Are you starting your dental career? You are likely going to be interested in exploring the best entry-level positions in Nigeria and understanding the salary ranges for these roles.
This article is designed to give you a comprehensive overview of the top seven entry-level jobs in dentistry, highlighting the roles, responsibilities, and potential earnings associated with each position.
Exploring these opportunities can assist you in gaining valuable insights into the starting point of your career. Whether you’re aiming for a role in a bustling private practice, a reputable hospital, or a community health center, understanding these entry-level positions equip you with the knowledge to begin your professional journey with confidence and clarity.
Requirements for Dentistry Entry Level Jobs in Nigeria
The following are the list of requirements to secure an entry-level job in Dentistry:
- Obtain a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) degree from an accredited institution.
- Acquire a practicing license from the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN).
- Complete a one-year internship at an accredited hospital or dental clinic.
- Fulfill your National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) obligations or obtain an exemption certificate.
- Demonstrate proficiency in basic dental procedures such as extractions, fillings, and oral hygiene.
- Develop strong communication and interpersonal skills to effectively interact with patients and colleagues.
- Prepare a professional CV and cover letter showcasing your education, skills, and experience.
- Pursue additional certifications in infection control, dental radiology, or first aid (optional but beneficial).
- Network with professionals in the dental field to increase job opportunities.
- Practice and prepare for job interviews, emphasizing your skills, experience, and passion for dentistry.
Best 7 Dentistry Entry Level Jobs
Earning a degree in Dentistry opens the door to numerous exciting and fulfilling career paths. If you’re thinking about entering this field, explore the top 7 entry-level jobs available for dentistry graduates:
- Dental officer: Work in hospitals or clinics, providing general dental care under the supervision of a senior dentist.
- House officer: Complete a one-year internship, gaining practical experience in various dental procedures.
- Community dental health officer: Provide basic dental services and education in rural or underserved communities.
- Dental surgeon: Assist in minor oral surgeries and other dental treatments under the guidance of senior professionals.
- Dental therapist: Focus on preventive care, including cleanings, fluoride treatments, and educating patients on oral hygiene.
- Dental assistant: Assist senior dentists with patient care, instrument preparation, and maintaining patient records.
- Dental consultant: Provide expert advice on dental health programmes, policies, and patient care in collaboration with healthcare organizations or government agencies.
Companies that Employ for these Roles and their Salary Range
The following are companies and institutions that can employ you in these roles within Nigeria, along with their estimated salary ranges:
| Medical Roles | Companies/ Institutions | Salary Range |
| Dental officer | Private Clinics: The Dental Specialists Clinic, Dental Care Centre, Abuja Teaching Hospitals: Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex (OAUTHC), Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH). | ₦150,000 – ₦300,000 per month |
| House officer | Public Hospitals: E.g., National Hospital Abuja, University College Hospital (UCH) Ibadan Private Hospitals: E.g., Reddington Hospital, Lifeline Children’s Hospital | ₦200,000 – ₦250,000 per month |
| Community dental health officer | Primary Health Care Centers: Lagos State Primary Healthcare Board Government Health Programs: National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) . | ₦100,000 – ₦180,000 per month. |
| Dental surgeon | Teaching Hospitals: University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) Government Hospitals: National Hospital Abuja, Federal Medical Centre Lokoja. | ₦200,000 – ₦400,000 per month |
| Dental therapist | Private Dental Clinics: Helix Dental Clinic Public Hospitals: Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Asaba, Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital | ₦120,000 – ₦250,000 per month. |
| Dental assistant | Private Clinics: Beacon Hill Smile Clinics, Smile 360 Dental Specialists Government Health Centers: Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital (OOUTH) . | ₦80,000 – ₦150,000 per month. |
| Dental consultant | Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs): Smile Train Nigeria, Nigerian Dental Association Public Health Initiatives: Federal Ministry of Health, National Oral Health Programme. | ₦100,000 – ₦250,000 per month. |
What Are the 10 Things to Watch Out for;
- Licensing and certification: Ensure your dental license is valid and up-to-date for the state or country you’re applying in. Some employers require additional certifications, such as specialized training in oral surgery or pediatric dentistry.
- Work environment: Research the dental practice’s work environment, including patient volume, clinic hours, and the technology or equipment used. Modern tools can improve efficiency and job satisfaction.
- Salary and benefits: Understand the compensation package, including salary, bonuses, health insurance, retirement plans, and continuing education opportunities.
- Employment type: Clarify whether the position is full-time, part-time, or on a contractual basis. Some roles can also involve working in multiple locations.
- Patient demographics: Consider the patient demographic (age, income level, dental care needs), as this can impact the type of procedures you perform and the workload.
- Clinical autonomy: Ask about the level of clinical autonomy and decision-making authority you have in treatment planning. Some practices can have strict protocols or restrictions.
- Staff and team dynamics: Assess the dental team and support staff. A cohesive, professional team can make a significant difference in your daily work experience.
- Practice reputation: Investigate the reputation of the dental clinic or organization, including reviews, word-of-mouth, and its standing within the community.
- Professional development: Check whether the employer provides opportunities for further training, professional growth, and attendance at conferences or workshops.
- Job stability and security: Assess the financial health and stability of the dental practice or organization. A stable employer can offer long-term job security, while a struggling practice can lead to potential layoffs or reduced hours.
Pro Tips
- Connect with fellow dentists, professors, and industry professionals through dental associations, conferences, and alumni networks.
- Highlight relevant skills, certifications, and experience in your resume, be specific to the job you’re applying for. Emphasize specialties such as cosmetic dentistry and oral surgery.
- Keep your skills fresh by attending workshops, webinars, and continuing education courses.
- Create a professional LinkedIn profile that showcases your expertise, achievements, and credentials. Consider having a personal website or portfolio with case studies and patient testimonials.
- Volunteer at community clinics, dental outreach programmes, or nonprofit organizations. Not only does it provide valuable experience, but it also enhances your resume and demonstrates a commitment to giving back.
- Be ready to answer common behavioral interview questions that assess your problem-solving skills, patient communication, and ability to handle challenging situations in the dental practice.
- Use specialized dental job boards and recruitment agencies that focus on dental professionals. These platforms often have exclusive job postings that do not appear on general job sites.
Recap
Pursuing a career in dentistry can be a rewarding and challenging path. For a newly qualified dentist in Nigeria, securing the right entry-level position is crucial for gaining valuable experience and building a successful career.
The seven dentistry entry-level jobs outlined in this article offer a range of opportunities for growth and development, with competitive salaries to match.
From dental house officers to dental assistants, these roles provide a foundation for success in the dental profession.
As you begin or seek to progress in your career, knowing the available opportunities and their respective salaries can help you make well-informed decisions and achieve your goals in the field of dentistry.
