General Dental Practitioner

A general dental practitioner provides oral healthcare to the public. The practitioner does oral examinations and diagnosis, and carries out treatment such as fillings, extractions, dentures, scaling and emergency care. A general practitioner may refer patients who need further complex care to the appropriate specialist.

To qualify as a dental surgeon, one must first obtain a basic degree in dentistry from any of the recognised universities, locally or abroad. To practise dentistry in Malaysia one must first register with the Malaysian Dental Council. As of 29 June 2001, it is compulsory to serve the government for 3 years before a dental surgeon can work as a general dental practitioner in private practice.