2253 — Dental practitioners

What this occupation covers

Dental practitioners diagnose dental and oral diseases, injuries and disorders, prescribe and administer treatment, recommend preventative action and, where necessary, refer the patient to a specialist.

Typical duties

examines patient’s teeth, gums and jaw, using dental and x-ray equipment, diagnoses dental conditions

assesses and recommends treatment options to patients

administers local anaesthetics

carries out clinical treatments, restores teeth affected by decay etc., treats gum disease and other disorders

constructs and fits braces, inlays, dentures and other appliances

supervises patient’s progress and advises on preventative action

educates patients on oral health care

refers patient to specialist, where necessary

maintains patients’ dental health records

prepares and delivers lectures, undertakes research, and conducts and participates in clinical trials

Entry routes and qualifications

Entrants require an approved university degree and must have completed a period of postgraduate vocational training. Graduate entry to dental school is sometimes possible. Registration with the General Dental Council is a pre-requisite to practise. Specialist fields require further study and training.

Sponsorship information

Higher Skilled. Actual duties, sponsor, applicant, salary and any transitional or shortage-list conditions must be checked.

DBS assessment

No code-wide DBS assessment is assigned. Check actual duties, activities, workplace, frequency and jurisdiction. This code does not determine the level of check.

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