Dentist
Diagnose and treat dental problems while helping patients maintain healthy teeth, gums and long-term oral health.
What They Do
Dentists diagnose, prevent and treat conditions affecting teeth, gums and other structures of the mouth.
Their work may include examining patients, interpreting X-rays, treating tooth decay, performing restorative procedures, providing preventative care, managing gum disease and carrying out minor oral surgery.
Dentists also educate patients about oral health and may lead dental teams containing hygienists, therapists and dental assistants.
Who This Career Suits
Dentistry suits people who enjoy science and healthcare but also like practical, hands-on work.
It requires strong attention to detail, steady manual skills and the ability to make careful clinical decisions.
Dentists also spend a significant amount of time communicating with patients, so patience and the ability to help nervous or uncomfortable people feel at ease are important.
Key Skills
Clinical Judgement, Attention to Detail, Communication, Manual Dexterity, Problem Solving, Patient Care, Science, Leadership
Work Environment
Dental Clinic, Healthcare Facility, Indoor, Customer-Facing, Team-Based
Education & Training
Becoming a dentist in Australia requires completing a Dental Board of Australia-approved qualification that leads to general registration.
Australian programs include undergraduate dental degrees and postgraduate dentistry programs, depending on the university and entry pathway. Approved Australian dentistry programs commonly involve around four to five years of professional study. Dental Board of Australia
Graduates must meet the registration requirements of the Dental Board of Australia before practising as dentists.
Career Changer Pathway
Dentistry is possible as a career change, particularly for people with previous university study in science, healthcare or related areas.
Some universities offer postgraduate dental programs for applicants who have already completed an undergraduate degree.
However, because dentistry is a regulated clinical profession, previous work experience cannot replace the required approved dental qualification and registration pathway.
Early Career
Newly registered Dentists build clinical confidence across examinations, preventative care, fillings, treatment planning and general dental procedures.
They commonly work within established practices alongside experienced dentists and dental support staff.
Mid Career
Experienced Dentists manage increasingly complex cases and may develop particular interests in areas such as restorative dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, oral surgery or implant dentistry.
They may also supervise younger clinicians and take greater responsibility for managing a dental practice.
Senior / Veteran Career
Senior Dentists may own or operate dental practices, lead larger clinical teams or move into education, research or healthcare management.
Dentists can also undertake further specialist training in areas such as orthodontics, periodontics, prosthodontics or oral and maxillofacial surgery, subject to additional specialist-registration requirements.
Salary Guide
Early Career
90000
Mid Career
140000
Senior / Veteran
200000
Indicative annual salary (AUD)
Indicative annual salary (AUD)
Indicative annual salary (AUD)
Salary data source:
Jobs and Skills Australia / ABS
Salary data source URL:
Date :
4 October 2026 at 12:00:00 am
Career Outlook
Jobs and Skills Australia records approximately 25,800 Dental Practitioners, with annual employment growth of around 2,300 workers. Around 60% work full-time, and the median workforce age is 42. Jobs and Skills Australia
The dentist-specific ANZSCO profile records around 14,200 Dentists, although this six-digit employment figure comes from the 2021 Census rather than the latest Labour Force Survey data.
Job Outlook :
Outlook Source :
Strong
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