How to Become a Dentist After 12th

Dentist is a specialised healthcare professional who is involved in providing treatment to people having tooth problems or routine dental check-ups. He or she is also known as an Oral Doctor. There are numerous responsibilities of a Dentist. It helps to avoid tooth decay and other complications in the mouth as well as other parts of the body. The job includes diagnosing and treating oral problems that may affect gums, teeth, and mouth.

A dentist is involved in utilising modern technology and equipment such as X-ray machines, drills, lasers, brushes, scalpels, and other tools to perform dental procedures.

Most Common Dental Practices

The tasks performed by Dentists include educating people about dental hygiene. He or she is responsible for filling cavities. A Dentist may remove buildup or decay of teeth. He or she repairs or removes damaged teeth. A Dentist reviews tooth x-rays and diagnostics. He or she gives anesthesia and puts in fillings or sealants. A Dentist also checks the growth of teeth and jawbones.

Dentist Salary

The salary of Dentist varies depending on candidates’ skills, prior work experience, and employing organisation. Experienced Dentists with licenses may own their private practice. The average Dentist salary in India is Rs.303955 per annum. An entry-level Dentist earns an average salary of Rs. 4,32,666. A senior average Dentist salary is Rs. 650,000 per annum in India.

(Source: payscale.com)

Know about other professions in the Dentistry:

Dental Hygienist

A Dental Hygienist is responsible for conducting initial patient screenings, and cleaning teeth by removing plaque formed around it. He or she advises and educates patients on oral health as well as preventive care. The role of Dental Hygienist involves providing support to Dentists in deciding treatments for teeth or gum diseases as well as handling dental emergencies.

Qualifications: BDS

Dental Hygienist Salary: The salary of a Dental Hygienist varies depending on candidates’ skills, prior work experience, and employing organisation. The average Dental Hygienist salary is Rs. 250252 per annum. (Source: payscale.com)

Dental Assistant

A Dental Assistant is a qualified individual who is a part of the dental team. He or she performs a variety of tasks such as patient care to office and laboratory duties. A Dental Assistant job includes providing assistance to the dentist for whom he or she works. Dental Assistants may advance their career to other progressive roles such as office manager, research associate, dental hygienist, or laboratory technician as well as a dentist.

Qualifications: BDS

Dental Assistant Salary: The salary of Dental Assistant in India varies depending on candidates’ skills, work experience, and the size and structure of the organisation. The average Dental Assistant salary in India is Rs. 201286 per annum. (Source: payscale.com)

Dental Surgeon

A Dental Surgeon is a professional who performs oral surgery and routine cleanings on patients. The duties of Dental Surgeon include repairing and removing teeth. He or she diagnoses conditions of the tooth. A Dental Surgeon educates patients about their oral health and how to provide the best care to teeth and gums.

Qualifications: MDS

Dental Surgeon Salary: The salary of a Dental Surgeon varies depending on prior work experience and employing organisation. An entry-level Dental Surgeon average salary is Rs. 1552032 per annum. The average Senior Dental Surgeon salary is Rs. 3040379 per annum.

(source: salaryexpert.com)

Prosthodontist

A Prosthodontist is a specialised dentist who makes, fits, and installs crowns, bridges, veneers, and inlays. He or she performs complete and partial dentures. A Prosthodontist treats mandibular joint problems and traumatic injuries to the mouth’s structures. He or she also treats congenital anomalies of the mouth, snoring, and other sleep disorders. Prosthodontists are trained professionals in the aesthetics of dental repair and improvement.

Qualifications: MDS in Prosthodontics

Prosthodontist Salary: The salary of Prosthodontist varies depending on candidates’ skills and prior work experience as well as employing organisation. The average Prosthodontist salary in India is Rs. 524000. An entry-level average Prosthodontist salary is Rs. 413564 per annum in India. (Source: payscale.com)

Periodontist

A Periodontist is responsible for treating infections with scaling and root planing. He or she may clean the infected root of a tooth or remove the damaged tissue. He or she utilises surgical procedures to treat periodontal diseases. It involves examining teeth and gums, diagnosing x-rays, and probing between teeth and gums. Periodontists if pockets of infection have formed and treat them.

Qualifications: MDS in Periodontics

Periodontist salary: The salary of Periodontist varies depending on candidates’ skills, prior work experience and employment organisation. The average Periodontist salary in India is Rs. 450000.

(source: payscale.com)

Also Read: Career as Maxillofacial Surgeon

How to become Dentist

Are you searching for how to become a dentist in India? Aspirants who want to become a Dentist are required to acquire minimum required qualifications. After successful completion of class 10, they are required to enroll themselves in class 11 with majors in physics, chemistry, and biology. High school students aspiring to take up dentistry careers usually search for how to become a Dentist after 12th.

Completion of class 12 in physics, chemistry, and biology with a minimum of 50 per cent of marks is mandatory. After successful completion of class 12, they are required to appear in NEET to further enroll in BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery) programme.

After successful completion of BDS, they may start practicing dentistry under an experienced Dentist or they may further get themselves enrolled in MDS. An MDS stands for Master of Dental Surgery. It is offered in various specialisations such as prosthodontics and crown bridge, orthodontics and oral medicine, oral and maxillofacial surgery, and radiology.

How long does it take to become a Dentist

Are you wondering ‘how many years to become a dentist' it might take? It is quite usual to be curious about how many years to become a dentist or how to become a dentist. After completion of class 12 in appropriate subjects, it might take 5 to 8 years. The duration of BDS is 5 years including 1 year of rotational internship. The duration of MDS is 3 years.

Note: Students must ensure that the college in which they are enrolled and pursuing BDS or MDS must be approved by the Dental Council of India.

Conclusion

Aspirants who want to become a Dentist are required to complete their graduation in BDS which takes up to five years and includes four academic years and a rotational internship of one year. Further, they are required to practice dentistry under the supervision of an experienced Dentist.