We all have teeth. When they need fixing and we’re in pain, it’s not something that can be delayed for long either. As such, dentistry is a good career to get involved with because it’s something of a necessity for everyone. In this article, we explore dentistry and whether it’s a lucrative or interesting career choice for you.
Working in a Dental Practice
Roles in a dental practice don’t only include the receptionist and the dentists. There are levels in between to enter the profession, progress gradually, and eventually become an accomplished dentist.
A dental hygienist and a dental assistant are respected jobs where the person works in concert with the dentist to perform at their best. They often pay close to the national UK average wage of around £27,000-£30,000 depending on what part of the country you’re located in. So, it’s more than enough to get started in the profession before building up to bigger and better things.
Becoming a Dentist Through Progressive Stages
While you can study to become a dentist, there’s an educational track that allows the student to advance their education and standing over time. Becoming a dentist is significant. Newly qualified dentists can progress in a dental surgery if they’re already employed there, or move to another dental surgery with an opening. But it’s not necessary to stop there.
By learning new dental procedures, you can expand your abilities to better serve dental patients. Enrolling on orthodontic courses is a good example of this. These offer the knowledge and training to become proficient at eventually fitting a set of braces for a patient. They are usually post-graduate courses that requires a year and can be studied mostly online. You can apply for an orthodontic course at the London Dental Institute which has a strong reputation for excellence. They even make it possible to spread the cost of the course, which makes it even more affordable.
Does a Career as a Dentist Pay Well?
In the UK, there are different types of dentists: there are those that work under the NHS system, but they are paid a little less than those who work on behalf of Bupa, or only in private practice. An NHS dentist at a lower level may earn £30,000-£50,000 per annum, whereas a dentist in private practice working at a more advanced level could command £80,000-£100,000 a year. Certainly, as a dentist who progresses into upper-level positions with a more substantial educational background coupled with experience, their remuneration can grow considerably over time.
Is Dentistry the Right Career for You?
It’s possible to train and work in a dental practice as a dental assistant or a dental hygienist for a year or more to see how you take to it. Working in a dental practice first instead of committing to a long period of study to become a dentist may be preferable for some. Certainly, it will provide a better appreciation for what’s involved as a dentist by working initially in a supporting role.
The good news is that becoming a dentist is pretty lucrative. So, if you’re a money-oriented person looking to get into a well-paid new career and increase your investments over time, this is a great option.
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