How to become a Dentist

A dentist is a medical professional who analyses and treats dental problems, guaranteeing the health of the patient's teeth and mouth. Their job is focused on oral hygiene, including the teeth, gums, mouth, dental tissues, and other associated regions. In addition, they treat dental and oral disorders and injuries associated with them. Their operations may be directed toward improving dental/oral health or enhancing the look of the teeth and gums. Not only do they execute dental and surgical operations to assist patients with dental care, but they also urge patients to practise good oral hygiene by prescribing specific dental regimens.

A dentist may conduct a variety of operations, including routine cleanings, root canal therapy, surgical extractions, implant placement, bite correction, and braces installation. Endodontics, periodontics, prosthodontics, and paediatric dentistry are just a few specialities that a dentist may pursue with further study. In addition, you might choose to specialise in one of the following areas of dentistry: Community dental care includes providing dental services at patients` homes, nursing homes, and community clinics, as well as treating patients who have unique needs that prevent them from attending a traditional dental office.

Dental public health - non-clinical work that focuses on population-based dental health needs rather than individual dental health requirements. Dental care in hospitals - dealing with complex problems and treating long-stay hospital patients, an emergency treatment for short-stay hospital patients, and the general public for educational reasons. Armed forces - acting as a military dental officer, delivering a wide range of dental treatments to military personnel in the UK and overseas.

Here are the steps to becoming a Dentist:

Educational Prerequisites:

• Obtain a high school diploma or equivalent. Ensure you have a strong foundation in science subjects such as biology, chemistry, and physics.

Bachelor's Degree:

• Enroll in an accredited college or university and complete a bachelor's degree. While there is no specific major required for dental school, most dental students have a background in pre-dentistry, biology, or other related fields. Maintain a high GPA, as dental schools are competitive.

Dental Admission Test (DAT):

• Take the Dental Admission Test (DAT), a standardized exam required by most dental schools in the United States. Prepare thoroughly for this exam, a crucial factor in the dental school application process.

Dental School:

• Apply to and attend an accredited dental school. Dental programs typically take four years to complete. During the first two years, you'll focus on classroom and laboratory studies, learning dental sciences, anatomy, and patient care basics. In the last two years, you'll gain practical experience through clinical rotations and treat patients under the supervision of experienced dentists.

Obtain Licensure:

• After completing dental school, you must obtain a license to practice dentistry. Licensing requirements vary by country or state but generally involve passing written and practical exams.

Specialization (Optional):

• If you wish to specialize in a particular area of dentistry, you can pursue postgraduate education and training in various specialties such as orthodontics, endodontics, periodontics, etc.

Gain Experience:

• Consider working as an associate in an established dental practice or as an assistant to gain practical experience and build a patient base.

Start Your Practice (Optional):

• If you aspire to run your dental practice, you can start your clinic or join a group practice.

Continuing Education:

• Dentists must continue their education to stay up-to-date with the latest advancements and technologies in dentistry. Participate in continuing education courses and workshops regularly.

Maintain Professionalism:

• As a dentist, upholding high ethical standards, maintaining patient confidentiality, and prioritizing patient care and safety is essential.

• Examine the patient’s medical history and current lifestyle habits impacting oral health
• Educate the patient regarding a better oral hygiene regimen by guiding them about diets, flossing, and other elements of dental care
• Assess the patient’s teeth, gums, jaw, and other related areas using dental instruments, x-rays, moulds, and other diagnostic equipment
• Prepare the client for the dental procedures by administering sedatives/ anaesthesia
• Keeping accurate records of each patient’s case details, including that of their dental structure, medications, diagnoses, and treatment procedures
• Prescribe pain medications and antibiotics as necessary
• Performing regular checkups for dental hygiene and offer preventative services
• Performing treatment procedures such as root canals, repairing of fractured teeth, removing decay
• Perform restorative procedures such as installing dental crowns, inserting sealants and fillings
• Supervise the professional, administrative, technical staff
• Create models and measurements for dental implants

Know about other professions in Dentistry:

Dental Hygienist: The role of a Dental Hygienist involves conducting initial patient screenings and removing plaque from teeth through cleaning. They also provide oral health advice and preventive care to patients. Many individuals search for information on how to become a dentist online. Dental Hygienists support Dentists in determining treatments for teeth and gum diseases, as well as handling dental emergencies.

Qualifications: BDS

Dental Hygienist Salary: The salary of a Dental Hygienist varies based on skills, previous work experience, and employment organization. On average, Dental Hygienists earn Rs. 250252 per annum.

Dental Assistant: A Dental Assistant is a qualified professional on the dental team. They perform various tasks ranging from patient care to office and laboratory duties. Dental Assistants assist the dentist they work with, and they can progress to other roles such as office manager, research associate, dental hygienist, laboratory technician, or even become a dentist themselves.

Qualifications: BDS

Dental Assistant Salary: The salary of a Dental Assistant in India varies depending on skills, work experience, and the size and structure of the organization. The average Dental Assistant's salary in India is Rs. 201286 per annum.

