Career Opportunities Within Dentistry
The Dental Practice is where most people associate working within the dental arena. However, there are other types of business that directly support the Dental Practice, each of which offers a variety of career opportunities.
Dentistry is much more than dentists and nurses - it is a £5 billion industry employing over 150,000 people. Healthcare is a major growth industry for the 21st century, as people are becoming more conscious of health and looking for the best service available. Working in the healthcare arena is therefore both challenging and rewarding.
You do not need to be a dentist to become a part of this exciting healthcare industry.
MANUFACTURERS
Manufacturers make the materials used in dentistry, such as ceramics and wax, and equipment used in the dental surgery, ranging from handpieces to x-ray machines. All these companies require the usual roles associated with a manufacturing company, offering jobs for people with all levels of qualifications and educational backgrounds:
- Research & Development
- Production
- Quality Assurance
- Distribution
- Sales & Marketing
- Customer Support
- Technical Support
- Engineers
- Finance & Accountancy
- Administrative staff
DENTAL DEALERS
Dental Dealers, acting as the distributor, also require people who have specialist knowledge of the equipment and materials they supply.
Roles associated within Dental Dealers are:
- Purchasing
- Warehouse Management
- Field Sales Team
- Tele-sales Team
- Marketing
- In-house Design
- Customer Support
- Technical Support
- Installation Engineers
- Finance & Accountancy
- Administrative staff
DENTAL TRADE PRESS
Along with manufacture and supply, there is an active Dental Trade Press. These publications inform Dentists and other members of the team about current trends and techniques within their profession, as well as advertising products and services from Dental Manufacturers and Dealers.
Aspiring journalists need a strong command of the English language and a flair for writing. The ability to work under pressure and tight deadlines is also important.
Trade press is a readily accessible route to a journalistic career, and also offers opportunities for individuals wanting to get into design, public relations and marketing.
DENTAL TECHNICIANS
Dental Technicians are registered dental professionals who make dental devices including dentures, crowns and bridges to a prescription from a dentist or clinical dental technician, for the purpose of improving patients’ appearance, speech and their ability to chew.
They are typically employed by Dental Laboratories. Their job involves working with materials such as metals, porcelain, wax, plaster and plastic, plus utilising hand and power tools for modelling, polishing, casting and welding.
A Dental Technician needs to be good with their hands and able to concentrate, as most of the devices will need to be finished to a high standard of accuracy and detail.
For further information about a career as a Dental Technician, visit:
DENTAL PRACTICE
If you are interested in a career as a dentist, hygienist, therapist or dental nurse, contact the relevant associations for information on qualification requirements and guidance on career options.
