Our teeth are one of the major factors that decide how we look. Many talks of how getting braces has completely changed the way they look and this is because our dental health and hygiene are an important part of how we are perceived.
Dentists focus on the part of the body that influences one’s confidence, how you eat, sleep, drink, talk. Dentistry primarily focuses on oral care and dental health maintenance. With a steep rise in dental issues due to several reasons and a lack of a sufficient number of expert doctors, BDS is one of the most sought-after degree courses.
FUTURE SCOPES FOR CAREERS IN DENTISTRY
- According to researchers, public health dentists in India would be on rising till the year 2045. Most students usually find employment within one year of graduation.
- About 5,000 openings for dentists are projected each year, on average, over the decade in the US alone.
- After completing the course, one can work in the medical college, hospitals, nursing homes, health corporations, health ministry and back-office medical consultancy.
- One can also open their own dental clinic or work as a dentist in government and private hospitals.
- There is an increased demand for dental cosmetologists as people become increasingly conscious about how they look.
- Technologies like artificial intelligence augmented reality and virtual reality strongly collaborate with dentistry. New innovations like smart toothbrushes and the intraoral camera can create new career options for graduates.
- A dentist can also serve the Indian defence services like Army and Air Force as a dental officer.
- Graduates can also join the Indian Army Dental Corps as a short commission or long commission.
- Dentists can also work with the National Rural Health Mission and Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme.
SKILLS REQUIRED TO STUDY DENTISTRY
- Communication
- Technical skills
- Leadership
- Patience
- A thorough and methodical approach
- Manual dexterity
- Teamwork skills
- Adaptation skills
CAREERS IN DENTISTRY
- Dentists
- Lecturer
- Dental Research Scientist
- Dental Officer
- Territorial Army Officer
- Oral surgeon
- Pedodontist (children’s dental care)
ELIGIBILITY TO DO A DEGREE IN DENTISTRY
Students who have passed the 10+2 exam or an equivalent degree can pursue Bachelor’s in Dental Surgery- BDS.
ENTRANCE EXAMINATIONS
The National Eligibility Entrance Test (NEET)
The qualifying test for MBBS and BDS programmes in Indian medical and dental colleges. Students who have passed 10+2 with biology, chemistry, and physics with 50-60% marks can apply.
TOP COLLEGES/UNIVERSITIES IN INDIA AND ABROAD TO STUDY DENTISTRY
- University of Alberta, Canada
- University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- King George’s Medical University, India
- Government Dental College and Hospital, India
- Government Dental College and Hospital, India
- Manipal College of Dental Sciences, India
- SDM Dental College, India
- Maharishi Markandeshwar University, India
- Thai Moogambigai Dental College and Hospital, India
- Hitkarini Dental college & hospital, India
FAMOUS PEOPLE CONNECTED WITH DENTISTRY
William Dorfman
Cosmetic dentist who is affectionately known as “America’s Dentist.” He is the consulting dentist of many of Hollywood’s brightest stars.
Giuseppangelo Fonzi
Italian dental surgeon and dental technician. He is known for having improved the procedure of dental prostheses.
TOP INSTITUTIONS THAT EMPLOY PEOPLE IN DENTISTRY
- Governmental and Private Hospitals
- Governmental and Private Dental Clinics
- Educational Institutes
- Indian Defense Services( Army, Navy, Air Force )
- Indian Railways
- NRHM ( National Rural Health Mission )
- ECHS ( Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme)
- Pharmaceutical Companies
- Dental Product Manufactures
