A career in dentistry opens a world of opportunities that go far beyond the traditional role of a dentist.
Whether you’re drawn to the hands-on patient care aspect, the complex science behind oral health, or the chance to make a tangible difference in people’s lives, this field offers a rewarding path.
In this content, you’re going to know the diverse career opportunities available in dentistry and the various places you can work, from private practices to hospitals and beyond in Nigeria.
This guide also helps you to envision where your passion for dental care can take you.
Come on! Read on, there is a lot to learn.
Benefits of Studying Dentistry in Nigeria
The following are benefits of studying Dentistry. It:
- Offers a stable and well-respected career with high earning potential.
- Provides opportunities for specialization in various fields, such as orthodontics, periodontics, and oral surgery.
- Enables you to make a significant impact on patients’ overall health and well-being.
- Allows for flexibility in work environments, including private practice, hospitals, and academia.
- Encourages continuous learning and professional development through advancements in dental technology and techniques.
- Gives the ability to build long-term relationships with patients and communities.
- Equips you with skills that are in demand globally, opening doors to international career opportunities.
Who Should Study Dentistry
Read Dentistry if you’re someone who:
- Enjoys working with your hands and has good manual dexterity for dental related situations.
- Likes problem-solving and tackling challenges in healthcare.
- Appreciates the importance of detail and precision in your work.
- Values building long-term relationships with patients.
- Has a strong interest in science, particularly biology and chemistry.
- Seeks a career that offers both stability and the potential for high earnings.
Who Should Not Study Dentistry
Avoid studying Dentistry if you’re someone who:
- Dislikes working closely with people or finds patient interaction stressful.
- Feels uncomfortable with the sight of blood or working in a medical environment.
- Struggles with maintaining focus on detailed and precise tasks.
- Prefers a career with minimal physical demands or repetitive tasks.
- Lacks patience and finds it challenging to stay calm under pressure.
- Avoids long years of study and intensive training.
- Has little interest in science or healthcare-related fields..
Where Can You Work
If you study Dentistry, you can work in various settings, including:
- Private practice: Operate your own dental clinic, providing tailored dental care to your patients.
- Hospitals: Serve as a dentist in hospital settings, treating patients in both general and specialized dental departments.
- Community health centers: Deliver vital dental services to underserved communities, focusing on preventive care.
- Academic institutions: Educate future dentists and engage in research at universities or dental schools.
- Public health organizations: Work on programmes that improve community oral health and prevent dental diseases on a broader scale.
- Military : Provide dental care to service members and their families as part of the armed forces.
- Corporate: Collaborate with dental product manufacturers or insurance companies, applying your expertise in product development or policy management.
Eligibility Requirements
The eligibility requirements for Dentistry goes as follows;
- O-Level Requirements: Obtain at least five (5) credit passes in relevant subjects which include English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
- UTME Requirements: Sit for the UTME with the required subjects: English Language, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. Meet specific O’level requirements for your course.
- Course Combination: Focus on English Language, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics in your UTME. Prepare for possible post-UTME or screening exercises required by some universities.
- Age Requirement: Ensure you are at least 18 years old by the time of admission.
- Cut-Off Mark: Achieve a UTME cut-off mark typically between 200 to 250 points, depending on the institution. Aim for higher scores if you are applying to more competitive universities.
Top 10 Universities that Offer Dentistry
The top 10 universities offering dentistry programmes include:
- University of Ibadan (UI)
- University of Lagos (UNILAG)
- Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)
- University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)
- Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK)
- Ahmadu Bello University (ABU)
- University of Benin (UNIBEN)
- University of Calabar (UNICAL)
- Bayero University Kano (BUK)
- University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT).
Final Thought
Studying dentistry provides a wide array of career paths and work environments, ranging from private practice to roles in academic institutions and public health organizations.
It’s essential to fulfill eligibility criteria, including specific O’Level and UTME subject requirements, and to meet varying cut-off marks, which generally range from 200 to 250 points, as well as the minimum age requirement of 18 years for admission.
As you explore this career, assess whether you possess the necessary personal qualities such as a keen interest in science, excellent manual dexterity, and the ability to manage detailed tasks.
Dentistry offers diverse professional experiences across different settings, and matching your personal strengths and career goals with the field’s demands can help you determine if this path is right for you.
