BDS degree holders can begin their careers as practitioners in government hospitals, private nursing homes, industrial and corporate hospitals. However, a specialized degree opens up more career opportunities in teaching and research institutions like Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).
A dentist today can have various specializations which include
- Periodontics (specialization in gums)
- orthodontics (straightening and aligning teeth & jaws)
- oral pathology (diagnosis of diseases that affect the mouth)
- endodontics (root canal fillings and cosmetic surgery)
- oral & maxillofacial surgery (operation of mouth and jaws)
- prosthodontics (artificial teeth) replacement with artificial Teeth
- Pediatrics dentistry (treating children.) Oral Medicine & Radiology-Diagonising the disease and medical line of treatment.
- Public Health Dentistry-Educating the Mass Communication.
Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics: Orthodontics and dentofacial
orthopedics is the dental specialty that includes the diagnosis, prevention,
interception, and correction of malocclusion, as well as neuromuscular and skeletal
abnormalities of the developing or mature orofacial structures.
Endodontics: Endodontics is the branch of dentistry which is concerned with the
morphology, physiology and pathology of the human dental pulp and periradicular
tissues. Its study and practice encompass the basic and clinical sciences including
biology of the normal pulp, the etiology, diagnosis, prevention and treatment of
diseases and injuries of the pulp and associated periradicular conditions.
Periodontics: Periodontics is that specialty of dentistry which encompasses the
prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the supporting and surrounding
tissues of the teeth or their substitutes and the maintenance of the health, function
and esthetics of these structures and tissues.
Prosthodontics: Prosthodontics is the dental specialty pertaining to the diagnosis,
treatment planning, rehabilitation and maintenance of the oral function, comfort,
appearance and health of patients with clinical conditions associated with missing
or deficient teeth and/or oral and maxillofacial tissues using biocompatible
substitutes.
Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology: Oral pathology is the specialty of dentistry and
discipline of pathology that deals with the nature, identification, and management of
diseases affecting the oral and maxillofacial regions. It is a science that investigates
the causes, processes, and effects of these diseases. The practice of oral
pathology includes research and diagnosis of diseases using clinical, radiographic,
Microscopic, biochemical, or other examinations.
Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology: Oral and maxillofacial radiology is the specialty
of dentistry and discipline of radiology concerned with the production and
interpretation of images and data produced by all modalities of radiant energy that
are used for the diagnosis and management of diseases, disorders and conditions
of the oral and maxillofacial region.They also diagnose disease and provide medical treatment.
Pediatric Dentistry: Pediatric Dentistry is an age-defined specialty that provides
both primary and comprehensive preventive and therapeutic oral health care for
infants and children through adolescence, including those with special health care
needs.
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery:
This is the specialty dealing with as simple as and removal tppth to treating the fracture of maxillofacial.
As of now, even without the medical tourism, India needs an estimated 3 lakh more dentists against a meager availability of just 75,000 leaving a whopping gap; and currently only 20,000 fresh dentists are coming out of the colleges every year.
Once a dentist has a degree with 3 to 4 years of experience, one can set up one’s own private practice. Loans are available for meeting initial investment needs, though preferred options are polyclinics to reduce rents and other overhead expenses. Unlike other medical professions which require the doctor to be on emergency call all the time, dentistry is less hectic and fix timings are available; thus dentist working in a hospital can rum private practice in spare hours.
The opportunities are thus very good for Dental healthcare practioners. |
