In the United Kingdom, the work of the dentist or dental surgeon may be in general practice, the community dental services, hospitals, university teaching and research, the armed forces and industry.
Private practice is also available in the hospital services.
Training in dentistry is available at undergraduate and postgraduate level at several UK universities and hospitals. See section 6 for a list of dental schools. Since candidates for the LDS must have followed an approved dental undergraduate degree course, students who take the diploma course often take or have taken the BDS examination as well. Overseas graduates are eligible to take the LDS examination at one of the Royal Colleges by following a full-time recognised course at an undergraduate dental school, which should last at least 12 months. These courses are occasionally available at one of the undergraduate dental schools, being set up on an ad hoc basis.