Dentists diagnose and treat conditions affecting teeth, gums, and the wider oral cavity — from filling cavities and extracting wisdom teeth to fitting crowns, conducting cancer screenings, and performing root canal treatments. Most work in NHS or private general practice, though some specialise in orthodontics, oral surgery, or paediatric dentistry. You'll report to a practice principal or clinical director, and a typical day involves seeing 10 to 20 patients depending on the appointment mix. Managing anxious patients is as much a part of the job as the clinical work.
Natasha Patel
Dentist
📍 London, UK✉️ natasha.patel@email.com
Summary
GDC-registered Dentist with 5 years of clinical experience in mixed NHS and private practice. Skilled in restorative dentistry, cosmetic procedures, and anxious patient management. Committed to preventive care and patient education.
Work Experience
Associate Dentist at Bupa Dental CareJan 2022 — Present
Deliver 30+ patient appointments per day across NHS and private treatments
Dentist CVs must show your GDC registration, clinical scope, and private revenue generation. Recruiters want to see your treatment range, UDA delivery rate (NHS), and any specialist interests like cosmetic or endodontic work.
Not separating NHS and private work. These require different emphasis. NHS roles focus on UDA delivery, while private roles focus on revenue generation and patient satisfaction.
Formatting Tips
Two pages maximum. Lead with your GDC number and specialist interests. Include your private revenue if impressive. List CPD in a dedicated section.
Average Salary — Dentist
United States
$140,000 – $200,000
United Kingdom
$75,000 – $130,000
Germany
$80,000 – $130,000
UAE / Dubai
$90,000 – $150,000
Canada
$110,000 – $170,000
Australia
$110,000 – $170,000
Figures in USD. Ranges reflect mid-level experience (3–7 years). Senior roles and major metro areas typically sit at the top of these bands.
Top 5 Interview Questions — Dentist
1How do you manage a highly anxious or needle-phobic patient?
Describe tell-show-do technique, building trust through communication, topical anaesthetic, and adjusting your pace to the patient's comfort level. Clinical skill matters, but patient experience is equally important to practices.
2Walk me through your approach to a new patient examination.
Cover medical history review, extra-oral exam, intra-oral soft tissue exam, periodontal charting, radiograph interpretation, and treatment planning. A structured answer here shows clinical rigour.
3How do you approach a complex treatment plan where the patient can't afford everything?
Talk about prioritising treatment by urgency, phasing work over time, and ensuring the patient understands the consequences of deferral. Mention informed consent documentation — this is a medico-legal requirement, not just good practice.
4Tell me about a case that didn't go as planned and what you learned from it.
Be honest and reflective — complications happen. Describe what went wrong, what you did to manage it, whether you referred, and what you changed in your practice. Humility and learning matter more than perfection here.
5How do you stay current with clinical best practice and new techniques?
Mention your CPD record, specific courses (Botulinum toxin, implantology foundation, CBCT interpretation), and any study club membership. Employers want to see proactive development, not just mandatory minimums.
How to Tailor Your CV
Corporate dental groups like Bupa Dental, Portman Dental, and Rodericks want GDC registration number prominently placed, NHS performer number if applicable, and indemnity provider listed. Private boutique practices care about patient communication skills, an interest in cosmetic dentistry (Invisalign provider status, composite bonding training), and a warm chairside manner. Hospital oral surgery departments and academic centres want publications, postgraduate qualifications, and any audit work. If you're applying to mixed practices, make clear what proportion of your current work is NHS versus private.