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Dental science means dealing with health problems afflicting the mouth, the teeth, the gums and the other hard and soft tissues of the oral cavity. This field is rapidly changing and is creating many opportunities and challenges for those who plan to take up a career in dental science. Those who are in the practice of dentistry are known as dentists. Other people aiding in oral health service are called dental assistants, dental hygienists, dental technicians, and dental therapists.
Dentistry is that branch of medicine which deals with the study and practice of diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases of the mouth, the maxilla, and the face. This field of science also includes cosmetology under which the dentists try to improve the patients’ appearance by using a wide variety of cosmetic dental procedures. Some of dentistry specialization areas are:
Dental Public Health – It is a study of dental epidemiology and social health policies.
Endodontics – It is a root canal therapy and study of diseases of the dental pulp.
Orthodontics - It deals with straightening and aligning teeth and jaws.
Periodontics – This field takes care of gums and diseases that might affect them.
Operative Dentistry or Endodontics – This area specializes in root canal jobs, fillings and cosmetic surgery.
Prosthodontics – It involves making of artificial teeth.
Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology – It is a study as well as treatment of oral and maxillofacial related diseases.
Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology – It is a study and radiologic interpretation of of oral and maxillofacial surgery.
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery – It deals specifically with surgeries of the mouth and the jaw.
Oral pathology – It provides the diagnosis for diseases that affect the mouth.
Eligibility criteria:-
All those candidates who have passed 10+2 with physics, chemistry, biology, with at least 50% marks are eligible for admission in the Bachelor of Dental Science (BDS) course. The all India Pre-medical / Pre-dental Entrance exam that is conducted by CBSE is common for both the MBBS and the Bachelor of Dental Sciences (BDS).
Personal skills required:-
If a candidate is willing to take up BDS, he / she must have patience, stamina to work hard for long periods, good health, cool temperament, strong interpersonal skills, concentration power, manual dexterity, accuracy along with a keen eye for detail.
Job Scope and Career Options:-
There are opportunities galore for dentists in dental departments in hospitals, nursing homes, dental clinics and health departments as well as teaching departments in dental colleges. Besides that, dentists can work in the Research and Advisory functions of pharmaceutical and other companies producing oral care products and medicines like a toothpaste, mouth wash, gum care products etc. There are some dentists who prefer self-employment like many other doctors, which is also a lucrative option.
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