Careers in Dentistry

Dental health is an integral part of the overall health systems. With modern lifestyle, dental problem is becoming more vigorous among all sections of the population. In addition to this, improper dental care practices also create problems like early tooth falling, tooth decay and enamel loss etc. All these problems require proper suggestions of dentists to keep our teeth healthy and fit for long years. Thus dentistry as a profession is becoming more demanding and remunerative. Because of its promising nature a lot of young aspirants are coming into this profession.

Course Details
The basic course for being a Dentist is Bachelor’s Degree in Dental Science (BDS). The minimum requirement for BDS courses is 10+2 pass in Science with Biology as an optional. Selection to the BDS courses is made through an entrance test conducted by different state separately. However, CBSE and AIIMS conduct their entrance test at all India level. BDS is a four-year course divided into four semester of one year each followed by one year of rotating internship. Those who have completed the BDS should be registered to practice dentistry by the Dental Council of India. A Masters in Dental Science (MDS) requires two years of additional training.

Career Prospects
BDS degree holders can begin their careers as practitioners in government hospitals, private nursing homes, industrial and corporate hospitals. Establishments like Defense Service, Railways, and Ordnance Factories also employ Dentists for hospitals run by them. However, a specialized degree opens up more career opportunities in teaching and research institutions like Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). Besides, as private practitioners, they can have their own dental clinics. Those who are interested in social service can join NGOs. Moreover, a lot of career opportunities are available abroad for Indian dentists in countries like USA, UK and Australia.

Top Colleges Offering UG/PG/Other Courses
Some of the premier colleges offering BDS courses in India are: Bangalore Institute Of Dental Science Hospital, Bangalore; Bharati Vidyapeeth’s Dental College and Hospital, Pune; Buddha Institute of Dental Sciences and Hospital, Patna; Christian Dental College, Ludhiana; College Of Dental Surgery, Manipal; Dental College & Hospital, Lucknow; Dental College, Trivandrum; Dr. R. Ahmed Dental College & Hospital, Kolkata; Govt. Dental College & Hospital, Mumbai; Govt. Dental College & Hospital, Chennai; Govt. Dental Collage & Hospital, Hyderabad; J. S. S. Dental Collage, Mysore; Moulana Azad Medical Collage, Dental Wing, New Delhi; Nair Hospital Dental College, Mumbai; S.C.B Medical College, Cuttack and S.M.S. Medical College, Dental Wing, Jaipur.

Remuneration
Dentistry is a well-remunerative career option. Fresh Dentists employed in government hospital earn Rs 8,000 to Rs 10,000 per month. Private sectors hospital and nursing homes offer more lucrative pay packages to dentists. A private practitioner can earn Rs 20,000 to Rs 1 lac per month depending upon their skill and ability.