Post GDC Registration: Job Opportunities

Unlocking Your Dental Career in the UK

Congratulations on achieving your GDC registration! This milestone opens up numerous career pathways in the UK’s thriving dental industry. To help you make informed decisions, we’ll explore the structure of dental services in the UK and the roles available in both secondary and primary care. Here’s your guide to navigating this exciting phase of your career.

Understanding the Structure of the UK Dental Industry

The UK dental sector is divided into two main categories:

1. Secondary Care
2. Primary Care

Let’s take a closer look at these categories and the opportunities they offer.

Secondary Care: Specialized Dentistry in Hospitals

Secondary care refers to dentistry provided in hospitals, typically for complex cases referred by general dentists. When a case requires advanced expertise, it is triaged at a hospital and handled by specialists in areas like oral surgery, orthodontics, restorative dentistry, and, in some instances, endodontics.

Key Roles in Secondary Care

Hospital-based roles offer structured career progression and include:

• Senior House Officer (SHO): A role designed to help early-career dentists gain clinical experience.
• Staff Grade Officer: A mid-level position requiring additional experience.
• Consultant: A senior-level role specializing in advanced procedures.

How to Secure a Secondary Care Role

• Temporary Registration: Dentists without permanent GDC registration can work in secondary care under temporary registration for up to five years. During this time, clearing the ORE or LDS exams is essential to continue practicing in the UK.
• Application Process: Recruitment for secondary care positions is managed by the NHS (National Health Service) via their job portal and hospital networks. These roles offer fixed salaries with additional bonuses for overtime.

Primary Care: General Dentistry in Practices

Primary care involves treating patients in community-based dental practices. It can be divided into two categories:

1. NHS Dentistry: Dentists provide treatments under NHS contracts, which outline the dental services to be delivered.
2. Private Dentistry: Often part of mixed practices, where both NHS and private services are offered.

Working in NHS Dentistry

• Units of Dental Activity (UDA): NHS dentists are paid based on the UDAs completed. Rates are negotiated with employers and depend on the complexity of the work.
• Performer Number: To work in the NHS, you need a Performer Number. This is separate from your GDC registration number and is essential for practicing within the NHS system.

How to Obtain a Performer Number

There are two main pathways:

1. Dental Foundation Training (DFT):
   • A one-year structured program open to both UK and foreign graduates.
   • Recruitment is highly competitive, with UK graduates given preference.
   • The selection process includes OSCE-style assessments and interviews.
   • Successful candidates train under an NHS-approved mentor.
2. Performer List Validation by Experience (PLVE):
   • Also known as Vocational Training by Equivalence, this route is ideal for overseas-qualified dentists.
   • While PLVE is self-funded, dentists earn UDA-based pay during their training.
   • The process includes assessments, mentoring fees, and can take 1.5 to 2 years to complete.

Opportunities in Private Dentistry

Private practices are an excellent choice for dentists who prefer flexibility and autonomy. Unlike NHS roles, a Performer Number is not required to work in private dentistry. Salaries are typically commission-based, ranging from 40% to 50% of patient fees after deducting expenses.

Tips for Success in Private Dentistry

To thrive in private practice:

• Focus on building advanced skills and confidence.
• Develop strong patient communication to ensure satisfaction and loyalty.

The Role of SIMS Dental Academy in Your Career Journey

At SIMS Dental Academy, we are committed to helping you achieve success at every step of your UK dental career. Here’s how we support you:

1. Comprehensive Training

• Our ORE2 courses are led by experienced instructors who provide insights beyond the exam syllabus.
• Gain hands-on experience in cutting-edge dental techniques, including restorative and aesthetic procedures.

2. Career Guidance

• Receive personalized advice to help you navigate the complexities of NHS and private practice systems.

3. Affordable and Flexible Options

• We offer some of the most affordable training programs in the UK without compromising quality.
• Our flexible schedules are designed to accommodate working professionals.

4. Ongoing Support

• Access continuous guidance via WhatsApp and email, ensuring you have expert assistance whenever needed.
• Enjoy free course retakes if you require additional preparation.

Final Thoughts

The UK dental industry offers abundant opportunities for GDC-registered dentists, whether you pursue secondary care, NHS dentistry, or private practice. With proper preparation, skill-building, and guidance from SIMS Dental Academy, you can confidently navigate your career path and achieve long-term success.

Ready to take the next step? Join SIMS Dental Academy today, and let us help you unlock your potential and thrive in the dynamic UK dental market.