Job Description

What: You happily pay a visit to this professional to get a million dollar smile. Yes, we are taking about dentists and dentistry. This profession deals with the inspection and treatment of teeth, gums and other parts of the oral cavity. A dentist especially takes care of problems affecting the teeth. Common procedures are removal, correction and replacement of decayed, damaged or lost teeth. Dentistry, a lucrative profession, is concerned with all health problems afflicting the mouth, teeth, gums and other hard and soft tissues of the oral cavity. It is accepted as a professional field, which includes dental care and correction. Dentists help people maintain their health and appearance. Dentistry is changing rapidly, creating many opportunities and challenges. To an extent, it includes cosmetology where corrective treatment is involved. Dentists improve patients’ appearance by using a wide variety of cosmetic dental procedures. This career offers high wages and flexible work schedule. You also get the opportunity to be your own boss if you choose to start your own practice. What’s more, dental care is a growing industry because you will never miss anyone who has not had problems with their teeth. In government hospitals, a newly trained dentist could begin around Rs 15,000 a month (including allowances), while in private hospitals it could be slightly less. Post-graduate degree holders can expect to start on from Rs 30,000 upwards. A well-established dentist can make around Rs 30,000 to Rs 5, 00, 000 or more per month. How: To get into this business you have to pass the 10+2 level with Physics, Chemistry and Biology to apply for the competitive entrance examination. Numerous universities and institutes, both in the public and private sector, conduct their own admission tests. The Bachelor of Dental Science (BDS) degree programme is a five-year course that is divided into four parts each of one years’ duration followed by a year of internship. The Dental Council of India registers those who have completed the BDS to practice dentistry. After completion of this degree, many graduates choose to join a government hospital to get hands-on experience. A BDS degree alone is not considered enough to succeed in this profession so you will have to go for a Master of Dental Science (MDS) degree. You have to keep participating in education programmes based on your specialisation throughout the duration of your practice. Continuous education is an integral and an essential part of this profile. You simply cannot escape this aspect no matter whether you are a new entrant or have spent 40 years in practice. Where: In the light of increasing incidents of various dental disorders, the requirement of dentists is growing rapidly. Liberalisation of economy has brought better opportunities for these professionals in terms of remuneration, research and working facilities. Fresh pass-outs have a wide variety of job options to choose from. Institutions: