ALLEN Career Institute
Major Institutes for Dentistry: http://maids.ac.in/ | https://kgmu.org |http://jmi.ac.in/
Career in Dentistry: All you need to know about
(Text Source: ‘Shiksha’ portal)
Dentistry is concerned with prevention and treatment of all health problems affecting the mouth, teeth, gums and other hard and soft tissues of the oral cavity. General dentists’ job involves prevention and repair of infected teeth through cleaning and filling and makes referrals for any special condition. The specialists in this profession are Orthodontists, Periodontists, Oral Surgeons, Pedodontists, Prosthodontists and Endodontists.
Job Profile
- Orthodontists correct irregularities in the teeth through the period of growth. They correct this by putting braces or other such devices
- Periodontists treat diseases of the gum and tissues which support teeth. They carry out oral implants
- Oral surgeons are trained to conduct surgery for treating fractures, correcting facial deformities, conducting complicated extractions, and treating abnormal growth in the mouth and jaws such as tumors
- Pedodontists specialize in children’s dental treatment and care
- Prosthodontists are specialists who make artificial dentures according to specifications for the client
- Endodontists treat the inner structure of the tooth and are specialists for treating nerve inflammation and carry out root canal treatment
Employment Opportunities
- Dental departments in hospitals, nursing homes, dental clinics and health departments as well as teaching departments in dental colleges.
- In Research and Advisory functions of a pharmaceutical and other companies producing oral care products and medicines like toothpaste, mouth wash, gum care products, etc.
- Self-employment is also a promising avenue.
- 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. Private practitioners work either alone, often setting up a clinic on their own premises, or in partnership with colleagues, sharing resources and overheads.
- In dentistry one can also take up work as a Dental Hygienist, Dental assistant or as a Dental consultant to models and film artists.
Recruiting Sectors
- Defense Dental Centres
- Multi-Speciality Hospitals
- Dental Specialists Clinics
- Government Dental Departments
- Public Sector Undertakings Dental Facilities
How do I get there?
Bachelor of Dentistry
From the academic year 2013-14 NEET – UG (National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test for Under Graduate courses) selects students for Medical(MBBS) and Dental(BDS) courses.
This is a National-level common entrance test conducted by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) for admissions to under-graduate medical and dental courses across the country. All other entrance exams which were so far being organized by the states or independent medical college as well as AIPMT have been replaced by NEET-UG.
Eligibility: 12th examination, minimum of 50% (General category) and 40% (Reserved category) in aggregate of Physics, Chemistry and Biology from a recognized board.
Exam Pattern: NEET-UG is an objective type paper-pencil test. From a total of 180 questions there are 45 questions each from physics, chemistry, botany and zoology . Syllabus can be seen on http://www.mciindia.org/NEET/NEETUG.aspx The exam is a three hour long paper will negative marking , a deduction of 1/4 mark for every wrong answer.
The test is in English and for states in their regional languages e.g. Andhra Pradesh, Tamilnadu, Gujarat and West Bengal, have the paper in their respective regional languages.
Master of Dental Surgery (MDS)
The postgraduate course is of 2 years duration and offers specialization options.
Studying Dentistry Abroad
Most nations do not recognize the Indian degree i.e BDS. To practice in the US dentists from India need to take qualifying exams and pursue 2 years of undergraduate course. In Australia and New Zealand the licensing examination has to be cleared for practicing in these countries. This examination includes the entire 4 year course.
