BDS

Dentistry is defined as the evaluation, diagnosis, prevention and/or treatment (nonsurgical, surgical or related procedures) of diseases, disorders and/or conditions of the oral cavity, maxillofacial area and/or the adjacent and associated structures and their impact on the human body; provided by a dentist, within the scope of his/her education, training and experience, in accordance with the ethics of the profession and applicable law.(As adopted by the 1997 ADA House of Delegates)
Being a branch of medical science, dentistry deals with maintaining good oral hygiene and a better set of teeth.

As the concepts of oral hygiene and other health implications are catching up, this branch is coming of the age. So Dentists these days are assuming very important roles in the whole health care system. Dentists help in preventing and treating diseases related to the oral cavity, including the floor of the oral cavity, the 'roof' of the mouth, teeth, gums, tongue, etc. He can actually fashion or craft our teeth in such a way that we can get that dimpled or gummy smile so in a way he can be an artist also.

Surgical, medical and other forms of treatment too are a part of dentistry as they are with other medical branches. Dentistry also includes cosmetology, in which corrective treatment is done i.e. stained, cracked or broken teeth can be restored to their original form. A part from the routine extraction of teeth, filling, fitting dentures, surgery of mouth, replacement of extracted teeth through surgery and cleaning a patient's mouth and teeth, the job also includes aligning and straightening teeth. Today's dentists can provide pain-free care for our teeth and leave their pliers at home!


Professional Courses
To practice as a dentist one must need at least a Bachelor's degree in Dental Science (BDS). To be a specialist one needs to have a Master's in Dental Science (MDS). BDS course includes in the first year, subjects like basic anatomy, physiology, and biochemistry followed by pharmacology and microbiology in the second year. Other Courses in Dentistry are:
Dental Hygienist Certificate Course
Dental Mechanic Certificate Course
Diploma Course In Dental Assistance

Duration
The BDS degree is obtained after 4 years of training followed by one year of internship. The Master's degree needs two years of specialized training.


WHAT IS TAUGHT?
The course is divided into 4 years of training and 1 year compulsory rotatory intership.
The students would be taught the basics of the following subjects
. Human Anatomy,
. Human Physiology,
. Biochemistry,
. General Pathology,
. General Microbiology,
. General & Dental Pharmacology,
. General Medicine.
. General Surgery.

Postdoctoral dental study gives dental professionals, the opportunity to work towards specialization in the field of dentistry. The areas of postdoctoral study include the following: periodontics, endodontics, orthodontics, and oral surgery etc. The advantages of pursuing one of these areas of specialization are generally higher salaries and a more academic bent to the work. The postdoctoral study itself is quite rigorous and involves seminars, lectures, and clinical work. The following are the specialties in this field:
Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology: The practice of oral pathology includes research and diagnosis of diseases using clinical, radiographic, microscopic, biochemical, or other examinations.

Endodontics: It includes the basic and clinical sciences including the biology of the normal pulp, diagnosis, prevention and treatment of diseases and injuries of the pulp. One of the endodontists' most frequently occurring tasks is treatment of the root canal—the removal of damaged pulp from within the root canal of a tooth and thus saving the teeth.

Periodontics: It is the study of diseases of gums and its effects and treatment.

Pedodontics: Pediatric Dentists are dedicated to the oral health of children from infancy through the teen years. They care for a child's teeth, gums, and mouth throughout the various stages of childhood.

Prosthodontics: It's a special branch of dentistry that concentrates all its skills and science that make mouth, teeth, and face work right, feel right, look right, and stay right.

Oral Surgery: Oral surgeons are responsible for diagnosing and treating oral disease, in particular benign and malignant tumors of the jaws, head and neck. They also perform surgeries to aid in the treatment of sleep disorders.

Orthodontics: An orthodontist is a specialist in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of dental and facial irregularities.


QUALIFICATION
Candidates who have passed 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry and Biology, with at least 50% marks are eligible for admission in the Bachelor of Dental Science.
For an MDS degree one needs to have a BDS degree.


PERSONAL SKILLS
A wide range of career opportunities exist in the filed of dentistry. Dental departments in hospitals, dental clinics and nursing homes need the services of dentists. Apart from this the Forensic Departments also need good dentists who are involved in identification of deceased persons through dental remains, bite mark analysis and examination of oral facial structures for determination of injury, possible malpractice or insurance fraud. Pharmaceuticals and other companies, which produce dental and oral care products, require dentists for research and advisory works . One can also take up work as a Dental Hygienist, Dental assistant or as a Dental consultant to models and film artists. Self-employment is also a lucrative avenue and one can become a private practitioner. For those with an adventurous kind of personality one can also join the Army Dental Corps. The Armed forces also recruit dentists directly. Recruitment to a government job is through UPSC and Staff Selection Commission for states.

Those who are interested in teaching work can find the job of a Professor or an Associate Professor, with a required qualification, in the Dental Colleges


JOB PROSPECTS
A wide range of career opportunities exist in the filed of dentistry. Dental departments in hospitals, dental clinics and nursing homes need the services of dentists. Apart from this the Forensic Departments also need good dentists who are involved in identification of deceased persons through dental remains, bite mark analysis and examination of oral facial structures for determination of injury, possible malpractice or insurance fraud. Pharmaceuticals and other companies, which produce dental and oral care products, require dentists for research and advisory works . One can also take up work as a Dental Hygienist, Dental assistant or as a Dental consultant to models and film artists. Self-employment is also a lucrative avenue and one can become a private practitioner. For those with an adventurous kind of personality one can also join the Army Dental Corps. The Armed forces also recruit dentists directly. Recruitment to a government job is through UPSC and Staff Selection Commission for states.
Those who are interested in teaching work can find the job of a Professor or an Associate Professor, with a required qualification, in the Dental Colleges


OFFERED BY

1.Adhiparasakthi Dental College & Hospital
2.JKK Natrajah Dental College
3.K.S.R. Institute of Dental Science & Research
4.Rajah Muthiah Dental College & Hospital
5.Rajas Dental College
6.Sofia Dental College, Trichirapalli, Tamil Nadu
7.Sri Mookambika Institute of Dental Sciences
8.Sri Rama Krishna Dental College & Hospital
9.Vinayaka Mission’s Sankaracharayar Dental College