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Manavta
11 November, 2024
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Do you know that for the 7th consecutive year, Dentistry remains listed among the 100 best jobs? The US Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a growth of 7.6 percent in employment opportunities by the year 2028, which translates to nearly 10,400 new dentist jobs globally. That’s impressive, right? Just like the global scenario, India also has a high demand for dentistry jobs, and it’s increasing with every passing day.
Working as a dentist is a popular career choice in the medical field because of its competitive pay scale and career scope across the industry. So, let’s explore some crucial facts about dentistry: how to become a dentist, eligibility requirements, obtaining a license to practice professionally, and details on top job roles for a professional dentist, including salary insights.
Although many are aware that dentistry is a popular career path post-12th grade, some still have doubts. Did you know India has the second-highest number of dentists in the world, as per the Dental Council of India? Over three lakh dentists are registered with the Dental Council of India (DCI). The average annual salary of a dentist in India ranges between INR 0.4 LPA and 6.5 LPA.
The career stream is extremely rewarding!
According to a report in The Deccan Herald, Shaik Anwar, a professional dentist with 30 years of experience, even sustained through the pandemic. The article highlights that dentistry is one of the few recession-proof professions, showing how rewarding a career in dentistry can be in India today.
The first step is to pursue a BDS course to become a dentist. Admission to a dental school and earning an undergraduate dental degree is not difficult, as long as you follow the necessary steps carefully. Note that the undergraduate dental program is 5 years, including 4 years of academic study and 1 year of rotational internship. Let’s discuss the admission process briefly:
To start your journey as a dentist, you must clear the NEET UG exams with a qualifying score. This national eligibility and entrance exam serves as the gateway for admission into dental colleges in India, with universities admitting students through counseling based on their marks.
The next step in the admission process is document submission. Candidates must submit a set of essential documents, either self-attested or verified by authorities. Important documents include:
Valid ID proof
Qualification proof
Personal details
Residential address
Domicile certificate
Scorecard for entrance exam
Medical fitness certificate
After shortlisting candidates and document verification, the college will initiate the interview process. Candidates who qualify for the entrance exam and document verification become eligible for the interview. Some general questions that the interviewer may ask include:
Why are you interested in dentistry?
Do you have a passion for patient care?
What makes you a fit candidate for this dental program?
If you successfully qualify through all stages of admission, you’re set to enroll in a professional dental program. Now, let’s look at some tips to make your dental school application stand out:
Letter of Recommendation: Having recommendations from teachers or school authorities can greatly boost your admission prospects.
Prepare a Personal Statement: Craft a personal statement tailored to your interest in the field. If needed, an SOP can also support your application during the interview process.
Having a clear vision of why you want to study dentistry and your desired career goals can help college authorities better understand your motivations and select you for their program.
To become a dentist after the 12th, you must first clear the NEET UG exam. Additionally, specific eligibility criteria must be fulfilled to gain admission into dental courses. Here are the eligibility requirements:
For the BDS course, the minimum age requirement is 17 years as of December 31st of the admission year. There is no upper age limit for general category students, although SC/ST/OBC students may receive age relaxations, depending on the college.
To be eligible for BDS admissions, candidates must have completed 10+2 education from a recognized board with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology as the main subjects. Some dental colleges also accept 10+2 qualifications with Biology, Physics, and Mathematics as main subjects. A minimum score of 50% in PCB subjects (40% for SC/ST/OBC) is typically required for eligibility in top dental colleges.
Certain dental colleges may have specific physical requirements for admission. In some cases, a medical fitness certification from a registered practitioner may be necessary.
Also Read: MBA after BDS: Dentist Today, Healthcare CEO Tomorrow
Upon completing your dental degree, the next steps are applying for a license and considering further qualifications to become a licensed dentist. Below are the steps for licensing and specialization options:
After graduating from dental school, you must be certified by the national board to start professional practice as a dentist. Licensing requirements vary by state, so you’ll need to fulfill the specific requirements of the state where you plan to practice. Most states require a combination of education and clinical exams, with some requiring only national board certification and others adding legal criteria.
Now that you understand the path to becoming a dentist, let’s look at some advanced specializations that can be pursued post-graduation. Dentistry is a diverse field, and obtaining a master’s degree can be highly beneficial.
The different types of dental specializations are as follows:
Orthodontics: This is the branch that deals with the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of misaligned teeth and jaws. Orthodontists use braces and aligners to straighten teeth and improve their functionality.
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery: It is the discipline that focuses on the surgical treatment of diseases, injuries, and defects of the mouth, jaws, face, and neck. These surgeries involve tooth extractions, jaw realignment, cleft lip repair, and more.
Prosthodontics: This branch of dentistry focuses on the restoration and replacement of missing or damaged teeth. Prosthodontists use bridges, crowns, dentures, and implants to improve patients’ oral functionality, combining technical expertise with creative skills to enhance functionality and aesthetics.
Periodontics: This specialty focuses on diagnosing and treating gum disease and supporting tooth structures. Periodontists perform procedures like scaling, root planning, gum grafting, and dental implant placement.
Pedodontics: Also known as pediatric dentistry, this field focuses on children’s oral health from birth through adolescence. Pedodontists prevent and treat dental cavities, gum diseases, and bad oral habits like thumb-sucking, making this a great choice for those who enjoy working with children.
There are other specializations too, including endodontics (root canal treatment), oral pathology, public health dentistry, and more.
Being a dentist opens up diverse career prospects, from working as a general dentist to specializing in fields like orthodontics and oral surgery. Dentists can work in private clinics and hospitals, academia, or public health. Here are some popular job roles that a professional dentist can pursue, along with their salary expectations:
| Job Roles as a Dentist | Average Salary Range |
| General Dentist | INR 2.76 LPA – INR 6 LPA |
| Oral Surgeon | INR 0.5 LPA – INR 18 LPA |
| Endodontist | INR 0.6 LPA – INR 17.3 LPA |
| Orthodontist | INR 0.8 LPA – INR 20.6 LPA |
| Prosthodontist | INR 0.3 LPA – INR 18 LPA |
| Public Health Dentist | INR 6.36 LPA – INR 6.84 LPA |
| Consultant | INR 1.44 LPA – INR 4.68 LPA |
Source: Glassdoor
The field of dentistry is always in high demand due to highly stable jobs with attractive pay. Additionally, compared to other medical professionals, dentists enjoy more flexible work timings, as they can schedule appointments with patients at their convenience. A successful dentist can easily earn a six-figure monthly salary, depending on the job profile and location.
So, if you are someone aiming to pursue a career in dentistry, preparing for the NEET-UG exam is your primary step. Pass the entrance exam and pursue a reputable dental program to seize the rewarding career opportunities that await you.
Good Luck!
