How To Become A Dentist

1. Complete 10+2 with biology, physics, and chemistry

Dental schools require candidates to complete senior secondary (10+2) from a recognized education board. Knowledge of biology, physics and chemistry can students prepare for the advanced courses at dental school. Therefore, choosing science subjects and disciplines is important during 10+2.

2. Clear the NEET-UG admission test

Before applying to dental schools, candidates have to qualify for the NEET-UG (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test Undergraduate) exam. Dentistry is one of the most sought-after courses among medical aspirants and the competition for it is immense. The cut-off marks are usually very high and to secure a seat in their preferred dental college, students require high-grade points in the NEET exam.

3. Earn a UG dental degree

The duration of the undergraduate dental program is five years. The professional medical course has four years of academic study and one year of rotational internship. The UG program includes courses on dental hygiene, oral pathology, periodontics, orthodontics, pharmacology, and radiology. The final year is a hands-on internship where students gain clinical practice by diagnosing and treating patients under the supervision of their dental professors.

4. Set up your dental practice

Once you complete an undergraduate degree in dentistry, you can set up your clinic after obtaining the necessary licenses and permits. Dentists registered with any state dental council can practice anywhere in the country. Alternatively, you can also apply for a job as a dentist in a private or government hospital. Draft a well-written resume showcasing your skills and talents to get a well-paying job in a reputed hospital.

5. Consider a specialisation

While most dentists start practicing immediately after their UG, you can choose to specialize in a specific field of advanced dentistry. You can pursue a postgraduate course after qualifying for NEET-PG. Becoming a specialist entails three years of additional study after your UG. Alternatively, you can also join a short-term certificate or diploma course to update your skills and gain mastery in specific fields of dentistry.

Types Of Dentistry Specialisations

After completing your undergraduate degree, you can pursue several specializations depending on your skills and interests. Some of the popular dentistry specializations include:

• General dentists: General dentists are primary dental care providers and are responsible for the patient's overall oral health. They perform various services like non-metal fillings, crowns, bridges, gum care, scaling, and cleaning the teeth and gums.
• Oral surgeons: Oral surgeons perform dental surgeries to correct the facial deformities of patients. They also perform complicated extractions and amend abnormal growth in the gums and jaws. They also treat tumors, cysts, and other growth in the mouth and jaws of patients.
• Periodontists: Periodontists are specialized dentists who diagnose and treat diseases in the jaws, gums, and the supporting tissues surrounding the teeth. They also perform cosmetic surgeries to correct the alignment of teeth, jaws, and gums.
• Endodontists: Endodontists are highly trained dental specialists focussing on treating complex tooth problems that affect the tooth pulp. They are experts in root canals and concentrate on relieving your toothache while trying to save the natural tooth as much as possible.
• Orthodontists: Orthodontists correct irregularities in teeth alignment by fixing dental devices like braces and retainers in the mouth of patients. They specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of 'bad bites' of the teeth due to crowded, missing, or excess teeth.
• Pediatric dentists: Also known as pedodontists, they treat the dental problems of infants and children till adolescence. Besides training in dentistry, pediatric dentists also train in child psychology which helps them better communicate with their young patients.
• Prosthodontists: Prosthodontists specialize in fixing artificial teeth like dentures, crowns, and caps as permanent replacements for missing teeth. Some prosthodontists also specialize in replacing missing parts of the jaw and face with artificial substitutes.
• Oral and maxillofacial surgeons: Oral and maxillofacial surgeons perform dental surgeries in the jaw, mouth, and facial areas. They are specialists who offer facial reconstructive surgeries and implant dentistry for patients who have experienced facial injuries.