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.

Dentists, also known as general dental practitioners (GDPs), provide comprehensive and general dental care to people of all ages in the community, including preventive, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry. They apply fixed prosthodontics, provide periodontal therapy, and perform extractions, surgery, and emergency procedures. They often lead a team of dental professionals and staff. They can diagnose diseases, design treatment plans, perform hygiene checks and periodic exams, take and interpret X-rays and other diagnostic tests, prescribe medications, and refer patients for specialty care as required. General Dentists work in primary and secondary care settings, including private practices and dental hospitals. They may be involved in community and public health dentistry, and teaching. Dentists have completed a 5-year degree in dentistry and postgraduate training. They are registered with the GDC. With further training, they can pursue a dental specialty, such as oral and maxillofacial surgery, oral surgery, orthodontics, paediatric dentistry or restorative dentistry.