How to Become a Dentist

Dentistry is one of the noblest professions which also enjoys the highest demand in the consumer market. Dentists are highly respected and sought after as they help improve the oral health of patients. Our teeth are one of the most vital parts of our human body. Dental pain can be unbearable, which is a fallout of some problem or issue with the teeth.

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This is where dentists step in, helping patients find quick relief from the incessant pain and guiding them on how to take care of their teeth to prevent problems in the future. If this seems something that you might want to follow as a career path, this blog can help in learning how to become a dentist.

How To Become A Dentist?

Here are the simple steps to start your career as a dentist after the 12th:

Step 1: Completion of 10+2

This is the first and the most basic step to becoming a dentist. Most dental schools require students to complete their 10+2 education from a recognized school board with a background in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (PCB) at the higher secondary level.

Step 2: Qualify through the entrance test

This is the next primary step required for candidates planning on becoming a dental hygienist or dentist. They must be able to clear the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test Undergraduate (NEET-UG). Since it is a competitive examination and much sought after by several students applying for admission to dental schools, one requires a very high cut-off score in the NEET exam to earn a seat in one of the topmost colleges to study dentistry.

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Step 3: Obtain a Bachelor’s dental degree

After clearing the entrance test, you can start applying for admission to an undergraduate degree at your favorite dental school. The duration of the degree program is generally 5 years but may vary sometimes for different schools. The general course pattern entails 4 years of academics and 1 year of rotational internship allowing students to gain sufficient practice in diagnosing and treating patients under appropriate guidance and supervision of senior doctors.

Step 4: Start your dental practice

Graduates with a Bachelor of Dentistry are eligible to set up their private dental practice. However, they must obtain a license first and be registered with any state dental council, which makes them eligible to practice in any part of India. You may also choose to enter a job as a dentist with a government or private hospital.

Step 5: Choice of specialization

You may either choose to work as a dentist directly after completing your UG or choose to specialize in a certain area as part of advanced studies or a Master’s degree in dentistry. Choosing a specialized course after UG requires 3 more years of study after the Bachelor’s. You may also choose to pursue a diploma or short-term certification course for upskilling in a specific area of dentistry.

Types Of Specializations In Dentistry

We discussed above the various specializations that you can choose to pursue as part of the Master’s course. These can be opted for after completing your Bachelor’s degree in Dentistry, as per your area of interest academically and your future career aspirations. Some of the most popular specializations chosen by dentistry students include:

• Oral surgeon: Responsible for performing dental surgeries to correct deformities in teeth in patients
• Endodontist: Responsible for the treatment of complex dental issues that may impact the tooth pulp
• Pediatric dentist: Responsible for the treatment of dental issues in infants and kids up to adolescence
• General dentist: Responsible for treating and maintaining the overall oral health of patients
• Periodontist: Responsible for the diagnosis and treatment of oral diseases in gums, jaws, and supporting tissues around the teeth
• Orthodontist: Responsible for correction of misalignment in teeth by using dental fixtures such as retainers and braces in patients
• Prosthodontist: Responsible for fixing artificial teeth in patients, such as crowns, dentures, and caps to permanently replace missing teeth

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Eligibility Requirements For Dental Hygienists

The admission criteria for different dentistry qualifications vary and it is helpful to know the requirements for each of them when learning about how to become a dental hygienist.

• Completion of 10+2 qualification with PCB subjects from a recognized state or national education board and an aggregate score of 50% is desirable for admission into the Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS). Additionally, candidates must clear the NEET-UG entrance test with the desired cut-off percentage to be considered for admission into a dental college.
• Completion of BDS from a dental school recognized by the DCI is required for admission into Master of Dental Surgery (MDS) courses. Here again, applicants must be able to qualify for the NEET-PG exam with the desired qualifying score before being considered for admission into MDS in addition to earning a high score in the BDS degree program as well. Completion of a one-year mandatory internship is a pre-requisite by the DCI for MDS applicants.
• To apply for short-term certificate and diploma courses, students must have a minimum of 10+2 qualification with Biolofy as the core subject.

Career Roles For Dentists

Students graduating with the desired degree in dentistry are eligible to apply for a variety of career roles, some of which are shared below:

• Hospital dentistry: Working in outpatient dental departments in public and private hospitals
• Public health dentistry: Creating dental plans for society at large rather than starting a private practice
• Private practice: Setting up a private dental clinic independently
• Academic dentistry: Working in a dental college or university
• Research dentistry: Working on the latest technology and designing new and innovative dental products

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Salary Potential For Dentists

The average annual salary of dentists in India is estimated at Rs 2,75,362 per annum. This is likely to vary between professionals and as per location, qualification, and experience.

Final Word

Dentistry is a noble profession that is also very satisfying and rewarding. Follow your instinct and pursue this career path for a gratifying experience. Amity University Online can assist you in this journey by offering online courses at different levels of qualification. Sign up for the program and enjoy the convenience of studying at home at a recognized university.