Dentist

 

Dentist Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications

A Dentist, or Dental Practitioner, performs oral examinations ,identifies and treat problems with the teeth and mouth. They also advise their patients on how to maintain good oral health and give them tips on how to prevent diseases of the teeth and gums.

Dentist duties and responsibilities

Dentists see patients and are often responsible for leading their practice. Their duties and responsibilities can include:

• Taking patients’ medical histories
• Diagnosing and providing appropriate dental treatment including regular cleaning, root canals, surgical extractions, implants and cosmetic dentistry
• Referring patients for surgery or orthodontic work
• Making moulds of patients’ teeth and preparing prosthetics such as crowns, plates and implants
• Maintaining accurate patient records and details of consultations
• Keeping up with best practices, new technologies and innovations in the field of dentistry
• Managing a team including Hygienists, Dental Assistants and administrative staff
• Performing staff recruitment and training

What does a Dentist do?

Dentists work in hospitals and in high street practices, with some operating in the community for those who are unable to access traditional dental care. Dentists discuss their patients’ dental care needs, examine their teeth and diagnose decay, infections and other diseases of the teeth, gums and mouth. They can prescribe medication and refer patients for investigations, surgery or other corrective or cosmetic work as required.

Dentists carry out a range of procedures, including taking X-rays, performing root canals and extractions, repairing damaged teeth and fitting crowns and plates. They work with other dental care professionals, such as Hygienists, Orthodontists and Dental Surgeons to provide a full range of dental care to their patients.

Dentist skills and qualifications

Dentists need to be dexterous and able to perform a variety of procedures while being patient focussed and running a practice. A successful Dentist candidate will have various prerequisite skills and qualifications that typically include:

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Problem-solving skills
• Being detail-oriented and thorough
• Patience
• Flexibility
• Methodical nature
• Leadership skills
• BDS, BChD or LDS
• Current General Dental Council (GDC ) registration to practice dentistry

Dentist experience requirements

Dentists can gain experience of working with patients during their training, but having experience of other roles, especially those that are customer-facing and roles that work with the public can prove to be an advantage. Experience of working in a Dental surgery shows that a candidate understands the basics of how Dentists operate. Senior Dentists usually need several years’ experience if they lead a team, Junior Dentists on the other hand may be offered additional training or mentoring in their role.

Many Dental students will volunteer in an office, care home, hospital or other dental care setting. They will work alongside experienced Dentists to get experience of the different disciplines involved in dentistry. Candidates with a wide range of experience can offer patients a more holistic service, so an understanding of the different branches of dentistry is a plus.

Dentist education and training requirements

Dentists need to complete a Degree in Dentistry for typically over five years in a course approved by the GDC. They then complete post-graduate dental training, which takes an additional one to two years. To secure a place on a dentistry course, aspiring Dentists may have to take an aptitude test, such as the University Clinical Aptitude Test or the BioMedical Admissions Test.

Dentists must also register with the GDC in order to practice and complete Continuous Professional Development on a five-year cycle to maintain their registration.

Dentist salary expectations

According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a Dentist is £66,006 per year, though this depends on the level of experience required, the type of setting and the location of the job.

Dentist Interview Questions

15 Dentist Interview Questions and Answers

How would you conduct a new patient’s oral examination at the clinic?

This question determines if the dentist knows the latest dental exam guidelines. It helps you understand the candidate's competency and level of comfort with routine tasks. You'll also learn how thorough the candidate is when examining a new patient, how effective their technique is, and how they help patients feel comfortable during the exam. What to look for in an answer:

• Knowledge of dental exam guidelines
• Attention to detail and meticulousness
• Prioritizing the patient's comfort

Example:

“I'll review the patient's health records and ask them about their concerns. I'll then examine the patient's teeth and gums for plaque and tartar. Next, I'd examine the tongue, jawbone, palate, and lips for signs of oral cancer or lesions. Then I would perform an X-ray to get a better look at the roots and check for issues below the gums or between the teeth.”

What local anaesthesia would you use for patients who need dental fillings?

