Dentistry provides surgical, medical and other forms of treatment for oral and dental disorders and diseases. A dentist’s job is to help the patient maintain a healthy mouth and teeth. This requires an examination of the mouth and teeth when there is a problem, and the preparation and execution of plans for the treatment and restoration of teeth.

Dentist’s main work involves

• Treatment of diseased mouths and gums.
• Extraction of teeth that cannot be saved, or might spread an infection to the rest of the mouth.
• Fillings in the treatment of cavities.
• Surgery of the mouth and jaw.
• Replacement of extracted teeth through surgery or other processes.
• Cleaning of the patient’s mouth and teeth.
• Corrective Work to align or straighten teeth.
• Dentures i.e. the making and fitting of false teeth.
• Preventive Work, which is probably the most important task, and involves routine check–ups for both adults and children.

Areas of Specialization
Dentistry has many specializations:

• Orthodontics deals with straightening and aligning teeth and jaws.
• Periodontics specialises in the care of gums and the diseases that might affect them.
• Operative Dentistry for root canal jobs, filling and cosmetic surgery.
• Prosthodontics involves the making of artificial teeth.
• Oral Surgery deals specifically with operation on the mouth and jaw.
• Oral Pathology provides the diagnosis for diseases that affect the mouth.

Duration
The BDS (Bachelor of Dental Science) degree is obtained after four year of training followed by one year of rotating internship. An MDS (Master in dental Science) requires two year of additional training.

Academic Programme
The BDS course includes in the first year, such subject as basic anatomy, physiology and biochemistry, followed by pharmacology and microbiology in the second year. Specialisation in dentistry and hands–on practice are done during the two final semesters.

Job Prospects
Excellent employment opportunities for dentist are available in dental departments in hospital as well as teaching departments in dental college. Self–employment is also a promising avenue. However this requires a substantial capital outlay for space equipment etc.

Remuneration
In government hospital freshly trained dentists start on Rs. 6000 a month( including allowances), while in private practice it could be from Rs. 3500 to Rs 4000. Postgraduate degree holder can expect to starts of INR 7000 plus.