Dental services are provided by dentists, specialist dentists and other members of the dental team, including dental nurses, receptionists, support staff, technologists, hygienists, and dental therapists. Dentistry is practiced in hospitals, private practices, and in community and outreac h settings. Dental laboratories, run by prosthetists and teams of dental technicians, provide technical dentistry services. Specialist dentistry includes Oral-Maxillo Facial surgery, which is also a surgical specialty within medicine, that deals with complex dentistry conditions such as facial trauma.

The dental workforce provides an essential healthcare service to the community and is made up of multiple challenging and rewarding professions. The healthcare sector, including dentistry, continues to benefit from advancements in technology, and building a robust workforce remains integral to meet ongoing and future demand for dental services. Fortunately, there are numerous career paths within Dentistry, and many opportunities for career development and specialisation.

Dental Nurses work closely with dentists, patients and other members of the dental team, including hygienists and therapists. They provide clinical assistance, including infection control, chairside support, maintenance and set up of equipment and materials, and detailed record-keeping of patients' teeth and their clinical management. They support the dentist in undertaking procedures. They educate and support patients, providing holistic nursing care. They may help deliver public health programs in the community. To work as a Dental Nurse, there are apprenticeship or degree pathways, or the opportunity to transition from other nursing fields. Dental Nurses register with the GDC. They can undertake extra training to operate X -ray machines, make impressions and models of the teeth, or apply fluoride varnish. They can also gain specialised qualifications in dental implant nursing, oral health education, orthodontic nursing, dental sedation nursing and clinical photography. Dental Nurses can also pursue pathways to become a dental hygienist, dental therapist or orthodontic therapists.