A general dental practitioner (GDP) typically leads a team made up of dental care professionals (DCPs) and treats a wide range of patients, from children to the elderly.
Dentists work as self-employed practitioners in general practice, providing dental care to the public under the National Health Service (NHS) and/or privately.
Most dentists work in dental practices where the team may include a dental nurse, hygienist, therapist and technician, plus a receptionist.
Our dental team include a dental nurse, technicians and hygienist.
A dental nurse supports the dentist in all aspects of patient care, this includes getting the appropriate instruments ready, mixing materials and ensuring patient comfort. They will also take notes from dentists dictation for records and once the patient has left, the dental nurse tidies the surgery and sterilises all of the instruments.
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Typical work activities
A dentist is typically responsible for:
- educating patients on oral healthcare;
- examining teeth and diagnosing patients' dental conditions by using tools such as x-rays;
- assessing treatment options and agreeing treatment plans with patients;
- carrying out agreed clinical treatments such as restoring teeth affected by decay and treating gum disease;
- maintaining patients' dental records;
- recruiting, training and managing staff;
- managing budgets and maintaining stocks of equipment;
- keeping abreast of new developments through structured continuing professional development (CPD);
- marketing services to potential clients
