Dental science is always in a state of flux. As a result of new technologies, science has advanced to a new level of development. “What is so important about treating mouth diseases in such a constrained space that it necessitates so many studies?” is a frequently asked question. To understand this, we must look beyond the fact that dentistry is about more than just disease treatment and includes a much broader range of services.
Modern dentistry involves complex orofacial structures such as the jaw joint, as well as the oral and surrounding muscles. It has evolved into a multi-speciality faculty that deals with complex issues such as cleft palate and lips. The scope now includes aesthetic dentistry, which has a wide range of applications. Each branch of dentistry is a speciality in and of itself, with numerous options. A variety of dental, allied sciences are currently in operation, with a large number of professionals involved. Thus, dentistry has limitless possibilities in the new era.
What Will I Study For A Dental Degree?
Dentistry is a difficult qualification that requires the development and demonstration of expert knowledge, from terminology to procedures.The curriculum at dental school will differ depending on the institution, but there are some key similarities.
The curriculum is divided into two distinct components in general. You’ll start by learning the fundamentals and scientific foundations of dentistry. Typically, this takes the first two years of your programme. You will focus on:
- Dental and oral health
- Clinical practice
- Clinical skills
- Dental disease
- Treatment theory
- Dental experience simulations
- Social and environmental scope of practice
- Interaction with industry experts
In years three, four, and five, you’ll move into more hands-on and practical learning after you’ve established a solid foundation. The emphasis shifts to professional knowledge and skill application. You will participate in the following activities:
- Patient demonstrations
- Clinical procedures
- Clinical activity
- Patient treatment
- Specialist care such as orthodontics, maxillo-facial surgery and oral surgery
After completing your degree and training, you may wish to pursue postgraduate dental studies in order to specialise in a specific area. Dental specialisations include the following:
- Orthodontists: Orthodontists correct irregularities in tooth alignment by placing dental devices such as braces and retainers in patients’ mouths. They are experts in the diagnosis and treatment of ‘bad bites’ caused by crowded, missing, or excess teeth.
- Paediatric dentists: Also known as pedodontists treat dental problems in infants and children up to the age of adolescence. Paediatric dentists receive additional training in child psychology, which allows them to communicate more effectively with their young patients.
- Oral and maxillofacial surgeons: These doctors perform dental procedures on the jaw, mouth, and face. They are facial reconstructive surgeons and implant dentists who treat patients who have suffered facial injuries
- Oral surgeons: Oral surgeons perform dental surgeries on patients to correct facial deformities. They also perform difficult extractions and correct abnormal gum and jaw growth. They also treat tumours, cysts, and other growths in patients’ mouths and jaws.
- Periodontist: Periodontists are dentists who specialise in diagnosing and treating diseases of the jaws, gums, and supporting tissues surrounding the teeth. They also perform cosmetic surgeries to realign teeth, jaws, and gums.
There are a variety of other specialisations available, and you may discover specific areas of interest during your studies. This may occur when you begin the more practical aspects of your degree and have the opportunity to treat patients.
Career Options For Dentists
There are numerous career paths available in dentistry. Other rewarding dentist job opportunities besides private practice include teaching, research, and working in government hospitals or dental corporations. Here are some of the best careers for dentists:
- Private practice: Most dentists establish a private clinic on their own or in collaboration with other dentists. Before opening a new dental clinic, consider factors such as location, the economic potential of the surrounding area, and the necessary licences and permits to practise in the area.
- Hospital dentistry: Both private and public hospitals have outpatient dental departments. You can also work as an in-house dentist in a hospital and treat patients.
- Academic dentistry: As an academic dentist, you will have the opportunity to teach and train dental graduates in a dental college or university. Academic dentistry is a career that combines research, education, patient care, and community service.
- Public health dentistry: Rather than practising dentistry, this career involves developing dental policies for the entire community. In this role, you collaborate with other health professionals to develop dental health policies and raise public awareness of oral health.
- Research: A career in research dentistry allows you to work on cutting-edge technology to develop new dental products that benefit patient care. Large dental corporations hire skilled dentists to lead their research departments, and such positions may necessitate additional training.
Average Salary Of A Dentist
A dentist’s starting salary is typically between 20,000 and 30,000 dollars per month. After a few years of practice, you can expect a significant increase in pay as you gain experience and more patients. As the dentist gains additional specialisations and advanced skills, his or her income rises. Depending on the size of the practice and location, successful and well-established dentists can earn a six-figure monthly salary.
Hopefully, you now have a better idea of what studying dentistry entails and what to expect. You might also be interested in our guide to matching your personality to a study and career path, our exploration of professional degrees, and preparing for your studies by learning about the career services available at universities. If you’re certain you want to study dentistry, look through our course panel to find your ideal programme. Visit RajaRajeswari Dental College and Hospital today to reserve your admission seat.
