And then what?
The postgraduate opportunities in dentistry are changing rapidly, with the introduction of vocational training, general professional training and greater opportunities for specialization. Our course is designed to make the transition from undergraduate to vocational trainee as smooth as possible, and to ensure that our graduates are flexible enough to be able to adapt to a changing world.
After I'm qualified?
Once
you have qualified there are a number of different careers open to you. Everybody
needs to undergo a period of vocational training whatever branch of dentistry
they initially take up. Dentistry is a fairly flexible career and selecting
one particular branch does not mean that you cannot venture into others later
on in your career. Appropriate advice is available from your tutor as well as
other members of staff.
General Practice
In General Dental Practice you will join an established practice and work with a trainer who will guide you in those early months. In addition, in some schemes operated in different parts of the country, you have the opportunity to spend part of that vocational period in a dental hospital attachment. Further training is given in day release courses during this time and covers important aspects such as practice management, advanced clinical skills and even team-building!
Publicly Funded Services
The Community Dental Service runs as a complementary service to the general dental services. Dental officers working in this publicly-funded service provide dental care for those people either unwilling or unable to obtain care elsewhere, for example, disabled people, or for people in their own homes. In addition this service provides a screening programme in schools as well as dental health education and promotion to different groups. There are also career opportunities available in the Defence Services and as an industrial dental surgeon.
Universities - Teaching Students
Careers
in university dental schools also allow you to specialize in a particular aspect
of dentistry, combining research with teaching and the treatment of patients.
Hospitals - Specialist Care
In the Hospital Dental Service you will work in different departments under the guidance of consultants and at the end of a two-year period of professional training will be eligible to gain additional qualifications that set you on the career pathway of a specialist in your chosen subject. During this time you will have the chance to undertake small research or audit projects if you so wish and to write up your research for publication in a scientific journal.
