The AKS Career Fair

Rachel Jones from Neoss, David Baybutt from Staina House Dental, Amy and Stuart Barnes from The Lytham Dental Clinic

Last month we were invited to attend the AKS careers fair. It was a real privilege to meet all the students who wanted to embark on a career in dentistry. 

 Obviously, the main conversation was; what do universities expect from prospective young dentists. Well, all the universities expect 3 As at A level, that must include biology and chemistry. No mean feat, even for the brightest of children! 

 Proudly, we discussed the daily life of a dentist and the different aspects of the profession. Whilst talking to the students about our daily life, we noted that being a dentist is not the only career in the profession. 

 Let’s analyse the running of our practice, when you ring us, who do you speak to? Our treatment coordinators. They organise the diary of our clinicians and play a pivotal role of the running of the practice. Without them, the dentist doesn’t see any patients. 

 Then we have our dental nurses, these lovely people help the dentist by setting up the surgeries for your appointments. They order stock for the surgeries. Without them, the dentist wouldn’t have the tools or products to work. 

 Many dental nurses progress in their careers to become dental hygiene therapists. This is a great and rewarding career which helps people save their teeth. Again, without the hygienist taking care of your gums, the dentists wouldn’t be able to do the excellent jobs they do. 

 I think by now, you’re getting the message that it takes a whole team of skilled and professional people to enable the dentist to have the career they desire. That’s why universities aren’t just looking for the straight A’s mentioned earlier in the article but they want students who can problem solve, have good communication skills and you will be asked to complete 2 tests that will analyse these skills. 

 Being a dentist is a highly rewarding career. Of course it has its challenges but every career has. 

If you’re passionate about teeth, have excellent communication skills, a caring nature and love to problem solve then maybe a career in dentistry is for you. 

 We, at The Lytham Dental Clinic, certainly wish you all the luck in the world!