You’re working in a dental practice in Anlaby Road, West Hull. Your first patient is upset. He fell over and broke his front tooth, bringing his broken porcelain crown with him in a hankie. He’s reassured by you and the dental nurse before you re-cement the crown back into place, restoring his smile.
There’s a steady stream of patients all day. Some need check-ups, others fillings or x-rays. Your last patient of the day is a lady who has made an emergency appointment. She has been struggling with toothache all weekend after an infection caused by a lower left tooth.
You take out the tooth and prescribe antibiotics to help fight the infection. Her pain has gone and she thanks you. You finish your day feeling happy to make a difference to many people’s lives.
You enjoy being part of a team and have good communication skills. You will be working with a range of people, not just patients but your colleagues, other health professionals and hospital specialists. You’re great with your hands. You are a caring individual who always wants the best for others.
Six or seven high grade 9-6 (A*-B) GCSE grades (or the equivalent), preferably including a science subject, and be all set to take three A-Levels (or the equivalent) at college or sixth form.
Dentistry is an extremely competitive field, so setting yourself apart from the crowd is a requirement if you wish to get onto a dental degree course.
You will need three good A-Levels (once again check individual university websites for entry requirements), along with a well-balanced CV including some work experience.
Dentistry is a five-year course and once you have graduated you must undertake a further year of paid training in order to work in a NHS dental practice.
We'd love to hear from you. If you'd like to talk to us about apprenticeships and traineeships, email hyp-tr.apprentices@nhs.net
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