11 MAR 2025

When people think about careers in dentistry, they often picture dentists and hygienists working in dental practices. However, the field of oral health is much broader, offering a wide range of exciting and vital roles. From solving crimes to developing new dental materials, the world of dental science is full of opportunities.

In celebration of Healthcare Science Week, taking place from 10-16 March 2025, we’re shining a spotlight on the diverse range of roles within NHS healthcare science, particularly those in oral health. Healthcare Science Week highlights the crucial work scientific professionals do in diagnosing, preventing, and treating diseases.

If you're interested in healthcare and science but want to explore paths beyond the traditional dental practice, here are some lesser-known oral health careers in the UK that you might find fascinating.

---

1. Forensic odontologist – solving crimes with teeth

What they do: Forensic odontologists use dental records and bite marks to help identify individuals in criminal investigations or disaster situations.

Why it’s important: Teeth are unique to each person and can provide crucial evidence for identifying unknown remains or in criminal cases.

How to become one: Education requirements for dental forensic odontology include obtaining a bachelor's degree in a relevant field and attending dental school for a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD)followed by completing specialised training in forensic science. You can have a look at the courses here.

---

2. Oral and maxillofacial radiologist – the dental detective

What they do: Specialise in interpreting X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs of the mouth, jaw, and face to diagnose a variety of health conditions.

Why it’s important: Detecting issues such as tumours, fractures, or hidden infections early can make all the difference to a patient's treatment plan.

How to become one: A degree in dentistry followed by specialised radiology training and certifications. You can read more in depth on the NHS website.

---

3. Dental microbiologist – the bacteria buster

What they do: Study the bacteria and viruses that contribute to common oral diseases like tooth decay, gum disease, and oral cancer.
Why it’s important: Research from dental microbiologists helps shape the development of new treatments and prevention strategies, improving public health.

How to become one: Typically requires a degree in microbiology or a related field, with a focus on dental or medical microbiology, clinical (FRCPath) and research (PhD) training. You can read more here and at the GDC. 

---

4. Dental materials scientist – engineering better smiles

What they do: Develop and test new dental materials, such as fillings, crowns, and braces, to make them stronger, safer, and more natural-looking.

Why it’s important: They play a key role in improving the durability and aesthetics of dental treatments, making procedures more effective for patients.

How to become one: A background in material science or engineering, often with a postgraduate specialisation in dental or bioengineering. There are courses available at the Queen Mary University of London, University of Leeds and University of Birmingham.

---

5. Dental technician – the master of restorations

What they do: Dental technicians create custom dental appliances like crowns, bridges, dentures, and orthodontic devices based on a dentist’s specifications.

Why it’s important: Dental technicians work behind the scenes, ensuring that patients get high-quality, functional, and aesthetically pleasing restorations. Without them, the work of dentists would not be complete.

How to become one: You’ll need to complete a recognised dental technician qualification, such as a BTEC or apprenticeship in dental technology. You can find more about how to get into the job and potential progression here with the National Careers Service.

---

6. Special care dentist – helping patients with complex needs

What they do: Provide dental care to patients with disabilities, medical conditions, or severe anxiety, using tailored approaches to make treatment more accessible.

Why it’s important: Many people with complex needs require specialist dental care to ensure their oral health isn’t overlooked, which can improve their overall well-being.

How to become one: A degree in dentistry followed by postgraduate training in special care dentistry. If you are interested in getting more of an insight into what this career path would take, you can view more information via the NHS website.

---

7. Oral health educator – teaching the nation to smile

What they do: Educate people of all ages about maintaining good oral hygiene and preventing oral diseases, often in schools, clinics, or community settings.

Why it’s important: By raising awareness about oral health, they can help reduce the incidence of tooth decay and gum disease, contributing to healthier communities.

How to become one: You’ll need a background in dental hygiene or public health, with additional qualifications in teaching and health education. You will need to get National Examining Board for Dental Nurses National Diploma in Dental Nursing and be registered with the GDC. Then complete NEBDN Certificate in Oral Health Education. You can read more in-depth here.

---

8. Dental public health specialist – improving oral health for everyone

What they do: Work at the community or national level to develop policies and public health campaigns that improve oral health across society, such as fluoride programmes or sugar reduction initiatives.

Why it’s important: Their efforts help shape healthcare policy, making dental care more accessible to everyone, regardless of background.

How to become one: A degree in dentistry followed by a master’s in public health (MPH) or similar public health training.
You can read more about it here through the GDC . Alternatively, you can look at King’s College London’s, Dental Public Health MSc.

---

Could one of these careers be for you?

If you love science, problem-solving, or helping people, there’s a world of opportunity in oral health beyond the traditional dental chair. Whether it’s creating dental restorations, working with patients with special needs, or improving public health policies, these careers are crucial for the future of dental science.

Thinking of a career in oral health?

Explore courses, attend career fairs, or consider shadowing a professional in one of these exciting fields. The world of dental science is bigger than you might think – and it’s full of opportunities to make a difference.