Responsibilities

• Diagnose and treat oral conditions across general dentistry and specialist areas.
• Plan and deliver fillings, crowns, root canals, extractions, and orthodontic work.
• Specialise after 2–5 years into oral surgery, orthodontics, paediatric dentistry, periodontics or prosthodontics.
• Work in NHS, mixed NHS/private, fully private clinics, or hospital trusts.

Typical career progression

• Year 1 (DF1): Foundation Dentist – 12‑month Dental Foundation Training under supervision.
• Years 2–5: Associate Dentist – build clinical confidence and consider a specialty.
• Years 5–10: Specialist / Senior Associate – complete a 3‑year accredited postgraduate programme.
• Year 10+: Practice Principal / Consultant – own or open a practice, or progress to hospital consultant.

Specialist fields

• Orthodontics
• Oral surgery
• Paediatric dentist...