Dentist

Dentists help patients maintain their oral health and treat gum and tooth diseases.

Dentist Job Description

Examine teeth, gums, and jaw areas to identify oral problems.
Restore and replace tooth damage caused by disease or injury.
Advise patients on proper oral health care to prevent future problems.
Apply sealants, take moulds, and extract teeth, making patients' teeth look better (e.g. polishing teeth).
Fill cavities and remove tooth decay using brushes, forceps, and drills.

Note

Dentists may suffer from back and neck problems as they have to keep themselves in a bent-over position while working.

What you should know about Dentist jobs in Singapore

Nature of Work

You may encounter challenging patients such as crying children who might bite you or patients with bad breath or poor hygiene.

Key advice

Continuously educate yourself about the latest dental technologies and techniques to keep you ahead in your field.

Entry Requirements

Entry Requirements
In Singapore, only the National University of Singapore (NUS) offers a full-time dental degree course. You can also study at other overseas institutions recognised by the Singapore Dental Council.
Possible Pathway

Possible Pathway

Skills you need to pursue a Dentist career in Singapore

Hard Skills

Dental Assessment

Proficiency in conducting comprehensive dental examinations to diagnose health and plan appropriate treatment.

Teeth Restoration

Expertise in various teeth restoration techniques to restore the function and aesthetics of teeth.

Manual Dexterity and Precision

Develop excellent manual dexterity for performing precise and intricate dental procedures.

Soft Skills

Communication

Excellent communication for explaining diagnoses, treatment plans and oral hygiene practices to patients.

Collaboration

Ability to collaborate with dental hygienists, and assistants to provide comprehensive dental care.

Customer Orientation

A patient-centred approach, focusing on understanding and meeting the individual needs of each patient.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Where can Dentists work after getting a Degree?

Public health Dentists work in schools, hospitals, polyclinics, etc. Private health Dentists will work in a private dental clinic.
What are some additional tests Dentists are required to take and pass?

Dentists need to have good hand-eye coordination to pass a dexterity test. Dexterity tests measure the ability to use the fingers, hands and arms to perform a task. They also need to clear the Multiple Mini Interviews (MMIs) which take place between March and April each year.
Can Dental Nurses eventually become Dentists?

Yes, it is possible. Dental Nurses can eventually become Dentists. They gain valuable experience and knowledge about Dentistry while being Dental Nurses.
How do Dentists approach and ease patients who have anxiety about going through with dental procedures?

They create a welcoming and calming environment that may help the patient feel at ease. They also ensure the dental office has a warm and inviting atmosphere.
What are the challenges faced by Dentists?

Dentistry is a field that constantly evolves with new research, techniques, and technology. Staying up to date with can be challenging but crucial to providing the best care for patients.