Dental Researcher
As a Dental Researcher you investigate ways to improve the oral health of the public and how to provide safe, high-quality professional care.
What the job looks like
Salary expectation
starts at $52,137 up to $118,473+
The good
- Applying science to dentistry
- Being at the cutting edge of dentistry
- Educating patients and students
- Providing excellent patient care
- Potential to travel
The not so good
- Finding results can take a long time
Most dental researchers have completed a PhD. A PhD is a special type of university qualification that involves carrying out your own research project and writing a thesis on top of completing a Bachelor's Degree. You can still be a dentist without completing a PhD.
As a dental researcher you will run a range of experiments on sample teeth to trial different techniques. Looking at the chemical composition of dental products is a big part of your role to make sure they are safe to use.
Using science and mathematics you will also be able to develop solutions that can help protect teeth and rebuild enamel. Understanding chemistry requires a solid understanding of mathematics to ensure your products or trials do not damage teeth.
You can also choose to combine your research with working as a clinical dentist and treat patients to keep your dentistry skills up to date.
If you enjoy science and have an interest in improving human health, then a career as a dental researcher could be for you.
I love going to work, great people and plenty of travel opportunities.
Pathways to this career
Subject suggestions for the HSC
Choosing your HSC subjects from this list could really help with your career. Think carefully about what you want to study after school as you might need to choose specific HSC subjects for that course and to count towards your ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank). An ATAR is your academic rank in relation to other HSC students and helps with University admission.
HSC subjects
Some subjects will count towards your ATAR, others will not. Check with your career advisor before making subject selections.
- English (Advanced or higher)
- Mathematics (2 unit or higher)
- Biology
- Chemistry
What can I do after I have finished school?
University degrees
Studying one of these degrees can help with your career.
- Bachelor of Dental Studies
Suggestions
Check out the Colgate Australian Clinical Dental Research Centre and Australian Research Centre for Population Oral Health for more information
- See if you can do work experience with your local dentist
- Go to career expos and events like university Open Days for information about what you will study
