Dentist Salary in UK 2024

Becoming a dentist can be both tough and fulfilling. That is why it is important to know the dentist salary in UK. If you are thinking about being a dentist, it is good to know what the job involves.

Dentistry needs a lot of studying, but it is a good choice if you want to learn how to give the best care to your patients. 

In this article, we will talk about what dentists do, their usual tasks, how you can become one, the different types of dentists, dentist salaries in the UK, the skills they need, and how dentists usually progress in their careers. Let’s get started. 

Key Takeaways

• A dentist is someone who takes care of your teeth and mouth.
• Dentists can fix cavities, clean teeth, and teach you how to brush and floss properly.
• To become a dentist in the UK, you need to go to university and get a degree in dentistry.
• There are many different types of dentists, including general dentists, pediatric dentists, and orthodontists.
• The average dentist in the UK makes around £62,335 per year.

What Is A Dentist?

A dentist takes care of your teeth and mouth. They can work in their own office or at a clinic. Dentists do different things to keep your teeth healthy, like fixing broken teeth, filling cavities, and making your teeth straight. They also teach you how to take care of your teeth well. Sometimes they take X-rays of your mouth to see inside better.

What Does A Dentist Do?

To understand what dentists do, it is good to know their main tasks. Dentists do the following:

• Teach you how to take care of your teeth.
• Check your teeth to find any problems early.
• Fix dental issues like filling cavities or cleaning teeth.
• Make your teeth whiter if you want.
• Keep records of your visits and treatments.
• Send you to other dentists if you need special care.
• Make sure they have all the tools they need to help you.

How To Become A Dentist in the UK?

Many dental courses are available all over the world. But here is how to become a dentist in the UK: 

1. Complete your A-Levels

To become a dentist, you will need to go to university, so having A-Levels can help you get into a dentistry degree. Some schools might prefer you to have A-levels in biology and/or chemistry. But do not worry if your courses don’t ask for specific subjects, just make sure to check each university’s requirements.

2. Take a degree in dentistry

When you want to become a dentist, you will need to finish a dentistry degree approved by the General Dental Council (GDC). During the application process, you might have to take tests like the University Clinical Aptitude Test or BioMedical Admissions Test. 

If you already have a biology or chemistry degree with at least a 2:2 grade, you might qualify for a shorter, four-year degree. These tests make sure you have the right skills for your dentistry studies, such as good hand-eye coordination and a strong grasp of science.

You will also need to think critically, solve problems, and communicate well. Some universities offer an intercalated year where you study a different science subject between your second and third years. This helps you learn more and gain diverse experiences. 

You can choose from various subjects for your intercalated year. Some universities even let you study at another university for a year, especially if your university does not offer the subject you want.

3. Undertake postgraduate training

After you finish your degree, you can start training as a dentist. This training helps you learn how to treat patients before you start working on your own. You will usually train under a dentist for one to two years. It depends on where you train and what kind of dentistry you are learning about.

What Are The Types of Dentists?

There are different kinds of dentists, and each has its job. Here are some of the main ones:

• General dentists: They do regular check-ups, clean teeth, and fix dental problems like cavities or root canals.
• Pediatric dentists: They take care of kids’ teeth and give them treatments.
• Orthodontists: They help fix crooked teeth and jaws using braces or other devices.
• Periodontists: They focus on gum problems and work to keep gums healthy.
• Endodontists: They deal with issues with the nerves inside teeth, like root canals.
• Prosthodontists: They do cosmetic work on teeth and jaws, like whitening or making dentures.
• Oral surgeons: They handle surgeries for problems with the jaw or teeth, sometimes working with ear, nose, and throat specialists.

What Are The Skills Required To Be A Dentist?

To be a great dentist, you need to have certain skills. Here are some important ones:

• Communication: You should be good at talking to patients and explaining treatments.
• Concentration: It is important to stay focused during complex procedures.
• Leadership: If you have your clinic, you will need to lead your team well.
• Interpersonal: You should be friendly and understanding with patients from different backgrounds.
• Problem-solving: You will need to figure out the best solutions for your patient’s dental issues.
• Handling equipment: You will use special tools, so it is important to know how to use them safely.

What Is The Average Dentist Salary in UK?

If you want to be a dentist, here is some information about how much money you could make:

• On average, dentists in the UK earn about £62,335 a year.
• In big cities like London and Birmingham, dentists can make even more, around £80,000.
• If you work for the NHS, you might earn between £35,000 and £70,000.
• But if you work at a private practice, you could make up to £130,000 or even more, like £170,000 to £200,000.
• If you become an executive dentist or have your practice, you could make even more money.
• Having your practice means you can charge higher fees and make more profit from each patient.

NHS Dentist Salary in UK

If you work as a dentist for the NHS, you are usually self-employed. The average salary for NHS dentists is around £55,000 a year. But some earn less, and others earn more. 

Dentists who work with community dental services earn between £44,955 and £96,154 per year. Your salary might go up by 1-3% each year. 

To earn more, you might need to live in an area with higher wages or be willing to move there. NHS consultants in dental specialties earn between £88,364 and £119,133 per year.

Dentist Starting Salary in UK

If you are a new dentist starting at the NHS, you will need to do one year of dental foundation training. During this time, you will earn about £34,728. After that, you can do dental core training, which pays between £40,257 and £51,017. 

If you decide to specialize, you will make between £51,017 and £58,398. In private practice, your salary depends on your experience and where you work. Typically, private dentists start at around £36,787 to £40,643, according to PayScale.

Career Progression Of A Dentist in the UK

As a dentist, your career can go smoothly, especially if you are skilled. You might choose to open your clinic. It gives you more control. This means you will have more responsibility, like managing the clinic and keeping it up-to-date with the latest equipment.

If you work in a hospital, there is a structured path for career advancement. You can move into senior roles as you gain experience and skills through training and courses. You might specialize in areas like oral surgery or orthodontics. With more experience, you could even become a department head.

The average salary for a dentist in the UK is around £62,335 per year. But remember, this can change based on how experienced you are and where you work.

Dentist Salary in UK Summary

Career	Description	Average Salary
Dentist	Teach patients about oral health, diagnose and treat dental problems	£62,335/year
General Dentist	Do regular checkups, clean teeth, fix cavities	–
Pediatric Dentist	Care for children’s teeth	–
Orthodontist	Fix crooked teeth and jaws	–
Periodontist	Focus on gum problems	–
Endodontist	Deal with tooth nerve issues	–
Prosthodontist	Do cosmetic dentistry work	–
Oral Surgeon	Perform surgeries for jaw or teeth problems	–
NHS dentist	Self-employed dentist working for the National Health Service	£55,000/year
NHS consultant	Specialist dentist in the NHS	£88,364-£119,133/year
Private Dentist	Dentist working in a private practice	£36,787-£200,000+

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

It is important to remember that dentist salary in UK can vary because dentists work in different places and types of practices. Some work for the NHS, while others work privately. There are also different kinds of dental practices, like general or specialist ones.

The average dentist salary in UK working for the NHS is about £76,016 per year. However, some dentists feel they are not paid enough. That is why there might be strikes, especially among trainees. This could affect dentistry in different areas in the UK.