Career paths in dentistry

Dentists pursue careers in many different areas after graduation including general practice, hospital dentistry, community dentistry, armed forces dentistry, corporate dentistry, industry dentistry or university teaching and research. Portfolio careers are also increasingly common.

There are a wide variety of careers and many different training paths and specialities open to you. We can offer advice on the options and how to pursue a career in dentistry.

The pathways to becoming a dentist

Career advice

How do I become a dentist? What specialisms and career options are available to me? Find the answers to your questions in this section.

Student guides and resources

Our Career guide and First job guide support student members to prepare for life after graduation. Our Chairside podcast is available to members and non-members alike.

Overseas dentists working in the UK

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

Career guide

Learn more about careers in dentistry in our Career guide, available to download for all members.

Learn more

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An introduction to careers in dentistry on-demand webinar

An insight into the range of different career pathways available to newly qualified dentists

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Dentistry's jobs board

1000s of dental jobs from all around the UK updated daily. Free nurse and support role vacancy ads for members.

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Student 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.

Academic posts for Dental Foundation Training

Deciding on a Dental Foundation Training (DFT) post can be difficult as each scheme offers different experiences, and you are still setting a path for your future career.

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.

Ranking your Dental Foundation Training schemes

Paul Blaylock, BDA Board member and Chair of the Students Committee, answers the most frequently asked questions on ranking your Dental Foundation Training (DFT) schemes.

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 value of Foundation Training

As university students, we often don’t realise how big of a difference we can make in people’s lives. Dentistry is a unique path, it allows you to continue learning throughout your career, gaining knowledge that will help you further support your patients.