However, the hours are not as flexible and time will be spent on call resulting in long working sessions. Within the hospital service there is a defined career structure and training pathways, and advancement requires obtaining recognised postgraduate qualifications. In particular the CDS looks after young children who need special help, as well as elderly and housebound people and patients with mental or physical disabilities. Work in the CDS is therefore demanding but very rewarding and dentists can undertake managerial and research duties. As with the hospital service, these posts are salaried and there is a defined career structure.
Dentists hold a commissioned rank and there is a very structured career path.
If you choose to practice in the armed forces, financial scholarships may be available during your dental studies. These posts are salaried but the role is equivalent to that of a general dental practitioner. University Teaching and Research Research is undertaken at universities and is usually combined with teaching at the university dental school. This can provide the opportunity to pursue a particular interest in great detail. University dental teachers will have gained postgraduate qualifications and can progress to become senior lecturers or professors.