Career Progression
|
|
Position
|
Remuneration
|
Experience
|
Education
|
|
Start Position
|
Graduate Dentist
|
$50 to $70k
|
Nil
|
Bachelor of Dentistry
|
|
1st Promotion
|
Employed Dentist
|
$100k +
|
2 to 4 years
|
Bachelor of Dentistry
|
|
2nd Promotion
|
Employed Dentist
|
$150k +
|
4 to 8 years
|
Bachelor of Dentistry
|
|
3rd Promotion
|
Self Employed – Private Practice
|
$250k+
|
First 3 years
|
Bachelor of Dentistry
|
|
4th Promotion
|
Self Employed – Specialist
|
$700k +
|
8 + years
|
Post Graduate
|
|
5th Promotion
|
Partnership
|
$200k +
|
3 + years
|
Bachelor of Dentistry
|
**The above table is to be used as a guide only
Accountabilities & Responsibilities
|
Graduate Dentist
|
General non-complex procedures and usually under a mentor
|
|
Employed Dentist
|
More complex procedures – crown and bridge work, implants, root canal therapy and oral surgery.
|
|
Self Employed – Private Practice
|
As above, but with all the administration of running your own business and staff
|
|
Self Employed – Specialist
|
As above, but specialising in specific parts of dentistry
|
|
Partnership
|
Working in a joint business with other dentists, as per the self employed provate practice
|
**The above table is to be used as a guide only
Career Path options & Employment
You begin dentistry working as a graduate in either a small or large practice. Many dentists continue on in this practice.
However if you are clinically good, have the self confidence and strong work ethic, setting up your own private practice will cost between $150k & $500k. You control your own destiny and hope your patients will follow but it is not ethical to approach them to do so. You can buy into a dental partnership as an associate for about $100,000 and work your way to full partner.
You can work for the government in hospitals or in the community health system treating adults with special needs, school visits or the Defence Force as a commissioned officer. If you want to travel, then most countries will recognise your Australian qualifications to practice overseas. Successful passing of an aptitude examination is usually a requirement for most countries.
There is also scope for overseas volunteer work in third world countries.
About the Author
Monika Pawlowski
Monika Pawlowski completed her degree at the University of Adelaide in 1995. Shortly thereafter she relocated to Sydney where she initially worked for the Illawarra Health Service and later as an assistant dentist in local private practice. In 2000 she commenced her own business, Bayside Dental Care, where she currently works on a part time basis. Monika loves to spend her spare time with her husband, kids and two dogs.
Did you know the electric chair was invented by a dentist?