dental

Dental

Dental Apprenticeships could range from you being an assistant to a dental technician. During a Dental Apprenticeship you'll be working alongside experienced professionals while gaining a recognised qualification. With the industry estimated to grow over the next 10 years, there are plenty of choices for you.

Industry Summary

As a dental apprentice, you'll be learning about the industry from the inside with experienced professionals. By learning the ins and outs of the business you'll know where you'd like to focus your expertise, alternatively you may opt to go to university and learnt he academic theory behind the industry and how you can help improve it.

The dental industry is all about preventing and treating problems with gums, teeth and the mouth, which includes injuries or other dental issues. It's not all about the dentists themselves though! There is a lot more behind the industry, such as the dental practice managers, demonstrators that make sure patients arrive on time and much more!

The dental industry is vast, and your career could take you through a number of routes. You could work in private dental practice, an NHS hospital trust, community dental service or even as part of the armed forces!

What options can I take for a career in the dental industry?

Work Experience

Work experience in the dental industry is incredibly important when you're starting out as it is so competitive, particularly in medical professions. However, don't worry yourself sick as the industry is set to grow! Dental work experience will give you the opportunity to ask the professionals what they look for in new talent and more importantly find out whether you like the job. This will also help you in job interviews, your personal statement for university or your apprenticeship application.

Apprenticeships

An apprenticeship is ideal if you want to get straight into the working world but you're not ready to leave your education behind you. You'll be working alongside experienced colleague while spending 20% of your time working towards a qualification that your employer pays for, and you'll get a salary! You'll be able to apply what you learn to your job and get more responsibility as your knowledge improves. There currently aren't any dental degree apprenticeships available, this isn't to say that they're not in the pipeline! These are the other apprenticeship opportunities in the dental industry that are currently available.

• Level 3 – Dental Laboratory Assistant
• Level 3 – Dental Nurse
• Level 4 – Dental Practise Manager
• Level 5 – Dental Technician

University

Many people who are interested in the dental industry choose to go to university to start their career, this tends to be the case with those interested in more medical careers. If you choose to go to university, you'll be studying the academic and theory behind the role you want to take which you'll be able to apply to your job when you graduate. Many dental degrees also give you the option for a placement in your course. You'll also be able to choose certain units that interest you more to specialise further in the subjects that interest you the most. Some degrees in dental include:

• Dental Hygiene and Dental Therapy BSc (Hons)
• Dentistry BDS
• Dental Surgery BDS
• Oral Health Science BSc
• Dental Therapy BSc (Hons)
• Clinical Dental Technology BSc (Hons)
• Bio-dental Science and Technology BSc (Hons)

Other routes

There are other routes to get into the dental industry, however it is an academic heavy industry. Some people may get straight into a role such as an administrator and progress their way up to a dental manager, whatever option you choose, make sure it is right for you.

Now it’s time to begin your dental search