Qualifications Needed To Become A Dentist
Dentistry is defined as the known evaluation, diagnosis
, prevention, and treatment of diseases, disorders and conditions of the soft and hard tissues of the jaw (mandible), the oral cavity, maxillofacial area and the adjacent and associated structures and their impact on the human body. In the simplest terms, to become a dentist in the UK, you need to have a BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery) or BChD degree from a recognised university. This is the minimum qualification required to register with the Dentist's Register of the General Dental Council (GDC) to be able to practice dentistry in the UK. However, getting the degree is not simply a matter of enrolling in any university you desire. The process starts several years before, even before you choose your GCSEs and A levels.
That's because the degree course in dentistry is extremely rigorous and academically intensive, and hence, universities have stringent admission requirements. For entry to standard five-year degree programmes, you will usually need five GCSEs plus three A' levels (including two sciences) at grades AAA to ABB. Chemistry and biology are required in most cases. Applicants with non-science A' levels can also apply for dental degrees with the additional pre-dental year. These courses are longer at six years in length. Alternatives to A levels are also considered, such as an approved access course, VCE and Scottish qualifications.
If you are a graduate holding an upper-second class degree and have A level grades close to an university's standard requirements, you may be considered entry onto five-year standard degree courses. Additionally, there exists a few four-year accelerated degrees for graduates who hold a degree (at least at upper-second class level) in a degree with a large element of biology and chemistry. Graduates with a degree in biomedical science may also be considered. The UK clinical aptitude test (UKCAT) is generally used as part of the selection process.
After completing the degree, you will have to register with the GDC, the governing council for dentists in the country. However, even with the BDS degree and the GDC registration in hand, you cannot start practising right away. You will have to undergo an year of vocational training at a hospital or dental practice. If you want to to specialise in a certain area of dentistry such as orthodontics or periodontics you will need to obtain further education. Therefore, in a nutshell, you need the following qualifications to become a dentist:
* Top GCSE results over 2 years (5 at grades AAA to ABB)
* Top A levels over 2 years (3 including 2 sciences at grades AAA to ABB)
* BDS or BChD at dental school for 4/5/6 years as per different requirements mentioned above; usually 5
* Vocational training for at least 1 year
Being a dentist can be one of the most rewarding of professions, both personally and financially. Besides the satisfaction of helping others overcome their dental problems, it can be financially rewarding with a six-figure salary working just 37 hours a week. Besides that, you have absolute job security.
by: Chris Moresby
For Many People A Sedation Dentist Could Be The Best Choice For These Reasons How To Become A Dentist Dentists Why Have An Office Manager? Sedation Dentist: Help You Forget The Fear Of Visiting A Dentist Sedation Dentistry: Know What It Is All About Get Those Teeth Straight With Costmetic Dentistry Seattle Regain Confidence With Secure Smile To Hide Those Missing Teeth Anaheim Cosmetic Dentistry A Solution For Stained And Crooked Teeth Find A Dentist In Your Area That Specializes In Oral Surgery Find A Dentist In Your Area For Veneers And Dental Implants Makeover Dentist - What to Expect and What to Know? Good San Diego Dentists are Easier to Find Than Ever Before Los Angeles Porcelain Veneers Cosmetic Dentist