Dental offices employ assistants, hygienists, technicians and dentists.

Dentists Directory in UK

Jobs and employment in dental offices and clinics may include receptionists, dental assistants, dental hygienists, dentists, bookkeepers, billing staff and x-ray technicians.

Dentist Jobs

In the UK, most General Dental Practitioners (GDPs) practice under NHS, and and are usually self-employed. Many see private patients as well. Dental practice owners often employ other dentists, as well as dental hygienists, dental technicians, and dental therapists, plus assistants and office staff.

Dentists are responsible for all oral health needs of their patients, and their post-graduate training extends several years. Many dentists now limit their practice to a specialty, and rely on referrals from general dentists.

Dental Therapist Jobs

Dental therapists carry out clinical work under the supervision and written prescription of dentists. Dental therapists also give educational materials to adults and children, as well as people with special needs. They may give periodontal therapy (treatment of gum disease), and they also may administer anaesthetics.

Dental Therapists' educational roles involve teaching oral hygiene, motivating patients to maintain good oral cleanliness and health, and assist with information about the choices in dental care. Dental therapists also counsel patients regarding the relationship between proper nutrition and oral health.

Dental Hygienist Jobs

Dental hygienists primarily clean teeth, however they also may be the first person the patient sees, and they perform a preliminary examination and inform the supervising dentist of their findings. Dential hygienists may provide both periodontal therapy and preventative treatments.

Dental hygienists also teach patients how to control plaque through effective brushing and flossing, and they may give advice on the relationships between diet and oral health. Dental hygienists may also advise patients regarding general health issues such as quitting smoking.

Dental Technician Jobs

Dental technicians may work directly for a general dentist, or they may be employed separately making prosthodontic and orthodontic appliances. Dental technicians fabricate devices to a dentist's prescription. Orthodontic appliances are made from plastic or metal, and they assist in orthodontics or alignment of the teeth. Crown and bridgwork applicances help restore missing or broken teeth, and they may be held in place by permanent cement. Prosthetics (dentures) may be removeable, and are usually made of plastic with realistic looking teeth.