Careers in Dentistry and Dentistry Salary
With such high job prospects for graduates of a dental course, the career possibilities are endless. In Australia, dentistry students have the highest entry-level salary of any sector, with the average dentist graduate earning an average of $92,000 per year after completing a Bachelor degree in Dentistry. A dental assistant can earn more than $40,000 per year, with high salary growth very common in the Australian dentistry sector.
There’s plenty of career opportunities in Dentistry, from performing surgery and orthodontics through to assisting. Some of these careers in dentistry include:
- Dentist
- Dental Assistant
- Dental Hygienist
- Dental Nurse
- Oral or Dental Surgeon
- Orthodontist
- Endodontist
Dentistry courses in Australia
There’s a huge range of dentistry courses in Australia, available in-class in every state and territory. With a strong focus on practical learning and experience, courses in dentistry are very well regarded. Most courses, such as the Certificate III in Dental assisting involve work placement opportunities, so you can gain the skills and knowledge you need to enter the workforce under the supervision of an expert.
Some of the most popular dentistry courses include:
– Certificate III in Dental Assisting
– Diploma of Dental Technology
– Advanced Diploma of Dental Prosthetics
– Bachelor of Dental Surgery
– Bachelor of Dental Science
– Bachelor of Oral Health
– Graduate Diploma of Dentistry
Certificate III in Dentistry
If you’re ready to prepare yourself for the challenging world of dental assisting and want to ensure you have the skills you need to create a successful career; a Certificate in Dentistry such as the Certificate III in Dental Assistance is for you. These courses are aimed to prepare you for the role of a Dental technician or assistant through maintaining high standards of practical experience, health care procedures and hygiene.
Bachelor Degree in Dentistry
A Bachelor degree in Dentistry is essential if you have your eyes set on a career as a dentist. These three to four-year undergraduate courses are provided as select Universities in Australia that offer a Dental School. Currently, the Universities that offer Bachelors in Dentistry include:
- Charles Sturt University
- Griffith University
- James Cook University
- University of Adelaide
- University of Melbourne
- University of Queensland
- University of Sydney
- University of Western Australia
These are the only schools that offer dentistry education and are needed to enter careers in dentistry that include surgical work. The great thing about courses such as the Bachelor of Oral Health or the Bachelor of Dental Science is their reputation for providing skilled, knowledgeable graduates ready to enter the workforce. With so many job prospects and a salary verging on the $100K mark; these courses are a worthwhile investment.
What does a dentist do?
Dentists treat issues with teeth as well as provide preventative services such as cleaning to stop future damage or decay. They are responsible for promoting and maintaining oral health. Dental health is extremely important, and with 40% of young adults and children not visiting the dentists often enough; they are also very important in teaching proper oral hygiene care.
Oral health goes a lot further than just check-ups. Other important types of dentistry include:
- Endodontists: specialise in root canals and deep tissue issues in the mouth
- Paediatric dentist: specialise in oral health in children, until teen years
- Orthodontist: specialise in straightening teeth, including the use of bracers and correcting overbites
- Periodontist: specialise in gum diseases and types of dental implants
- Prosthodontist: specialise in issues relating to the teeth and jaw, including broken teeth and in some cases snoring problems
If you’re ready to take that first step to a thriving career, look no further than the in-demand and ever-challenging world of dentistry. With plenty of career opportunities waiting for you, browse a course today and find one that can help you turn your dream of a successful career into a reality.