A Day in the Life of an NHS Dentist

We now take a deep dive into the typical day of an NHS dentist. We have spoken to one of our placed dentists who has worked for the NHS for seven years. They’ve provided a breakdown of what a typical day would look like for them in practice.

Being an NHS Dentist offers the opportunity to gain valuable experience with a wide range of patients and tooth complaints. Although the days are busy, many newly qualified dentists enter the market as NHS dentists to gain this experience, which carries their future into becoming private dentists.

Take a read at the below timeline to see what that would look like for you.

6:30 AM

The alarm goes off, and I start the day with breakfast and coffee. I mentally prepare for the busy schedule ahead, knowing today will be full of patients with a variety of needs.

8:00 AM:

I arrive at the dental practice and check in with the team. The receptionist and dental nurse review the day's appointments with me, highlighting any urgent or complex cases.

8:15 AM:

My first patient is a young child here for a check-up. I keep it fun and light-hearted, counting their teeth and praising their brushing. I apply fluoride varnish and talk to the parent about maintaining good oral hygiene.

8:30 AM:

A teenager comes in for a routine check-up. They're doing a great job keeping their braces clean, but I spot a minor cavity starting to form on one molar. I book them in for a filling next week.

8:45 AM:

A patient in their 40s arrives for a quick check-up. I take an X-ray to investigate a sensitive tooth and see no major issues, just some gum recession. I give them tips on using sensitive toothpaste and proper brushing technique.

9:00 AM:

A new patient in their 30s presents with tooth sensitivity. After a quick exam, I find worn enamel from grinding. I fit them for a mouth guard to protect their teeth and recommend a follow-up in six months.

9:15 AM:

A busy parent comes in for their regular check-up. Everything looks fine, and I spend a few minutes reassuring them that their hard work brushing is paying off.

9:30 AM:

A patient with mild gum disease is next. I perform a scale and polish to remove tartar buildup and emphasize the importance of flossing. The whole process takes about 20 minutes.

10:00 AM:

Another quick check-up with a university student. I spot some staining from coffee and tea, so I clean their teeth and suggest using a whitening toothpaste.

10:15 AM:

A child with a chipped front tooth arrives. I restore it with a composite filling, making sure the colour matches perfectly. They’re thrilled with the result.

10:45 AM:

A patient in their 60s comes in with tooth pain. After a quick X-ray, I identify an abscess and prescribed antibiotics. An extraction is scheduled for later in the week.

11:15 AM:

A patient needing a filling arrives. I treat a cavity on their upper molar, carefully shaping and polishing the composite.

11:45 AM:

Quick tea break! I grab a snack and catch my breath.

12:00 PM:

A root canal patient is next. I perform the procedure under local anaesthetic, taking care to keep the patient comfortable throughout. This is my longest appointment of the day.

1:30 PM:

A patient arrives with a cracked tooth. I repair it with a composite filling, ensuring the shape and colour match seamlessly.

2:00 PM:

A young adult comes in for their first check-up in years. They’re nervous, but I put them at ease and walk them through the exam step by step. We book them in for a scale and polish next time.

2:15 PM:

A regular patient in their 50s is here for a routine check-up. Their teeth are in great condition, so it’s a quick exam and a friendly chat about their upcoming holiday.

2:30 PM:

A teenager arrives with a retainer that’s no longer fitting properly. I adjust it and ensure it’s comfortable before sending them on their way.

3:00 PM:

Another patient comes in with mild gum disease. I do a quick scale and polish, providing advice on using interdental brushes to improve cleaning.

3:30 PM:

A final check-up for the day with a child. They’ve been doing an excellent job brushing, and I reward them with a sticker.

4:00 PM:

I wrap up the day early due to cancellations. I finally review patient notes and updating records. I take a quick look at tomorrow’s schedule to prepare for any challenging cases.

4:30 PM:

Home time. It’s been a fast-paced, rewarding day, helping patients of all ages maintain healthy smiles.

The day in the life of an NHS dentist may seem busy, but let’s not forget about the fantastic encounters there will have been throughout the day.

At Quad Recruitment we are partnered with both NHS and Private dental practices right across the UK. If you’d like to discuss roles to gain this valuable experience and give back to your local community, you’ll find all our active roles here. To discuss your experience and expectations, you may contact us by the following means: 01244 621477 or info@quadrecruitment.com.