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How to Become A Dentist

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What is a Dentist

Dentists are health professionals who look after people’s teeth, gums, and mouths. They diagnose dental disease, fix damaged teeth, and help patients keep their smiles healthy. The role blends science, precision, and everyday human connection. Most dentists work in private clinics, with others in hospitals, schools, and community health centres.

A typical day includes checking teeth, reading X-rays, and building treatment plans. Dentists do fillings, extractions, root canals, teeth cleans, and fit implants or braces. They also show patients how to brush and floss properly. The role is hands-on with real variety every day.

Dentists lead a small team that includes hygienists, dental assistants, and therapists. Good communication and calm under pressure make a big difference in this role. Many dentists go on to specialise in areas like orthodontics or oral surgery. Specialising means extra years of training, but it opens up exciting career paths.

The future for dentists in Australia looks bright. Demand is rated ‘very strong’ by the Australian Government (YourCareer, 2025). About 14,200 dentists are currently working across the country. It is a career with real purpose, great pay, and long-term stability.

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Career Outlook for Dentist

Dentistry is one of Australia’s most stable and in-demand healthcare careers. YourCareer (Australian Government, 2025) rates future demand for dentists as ‘very strong’. Around 14,200 dentists are currently employed in Australia, with the workforce growing. The median age is 39, women make up 49% of the profession, and about 48% work full-time.

The average salary is around $120,000 a year (PayScale, 2026). Experienced or specialist dentists can earn well above that. Pay is especially strong in regional and rural areas where demand is high. With an ageing population and a growing focus on oral health, the need for dental services will keep rising.

On this Article

Introduction

Average Salaries

Resources

Steps to Become a Dentist

Step 1: Complete Year 12 with Strong Science Results

Study chemistry, biology, and mathematics in Year 12. Dental programs have competitive entry scores, so strong ATAR results in these subjects are essential. Many programs require a minimum ATAR of 95 or above. Volunteering or work experience in a healthcare setting strengthens your application.

Step 2: Complete an Accredited Dental Degree at an Australian University

Enrol in a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) or Bachelor of Dental Science (BDSc) at an accredited Australian university. These are five-year full-time degrees delivered on campus, with clinical training included. If you already hold a bachelor’s degree, look for a four-year graduate-entry Doctor of Dental Medicine (DDM). Both pathways are accredited by the Australian Dental Council and lead to AHPRA registration. Check entry requirements on your chosen university’s website.

Step 3: Apply for Registration with AHPRA via the Dental Board of Australia

After graduating, apply for general registration through the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). The Dental Board of Australia sets the standards you must meet to practise as a dentist. You will need to show proof of your accredited qualification. You must also meet character, English language, and CPD requirements. Registration must be renewed each year.

Step 4: Build Your Clinical Skills in Your First Years of Practice

Your first years in practice are a time of rapid learning. Work across private practice, community health, and hospital clinics to build a broad skill set. Seek out a mentor and take part in peer review or case discussion groups. The Australian Dental Association offers early career programs and peer advisory services worth exploring.

Step 5: Commit to Continuing Professional Development

The Dental Board of Australia requires all registered dentists to complete CPD each year. This keeps your skills current and your registration active. The Australian Dental Association and state branches offer face-to-face and online CPD courses across all clinical areas. To specialise in orthodontics, periodontics, or oral surgery, pursue a postgraduate program at an Australian university. Specialist training typically takes two to four years.

What does a Dentist do?

Every day as a dentist looks different, which is part of what makes the role so rewarding. You might begin the morning with a routine check-up and clean. The afternoon could bring a filling, a root canal, or an implant fitting. Reading X-rays, building treatment plans, and keeping nervous patients calm are all part of a typical shift. You also lead a small team of hygienists and assistants, keeping things running smoothly. At the end of the day, you see real change in the people you have cared for.

Tasks

Being a dentist is a hands-on career with real variety and a chance to make a difference every day. Dentists diagnose and treat dental problems, teach patients about oral health, and lead a small clinical team. Here is a snapshot of the tasks you will take on in this role.

  • Diagnosing dental disease: using X-rays, salivary tests, and medical histories to find oral health problems
  • Preventive care: giving fluoride treatments, gum care, and oral health tips to stop disease before it starts
  • Restorative care: filling cavities, fitting crowns and bridges, and fixing damaged or decayed teeth
  • Oral surgery: performing biopsies and other minor procedures, and prescribing medications where needed
  • Orthodontic treatment: managing braces and other devices to straighten and align teeth
  • Restoring function: fitting dentures, implants, and other dental aids so patients can eat and speak properly again
  • Spotting systemic disease: picking up signs of conditions like diabetes that can show in the mouth
  • Patient education: helping patients learn how to brush, floss, and look after their teeth between visits
  • Leading a team: guiding hygienists, dental assistants, and therapists as they support patient care

Skills for Success

To be a great dentist, you need sharp diagnostic skills, steady hands, and genuine care for people. Dentists look at X-rays, do physical exams, and take medical histories to work out what each patient needs. Good hand-eye coordination and fine motor control are a must for precise dental work. Strong knowledge of teeth, gums, and oral health underpins everything you do.

Clear communication matters a lot in dentistry. Many patients feel nervous, so being calm, friendly, and reassuring is just as important as the clinical work. Dentists also lead a team, which means good leadership and problem-solving skills come in handy. Keeping up with new dental technology and techniques helps you build a long, successful career.

Skills & Attributes

  • Manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination
  • Attention to detail
  • Diagnostic reasoning
  • Strong communication skills
  • Empathy and compassion
  • Ability to manage patient anxiety
  • Team leadership and collaboration
  • Knowledge of oral anatomy and dental procedures
  • Patient education skills
  • Time management and organisation
  • Critical thinking and problem-solving
  • Commitment to ongoing professional development
  • Business management skills (for practice owners)
  • Calm under pressure
  • Familiarity with dental technology and software

Average Salaries

The average yearly salary for a dentist in Australia is around $120,000 (source: PayScale, 2026). Entry-level dentists can expect to earn about $76,000 per year. Experienced dentists and specialists often earn $183,000 or more. Pay rises with experience, location, and whether a dentist owns or manages a private practice.

min $76 K

max $183 K

av $120 K

About the author

Laura Atkinson - Course Finder Groups
Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson is an Account Management and SEM specialist at Course Finder Group with six years' experience in the Australian education sector. She works day to day with universities, TAFEs and independent training providers, which gives her a close view of how courses map to real career outcomes. She writes practical guidance on career pathways, choosing the right qualification and what to expect when moving into a new field.