Figures revealed this week show that dentists are earning up to £300,000 a year in England and Wales.
The NHS information centre showed that out of 19,000 practicing dentists in the country 382 earned over £300,000 including expenses, 113 dentists earned £275,000 to £300,000, while 159 earned £250,000 to £275,000.
The average annual income of a dentist is over £89,000 with one top dentist reported to be earning over £380,000.
Of the 19,000 dentist working in England and Wales around 7,500 have a contract with the Local Primary Care Trust, or the Local Health Board.
The figures released could not be compared to any previous year’s earnings due to the calculation process being done differently.
Chief Executive of the NHS Information Centre, Tim Straughton, said: “The England and Wales report looks at earnings of in the second year of the new contractual system and reveals the average earnings of NHS dentists varies greatly depending on whether they personally held a contract with their primary care organisation.”
The contract was introduced by the government in the hope that it would put an end to the critics of the ‘drill and fill’ culture that surfaces as a result of dentists being paid per filling. The contract was introduced in April 2006, and means that dentist are now paid for every piece of dental activity and the type of treatment taken.
Is that why dental treatment in the UK costs so much? Have you thought about going abroad for your dental treatment, saving over 50%, no waiting time, and having it all done in just 2-3 visits instead of 10 5-10 minute slots over 1 year?
Dentistry in the UK is a very frustrating Job. If you take a look into english teeth when they smile. You find lots of Amalgfillings, missing teeth and cheap dentures.
I’m sure it is, but on the other-side, you get to meet a great bunch on nice people, who are so happy when you get the smiling naturally again 😉
Since I was a child my dream is to become a dentist and now I’m in year 9 and I’m going to pick my GCSE’s this year so I will be going forward into that so i would really appreciate it if someone could give me some advice please
That’s fantastic that you have a clear career goal in mind! Choosing your GCSE subjects with a career in dentistry in mind is a great first step. Here are some tips and considerations to help guide your decisions:
1. **Focus on Science and Maths:** For a career in dentistry, strong foundations in sciences, especially Biology and Chemistry, are crucial. Maths is also important, not only for dentistry itself but for the university admissions process. Ensure these subjects are among your choices.
2. **Consider Additional Sciences or Psychology:** If your school offers Triple Science (Biology, Chemistry, and Physics separately), taking all three could be beneficial. Although Physics is not directly related to dentistry, the problem-solving skills it teaches are valuable. Psychology can also be helpful, as understanding patient behaviour can be a part of your future job.
3. **English is Important:** Good communication skills are vital in dentistry for interacting with patients, colleagues, and understanding complex information. Ensure your English (both language and literature, if possible) skills are strong.
4. **Work on Your Manual Dexterity:** While not directly related to GCSE choices, developing skills that demonstrate your manual dexterity can be beneficial for a career in dentistry. This could be through hobbies or extracurricular activities like playing a musical instrument, sculpting, or sewing.
5. **Research and Experience:** Try to gain some experience or shadowing in a dental practice. This will not only confirm your interest in the field but also strengthen your university application later on. It might also give you insights into what subjects are truly useful in daily dental practice.
6. **Language Can Be a Plus:** If you have an option to study a foreign language, consider taking it. Being bilingual or having proficiency in another language can be a valuable asset in many professional fields, including dentistry, as it may allow you to communicate with a broader range of patients.
7. **Stay Flexible:** While it’s great to have a career goal, keep an open mind about your subject choices and future opportunities. Interests and career paths can evolve, and a broad education can serve you well in the long run.
Finally, it’s a good idea to speak with your teachers, career guidance counsellor, or even reach out to local dentists for advice and insight into the profession. They can provide valuable information and guidance tailored to your situation and interests. Good luck with your GCSE choices and your journey toward becoming a dentist!