Dental Surgeon: A Dental Surgeon is a professional who performs oral surgery and routine cleanings on patients. Their responsibilities include repairing and extracting teeth and diagnosing tooth conditions. Dental Surgeons educate patients about oral health and guide proper care for teeth and gums.

Qualifications: MDS

Dental Surgeon Salary: The salary of a Dental Surgeon varies depending on previous work experience and employment organization. The average salary for an entry-level Dental Surgeon is Rs. 1552032 per annum, while the average salary for a Senior Dental Surgeon is Rs. 3040379 per annum.

Prosthodontist: A Prosthodontist is a specialized dentist who creates, fits, and installs crowns, bridges, veneers, and inlays. They also provide complete and partial dentures. Prosthodontists treat mandibular joint problems, traumatic injuries to the mouth's structures, congenital anomalies of the mouth, snoring, and other sleep disorders. They are trained professionals in dental repair and aesthetic improvements.

Qualifications: MDS in Prosthodontics

Prosthodontist Salary: The salary of a Prosthodontist varies based on skills, previous work experience, and employment organization. The average Prosthodontist salary in India is Rs. 524000. For entry-level Prosthodontists, the average salary is Rs. 413564 annually in India.

Periodontist: A Periodontist specializes in treating infections through scaling and root planing. They may clean infected tooth roots or remove damaged tissue. Periodontists use surgical procedures to treat periodontal diseases. Their responsibilities include:

• Examining teeth and gums.
• Diagnosing x-rays.
• Probing between teeth and gums to identify pockets of infection and provide appropriate treatment.

Qualifications: MDS in Periodontics

Periodontist Salary: The salary of a Periodontist varies based on skills, previous work experience, and employment organization. The average Periodontist salary in India is Rs. 450000.

How long does it take to become a Dentist

Are you curious about the duration required to become a dentist? It's common to wonder about the years it takes to become a dentist and how to pursue this profession. Typically, after completing class 12 with relevant subjects, it may take approximately 5 to 8 years. The Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) program spans 5 years, which includes a 1-year rotational internship. The Master of Dental Surgery (MDS) program, on the other hand, lasts 3 years.

The clinical expertise of a dentist, which includes an understanding of areas such as biology and chemistry, is critical to his or her success. Additionally, they must have excellent communication skills to work effectively with dental hygienists, dental assistants, and other healthcare professionals in the field. A dentist's ability to communicate effectively with their patients is also critical to establishing rapport, getting information about their medical history, and explaining their diagnosis and treatment methods straightforwardly and understandably.

A dentist must also be very detail-oriented and attentive to pay careful attention to the dental structures of his or her patients and precisely detect issues with them. In addition to manual dexterity and good hand-eye coordination, physical stamina and endurance are required for success in this career. They should also be able to manage their time well and solve problems when they encounter them. Finally, they must be analytical and meticulous in their approach if they are to do justice to their responsibilities in the organisation.

Dentists must have technical abilities to operate medical equipment at a dental office, such as x-ray machines, lasers, and magnifying lenses. Another important talent is the ability to behave as a group leader, which is especially important since many dentists are self-employed and/or have many support workers with whom they collaborate.

The salary of a Dentist can vary based on factors such as experience, location, level of education, type of employer, and the setting in which they work.

• Minimum Monthly Salary: The monthly salary can be from INR 30,000 to INR 50,000.
• Maximum Monthly Salary: The monthly salary can be from INR 1,00,000 to INR 2,50,000 or more.
• Annual Salary: The salary can be from INR 3,60,000 to INR 30,00,000 or more.
• Highest Paying Job and Scope:The highest paying job for a Dentist is often in private practice, especially for dentists who have established a successful practice with a steady flow of patients. Dentists play a crucial role in maintaining oral health, diagnosing dental issues, performing treatments, and promoting preventive dental care. The demand for dental services remains steady, and dentists have the opportunity to make a positive impact on their patients' overall health and well-being.

Given below is the list of various famous Entrances Exams to get the admission into the BDS course-

•   AFMC
•   AIPGDET
•   DUMET
•   AU AIMEE
•   MP DMAT
•   AMUPMDC
•   COMEDK PGET
•   Dr. D. Y. Patil Institute All India Common Entrance Test for MBBS and BDS

Given below is the list of various famous Entrances Exams to get the admission into the Master of Dental Surgery (MDS) course-

•   National Eligibility Cum Entrance Test–Post Graduate (NEET-PG) is one of the most popular, national-level medical entrance exams.
•   All India Post Graduate Dental Entrance Exam (AIPGDEE)
•   Kerala University MDS Entrance Exam
•   Manipal University MDS Entrance Exam

•  Private Practice
•  Research 
•  Pharma Companies
•  Toothpaste Companies
•  Academics
•  Job at Hospital
•  Private Tutors
•  Government Sector
•  Armed Force
•  Dental Colleges and Research Institutes
•  Dental Research Labs
•  Private Hospitals
•  Dental Clinics
•  Military Services