Even though many of our graduates will have progressed in their careers since completing a case study, they are still of interest to students who wish to gain an understanding of the world of work.

To perform the clinical tasks expected of a general dentist in primary care and a speciality dentist in secondary care. To participate in management activities that are expected of the whole team. To organise myself and my team to allow smooth running of my clinic. To attend and participate in regular training events to advance my knowledge and skills. To contribute to meetings regarding clinical care, research and briskness.

Prepare for the clinical session before it starts to ensure everything runs according to plan. See a wide variety of patients, discuss with them their problems and expectations,examine them and use my problem solving skills to decide on an appropriate treatment plan. Perform a wide range of clinical procedures for patients throughout the day.

I perform administrative tasks throughout the day at different times. At the hospital I would take part in the journal club, discussing interesting cases, the most up-to-date research and other projects. Then take part in the treatment and assessment clinics which run for the rest of the day.

The interaction with patients and seeing the improvements in their health. Also I enjoy seeing the results of my treatments and the effects it can have on people's lives, their confidence and their happiness.

Trying to help patients and meet their expectations while still doing what is ethical and effective. Managing patients who are very anxious but need extensive treatment. It is also difficult sometimes to balance being a clinician and also being part of a business.

Because it have a good background in science but also allows regular interaction with people. I am able to use both my manual dexterity to perform treatments and also my logical and problem solving skills to diagnose a treatment plan.

My degree in dentistry is an essential requirement for my job. The skills I use are a combination of practical, academic and logic. Communication skills and empathy are very important for a dentist.

My trainer is always on hand to help me with difficult situations and to offer advice. I also have a one hour personal tutorial time with him each week. I have a training day each week which advances my knowledge and skills on a variety of subject areas.

My 1st year after university was undertaking a foundation training programme which all dentists must undertake, it was based in general practice with an experienced dentist as a trainer available to assist me when needed.

My 2nd year was based in a dental hospital where I worked in the Restorative Dentistry department, I was exposed to far more complex treatments in this environment with consultant supports.

My third year was also in a hospital setting, in the department of Maxillofacial Surgery. I worked in a similar role to a junior doctor, working in a large team to managing patients with trauma, cancer and developmental defects of the head and neck.

Since leaving university I have gained Membership of the Joint Dental Faculties of the Royal College of Surgeons of England. I have also undertaken many short 1-2 days courses on a variety of dental subjects.

At present I am still deciding on my career plan. It will almost certainly involve specialist training which will take between 3 and 5 years to complete. The area of specialisation and the route I take are still undecided.

Students considering taking dentistry as a degree should always look to get some work experience, this is the best way to decide if a career in dentistry might be for you.

For dental students your first job is already planned out for you, to get that job you will have to perform well in the national interviews. The vast majority of students who pass their finals exams will get a DF1 place but there is a lot of competition for some of the best places. To ensure you get the place you want make sure you read up on the structure of the interview and focus your revision on the areas you are going to be tested on.

After DF1 there is the option of DCT (DF2) or general practice, this choice will be governed by your long term career aspirations and goals.