This question will let you know how committed the candidate is to the patient's safety and comfort during a dental filling procedure. It also gives you insight into how knowledgeable the candidate is in local anaesthesia and the special precautions they should take when choosing and administering local anaesthesia to different patients. What to look for in an answer:

• An in-depth understanding of the different anaesthesia
• Knowledge on how the patients' allergies affect the choice of local anaesthesia
• Prioritizing the patient's comfort during anaesthetic injections

Example:

“I‘ll check a patient's health records to determine allergies and medical conditions before deciding on a local anaesthetic. I'll also monitor the patient throughout the procedure for any adverse reactions, like sweating, nausea, dizziness, convulsions, or hypotension, that may result from the local anaesthesia.”

How would you determine when dental X-rays are necessary, and how do you ensure patient safety during the procedure?

This question evaluates if the candidate's techniques and beliefs on X-ray frequency match those of your office. You'll get insight into whether they're likely to recommend clinically unnecessary or frequent X-rays to patients. It's also crucial that the candidate understands the precautions they should take when handling different patients. Their answer might show:

• Knowledge on when X-rays are clinically necessary
• Ability to diagnose conditions without using X-rays where possible
• Understanding of radiation safety

Example:

“I'll only recommend X-rays if a clinical examination proves insufficient. Where possible, I'd use radiation-free diagnostic methods like digital X-rays. I'll use thyroid shields and lead aprons for radiation shielding."

What oral healthcare issues do the elderly face?

The dental needs of patients vary with age. This question assesses the candidate's knowledge of the conditions and illnesses elderly patients face and how they affect their oral health and dental care. What to look for in an answer:

• Knowledge of how advanced age puts patients at risk for dental issues
• Recognition that proper dental hygiene can help the elderly keep most of their natural teeth
• Emphasis on the importance of preventive dental care 

Example:

“Elderly patients are at a higher risk of developing dental problems. Certain conditions like arthritis may make brushing and flossing difficult. A poor diet, medications, ill-fitting dentures, or loose fillings might contribute to poor dental health. The elderly must see a dentist immediately if they experience any pain or discomfort to save their teeth.”

How do you sterilise your equipment and how often?

This question tests how seriously the candidate takes the patient's health and whether they understand the importance of cleanliness in their practise. They should thoroughly clean and sterilised dental equipment and sanitise it between each patient. The candidate's answer may demonstrate:

• Understanding the importance of cleaning and sterilizing dental equipment
• Capacity to clean dental equipment and observe personal safety
• Knowledge of the risks associated with using unsterilised dental equipment 

Example:

“To protect both the patients and myself from infections, I'll clean and sterilise dental equipment after any dental procedure. I'll also pre-soak, clean, sterilise, dry, and store all equipment in dry and closed cabinets.”

What is your oral hygiene routine?

This question assesses the candidate's oral hygiene practises. It will provide insight into the importance they place on dental hygiene. What to look for in an answer:

• Stress on the importance of regularly seeing a dentist
• Emphasis on the importance of a healthy diet
• Knowledge of how dental health affects overall body health 

Example:

“I brush my teeth twice daily, in the morning and at night right before bed. I floss regularly and see a dentist at least twice a year. I also drink a lot of water, eat crunchy fruits and vegetables, and limit sugary and acidic foods. It's essential to maintain proper dental hygiene, as it promotes good overall health.”

Please describe how you would inform a patient that their tooth needs to be extracted.

This question assesses the two most essential qualities any medical professional should have—empathy and the ability to translate complex medical information into simpler terms patients can understand. Learning that a tooth extraction is necessary can upset a patient. What to look for in their answer:

• The candidate communicates clearly and in the simplest terms
• Empathy toward the patient
• Ability to create and nurture a good doctor-patient relationship

Example:

“I'd explain to the patient why tooth extraction is the only way to relieve their pain and discomfort. I‘d also explain the method of extraction I'll use, why it would be the most ideal method, and how the extraction would affect their oral health.”

How would you guide a pediatric patient through a tooth extraction?

Many dentists offer comprehensive dental care to the entire family. This question assesses whether the candidate has the skills and etiquette to work with children. It also gives you insight into whether they handle pediatric patients with special needs like autism or ADHD. What to look for in an answer:

• Capacity to calm a patient and encourage cooperation
• Ability to show the client patience 
• Simplification of medical terms

Example:

“Using simple and child-friendly language, I'll explain the entire dental procedure before starting. I'd describe each step as I performed it and continually assure them of their safety and check their comfort level.” 

