Dentistry

Generic job families

Specialist areas

Functional requirements

Details/health and safety factors

Exposure prone procedures

 

Majority of dental procedures are exposure prone

See exposure prone procedures

Outpatient work

 

 

See  work excluding examining patients

 

Working singlehanded

Physical and emotional resilience

May present problems for dentists suffering from psychological conditions such as depression and anxiety, chronic pain or fatigue from any cause

 

Examining/diagnosis

Sitting for extended periods

Using variety of instruments, including needles, drills, suction etc

Use head set with light and magnification

Upper limb movements often in awkward or hyperextended position

Need to accommodate patients with a variety of health conditions and work in especially awkward positions e.g. patient with curved spine who can’t lie down

May present problems for dentists with musculoskeletal problems especially neck and lower back, upper limb disorders

May present problems for dentists with advanced/arthritic condition of the hands which limits dexterity

May present problems for dentists with visual acuity problems

May present problems for dentists with neurological or other problems affecting fine motor skills and coordination

 

 

Concentration for extended periods

May present problems for dentists suffering from psychological problems such as depression and anxiety, or fatigue from any cause

 

Taking X rays

Leaving room or wearing lead jacket

May present problems for dentists with spinal problems and when pregnant. However there is normally an option to leave the room

 

Upper and lower jaw restoration

Procedure takes up to 90 minutes

May present problems for dentists with musculoskeletal problems especially neck and lower back, upper limb disorders

 

May present problems for dentists with advanced/arthritic condition of the hands which limits dexterity

 

May present problems for dentists with visual acuity problems

 

 

Extraction

Standing for up to 40 minutes

Depends on technique and body position rather than strength

 

Root canal treatment

Use microscope

Procedure takes up to 90 minutes

 

Cosmetic surgery/implants

Procedures can take up to 4 hours

 

Dealing with aggressive patients (patients may became aggressive when scared)

Risk of bites from some patient groups

Resilience

Skills to calm patients down

May present problems for dentists suffering from psychological problems such as depression and anxiety

Management/running business/Care Quality Commission assessment

Management, business and medico legal knowledge

Resilience

Stressful part of role, especially if limited training

May present problems for dentists suffering from psychological problems such as depression and anxiety