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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, DVT and DCT 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.

Non-clinical career options

From teaching, to dento-legal advisory positions and expert witness roles – these careers allow you to apply your dental expertise in dynamic and impactful ways. Discover how you can make a difference outside of traditional practice.

Specialty training

Whether you're interested in orthodontics, oral surgery or another specialty, this advanced training opens doors to new professional opportunities and allows you to provide specialised care. Explore how specialty training can shape the future of your career.

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.

Learning and development

All qualified dentists in the UK have a responsibility to maintain and develop professional knowledge and ensure that personal behaviour maintains patients’ confidence to provide the best possible treatment and care. We offer a variety of resources to ensure your professional skills and knowledge are up to date. 

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Popular blogs

Blog

Wednesday 17 Jul 2024

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.

Blog

Tuesday 11 Jun 2024

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.

Blog

Friday 8 Mar 2024

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. 

Blog

Friday 8 Mar 2024

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.

Blog

Friday 8 Mar 2024

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.

Blog

Friday 8 Mar 2024

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.

Blog

Thursday 7 Mar 2024

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.

Blog

Tuesday 23 Jan 2024

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.

Blog

Thursday 4 Jan 2024

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.

Blog

Tuesday 5 Dec 2023

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.

Blog

Tuesday 31 Oct 2023

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.

Blog

Friday 29 Sep 2023

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.