Dental degrees are available at many different universities in the UK; most have a similar format and last for either five or six years. Most courses combine theoretical learning and academic study with practical work placements and experience in a clinical setting.

During the course of the degree programme, students will learn how to carry out routine dental treatments, which they will then put into practice both during and after the course. Graduates are required to complete a period of professional training in order to practise. Dentists then choose whether to go into general dentistry, which includes routine treatments such as check-ups, cosmeticdentistryguide.co.uk/articles/root-canal.html treatment and fillings, or to specialise in a certain area.

Many dentists work for the NHS and many work privately and increasingly, dentists are choosing to do both. Private work is better paid and offers more flexible hours, while the NHS offers a good benefits package. Dublin dentists tend to earn more than dentists in other parts of the country. Many private dentists are taking advantage of systems like dental guide to practices so that they can run their own surgeries.