Dentist

My day starts with physical training - either a run or a weights session. Then it’s into the dental clinic for a morning of patient care, which can include:

• Routine check-ups

• Fillings and root canals

• Crown and bridge work

After lunch with the team - often at the officers’ mess - its back in clinic for the afternoon. By 4:30 PM, I usually heading out for a ride.

It’s a full day, but it’s fulfilling, - you’re always learning and improving.

• Read more about Rachel's role as an Army Dentist

Life as a dentist will be pretty much the same as a normal dentist, however you will learn how to do your job out in the field and on operations. Because it is a professional qualification you will need to keep up your CPD hours so transition back to the NHS wont be to difficult. As a dentist you will also be an officer so you will also have management responsibilities to.

As an Army Dentist, you’ll be part of a wider medical team that keeps soldiers fit and ready, whether in the UK or on operations. You’ll use your clinical skills in a range of environments - from modern dental centres to more challenging field conditions - while also developing as a leader. It’s a role that combines professional expertise with real responsibility, giving you the chance to support people directly and make a tangible impact on operations.

Anybody who has a good general level of fitness will be absolutely fine. Basic training is about taking you from being fit to being Army fit.

You don’t need to arrive as a finished athlete. If you’re reasonably active and willing to put the effort in, you’ll improve quickly with training and support.

As an officer we have a duty to look after our soldiers, physically but also mentally. We sometimes have to make difficult decisions, even when they’re not easy.

You’re given responsibility early on, but it’s introduced gradually. From the start, you’re trusted to look after yourself, your kit and support your team, with clear guidance and support in place. As you grow in confidence and skills, that responsibility increases. You’re never left to manage things alone. You’re shown what to do, why it matters, and how it fits into the bigger picture.

Sandhurst itself was mostly about learning how to be a soldier, learning about leadership, military studies and platoon‑level tactics. It was a tough 44 weeks, but ultimately really rewarding and fun.

Officer training at Sandhurst is designed to build you into a confident leader. You’ll develop your decision-making, teamwork and resilience, alongside the skills needed to lead others in challenging situations.