Page 107 - JobsPlus - Occupational Handbook

Dentist
Occupation Code: 2261
Alternative titles: Dental Surgeon, Dental Practitioner
Job description and duties
Dentists prevent and treat oral problems, including disease and injury which harm teeth and mouth tissue. A Dentist is typically expected to:
• Examine a patient’s gums, jaw and teeth using various instruments including x-rays to evaluate oral health condition, note any abnormalities and plan and discuss treatment with the patient
• Diagnose and treat gum disease, fill cavities and remove decay
• Administer anaesthetic to reduce the pain felt during a procedure
• Replace missing or remove damaged teeth
• Improve the overall look of a patient’s mouth
using veneers and whitening techniques
• Take measurements and make impressions for dental appliances such as dentures or
crowns
• Advise patients on proper oral health
practices
• Prescribe medication as required
• Keep patient health records
• Refer patients to specialists should further
treatment be required
• In larger clinics, Dentists may be required to
recruit, manage and train staff
Work environment
Dentists may be employed in the public or private sector and typically work on a full-time basis. Some Dentists may work on Saturdays and also be on call should an emergency arise.
Dentists may also choose to be self-employed and a number may run their own clinic. In larger clinics and in hospital settings, a Dentist is typically in charge of a small team of people consisting of Nurses, Dental Assistants and Dental Hygienists.
Occupation data
Entry level education / special licences / warrants
To practice as a Dentist, a qualification at MQF Level 7 is required. Training programmes include:
• Master of Dental Surgery (University of Malta) (MQF Level 7)
Number of employees (2017)
52
Share of foreigners (2017)
6%
Job Outlook (2018 - 2022)
+17%
Median Pay (per annum)
€23,300
Occupational Handbook 2018
107