work. Performing dentistry under the extreme weather conditions found in places such as British Columbia and the remote settlements in the Canadian Arctic makes the process even more demanding.

The challenges facing asylum seekers in dentistry

Relocating to a new country and finding a route to practise dentistry is a very difficult experience. Having to uproot your life, along with your family, to try and find a safer environment can be incredibly stressful and, at times, terrifying.

Taking your Situational Judgement Test

All applicants to DFT must take the Situational Judgment Test, which is a computer-based assessment designed to determine essential competencies outlined in the national Person Specification.

Hidden Heroes Day: Rewarding work in secure settings

This Hidden Heroes Day, we celebrate all dentists and dental teams working in secure settings, which offer an incredibly rewarding career path with the opportunity to work in a multidisciplinary team.

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