Dental Practitioner

Overview

Dental Practitioners examine dental patients and treat dental issues to restore normal oral function. A broad range of treatments are applied, including teeth cleaning, applying fillings, removing teeth and specialist surgical techniques. They also advise patients on best oral health practices and dental disease prevention.

Work is in dental surgeries, hospitals or community health centres; weekend and evening work is possible.

Suits people who have fine attention to detail, good eyesight, and who can communicate with a diverse range of people.

Day-to-day

• examine patient mouths, teeth, gums and jaws
• diagnose dental diseases using x-ray, salivary tests and medical history
• treat diseased teeth and gums
• replace missing teeth with implants, bridges or dentures
• improve the appearance and health of teeth with veneers, crowns, bleaching or braces
• advise patients on best practice oral care, teeth cleaning and disease prevention
• contribute to a diagnosis of diseases with oral manifestations, such as diabetes
• lead a dental team which may include dental hygienists, dental therapists, dental assistants and other dental specialists.