Career in Dentistry

Dentistry is a branch of medicine that involves diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of any disease relating to mouth, teeth, gums and other hard and soft tissues of the oral cavity. It is a professional field that includes dental care and correction.

Dentistry is a lucrative profession that is creating many opportunities and challenges these days. Dentists are assuming very important roles in the whole healthcare system. Increasing awareness of the importance of oral health and the introduction of new fields like periodontics (care of gums and the diseases that might afflict them), oral pathology (diagnosis for diseases that affect the mouth) and orthodontics (straightening and aligning teeth and jaws) have all enhanced the scope of this field.

Dentists or dental surgeons provide surgical, medical and other forms of treatment for oral and dental disorders and diseases. This may include treatment of diseased mouths and gums; extraction of teeth that might spread an infection to the rest of the mouth; fillings in the treatment of cavities; surgery of the mouth and jaw; cleaning of the patient's teeth; corrective work to align or straighten teeth; dentures i.e. the making and fitting of false teeth and preventive work which involves routine check-ups for both adults and children. Their job also includes educating patients about oral hygiene and ways to prevent dental problems.

Qualifications

One must have at least a Bachelor's degree in Dental Science (BDS) to practice as a dentist. A BDS should also be registered by the Dental Council of India to practice dentistry. For further career prospects one needs to be a specialist with a Masters (MDS) degree. An MDS requires two years of additional training.

The main specialization areas of Dentistry are Orthodontics which deals with straightening and aligning teeth and jaws; Periodontics which specializes in the care of gums and the diseases that might afflict them; Operative Dentistry or Endodontics for root canal jobs, fillings and cosmetic surgery; Prosthodontics which involves the making of artificial teeth; Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery which deals specifically with operations on the mouth and jaw, Pediatric Dentistry for treating children and Oral Pathology which provides the diagnosis for diseases that affect the mouth.

Skills 

Dentistry is a very hard working profession that requires craftsmanship and skill as much as theoretical knowledge. The foremost attribute required for a good dentist is patience, stamina to work hard for long periods, good health. Besides these they must have a keen eye for detail, manual dexterity and accuracy, ability to memorize and recall scientific facts, comprehensive medical understanding. Dentist should be able to establish easy relationships quickly with people of all age groups, ability to infuse confidence in nervous patients, especially children.

Career Options

Excellent employment opportunities are available for dentists in dental departments in hospitals, nursing homes, dental clinics and health departments as well as teaching departments in dental colleges. Apart from this, dentists could also work in the Research and Advisory functions of a pharmaceutical and other companies producing oral care products and medicines like toothpaste, mouth wash, gum care products, etc.

With gaining experience, one can start his/her own individual practice. Many dentists prefer to be in private practice, as it provides the best financial prospects as well as greater independence.

Remuneration 

In government hospitals, freshly trained dentists could begin around Rs 6,000 a month, while in private hospitals it could be from Rs 3,500 to Rs 4,000. Postgraduate degree holders can expect to start on Rs 7,000 upwards.

Dental surgeons can earn good money through their own practice. The consultation charges could be Rs.500 upwards for cosmetic filling and can be as high as Rs. 40,000 to 50,000 depending upon the nature of dental problem the patient is undergoing. A well established dentist can make around Rs.20,000 - 1,00,000 or more per month.