Careers in public dentistry

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About public dentistry

Victoria's public dental system provides care to Victorians who might not otherwise be able to access dental services.

Public dentistry is practised in multidisciplinary health care environments such as community health centres. This environment provides clients with access to a range of services, while dental staff benefit from working as part of a team of health care professionals.

Public dentistry provides dental professionals with a wide range of experience treating clients with diverse backgrounds and needs. Working in the public sector offers the opportunity to make a difference to the lives of people accessing care.

Working in public dentistry

Public dental professionals provide care to a large number of Victorians and help improve understanding about the importance of oral health and prevention.

All members of the dental team contribute to Victoria's public dental system by delivering quality services to clients based on their age and needs. Public dental teams comprise dentists, dental therapists, dental assistants and sometimes a dental hygienist or prosthetist. This range of expertise allows team members to deliver the most appropriate care for each client and experience different approaches to dentistry and delivering care.

Public dental teams work in a supportive environment that promotes ongoing professional development. Mentoring and other forms of clinical guidance are integral to public dentistry. All new graduates are supported through the mentoring program, while experienced clinicians have the option of participating in leadership and mentoring programs.

Public dental professionals experience great diversity in their careers. Public dentistry provides opportunities to treat a range of people with varying needs and backgrounds, from children to adults as well as people with special needs. This exposure to different client needs enables dental professionals to quickly develop a broad range of skills.

Public dentistry provides professionals with the opportunity to develop through a dedicated career structure. Flexible working arrangements including part-time, full-time and casual positions are available. There are also attractive incentives for rural practice, and many clinics offer salary packaging.

Working in public dentistry is a rewarding career choice. The work is challenging and diverse, providing qualified dental practitioners with the opportunity to make an important contribution to the Victorian community.

Benefits of working in public dentistry:

• Diverse experience

• Flexible conditions

• Professional development and education opportunities

• Peer support

• Mentoring

• Career structure

• Multidisciplinary team environment

• Rural practice incentives.

Where to from here?

If you are a dental professional and you like the idea of working in a rewarding team environment, with a career path that offers flexibility, security and professional development, take a look at the employment opportunities available in public dentistry.

To search for current employment opportunities visit the Dental Health Services Victoria website: Dental Health Services Victoria website.

Alternatively, contact a Victorian public dental agency directly. Contact details of metropolitan and regional agencies are available on the locations page.

The above websites also provide further useful information about public sector dentistry in Victoria.

Downloads

Public Dentistry in Victoria (153kb, pdf)

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