How would you treat a patient who is afraid of getting dental work done?

This question shows the candidate's understanding of the psychological and social aspects of interacting with patients. Dentists need to understand their patients are human and may become vulnerable when in the dental chair. The candidate should assess the patient's reaction to being in the dental office and adopt behaviour that comforts the patient throughout the dental procedure. What to look for in their answer:

• Empathy toward the patient
• Effective communication
• Patience toward the patient 

Example:

“I'll explain all the treatment options to the patient to make them feel in control during the dental procedure. I'll also narrate every action during the procedure and ask for permission before moving to a new task.” 

How would you treat a patient who is a non-English speaker?

This question tests the candidate's ability to communicate effectively with patients even when there's a language barrier and their understanding of patient consent. What to look for in their answer:

• Knowledge of how to get a patient's consent in a legal and binding way
• Willingness to get a translator to ensure the patient understands their treatment options
• Capacity to keep the patient composed throughout the procedure  

Example:

“I'll use non-verbal cues like hand gestures to communicate with the patient as effectively as possible as we look for someone who can close the language barrier. Once we find a translator and conduct a dental exam, I'd then explain to the patient their treatment options.”

How do you handle patients who disagree with your course of treatment?

This question lets you know whether the candidate would remain courteous and professional in the face of criticism. It also gives insight into whether the candidate has appropriate conflict resolution skills and how they would apply them when working with different patients. You'll also learn about how far the candidate will go to ensure client satisfaction. The candidate's answer may demonstrate:

• Ability to remain respectful throughout the conflict
• Capacity to prioritise the patient's needs and satisfaction
• Proper use of conflict resolution strategies

Example:

“I'll listen to the patient and validate their concern. I'd then show them evidence for my treatment recommendations, explain the different courses of treatment, and explain why I settled on the particular one.”

How do you stay current with dental trends and technology?

Dentistry is a continually developing field. The candidate must ensure they stay up to date on dental trends, as this will help them rule out treatments that are no longer effective and offer patients the best dental care. An appropriate answer could communicate:

• Eagerness to learn and capacity to take initiative
• Desire to develop themselves professionally
• Knowledge of current dental practises 

Example:

“I attend conferences, workshops, and professional meet-ups near me. I also read dentistry journals to find out the latest developments in the industry. One of the most significant advances in the field is same-day restorations.”

Are you willing to work in the evening, during the weekend, or on holidays?

If your dental practise offers emergency dental services, it's essential to ask this question to find out if a candidate will fit into your practise. The candidate should attend to patients who need emergency dental care as fast as possible. What to look for in an answer:

• Openness to work outside  of regular business hours
• Ability to keep open lines of communication with patients
• Capacity to offer emergency dental care

Example:

“I'm open to working outside normal business hours to provide accessible and comprehensive dental care. If I'm not a vailable, I'll keep my lines of communication open to ensure patients can access me with ease.”

Can you handle administrative duties on top of your clinical responsibilities?

Every dental practise has a business side to it. The candidate should balance performing dental procedures and ensuring the operation and profitability of the practise. What to look for in an answer:

• The candidate can perform both dental and administrative tasks
• Knowledge in administrative aspects of a dental practise
• Ability to work with other professionals to ensure efficiency

Example:

“While I enjoy the medical side of a dental practise, I'm equally fascinated by the business side. I can achieve efficiency in operations, cost savings, and profitability in a dental practise. I've also worked closely with other professionals like marketing consultants and accountants to ensure I properly manage the business.”

Do you have experience working with a dental assistant?

This question assesses the candidate's ability to develop and work with a dental care team. Regardless of how talented a dentist is, teamwork keeps a practise functioning. In their answer, listen for:

• Experience working with a team
• Capacity to appreciate the value of others' work
• Ability to foster a culture that encourages the team to thrive

Example:

“Yes, I have. When the demand for my services is high, I might not attend to all the patients directly. I trust my dental assistants and the entire dental team to help patients and deliver exceptional dental care."

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