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Q1.
What is the nature of work
Of a dentist ?
Q2.What
is the Eligibility to become
a Dentist ?
Q3.What
are the personal attributes
of Dentist ?
Q4.What
are the job prospects of dentistry
?
Q1.
What is the nature of work
Of a dentist ?
A1.Dentistry is basically
concerned with all health
problems related to the mouth,
teeth and gums. It includes
dental care and correction.
Surgical, medical and other
forms of treatment are as
much part of dentistry as
they are with other medical
branches. To an extent, dentistry
includes cosmetology too,
where corrective treatment
is involved. For apart 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. Problems dealing with
the jaw or any invasive oral
procedure are usually undertaken
by an oral surgeon. A significant
part of a dentist's job involves
educating patients about ways
to preserve a healthy mouth,
and the best dentists are
skillful communicators.
Top
Q2.What
is the Eligibility to become
a Dentist ?
A2.And now a look at the educational
criteria one needs to satisfy
to qualify for entrance to
a basic degree course in dental
science (Bachelor of Dental
Science). One needs to have
completed the twelfth standard
examination with physics,
chemistry, and biology. Admission
to the graduate course is
through a general, national
level competitive examination.
Allocation of institutions
is generally based on merit.
One also needs to remember
that the academic study is
for a period of four years
and is followed by one year
of rotating internship. Subjects
such as basic anatomy, physiology,
biochemistry, pharmacology
and microbiology are covered
in the first two years. Specialisation
and hands on training are
provided in the last two semesters.
Specialisation includes Orthodontics,
Periodontics, Oral pathology,
Oral surgery, Operative dentistry
and Prosthodontics. The postgraduate
course in dentistry (Master
of Dental Science) is of two
years' duration and offers
several specialities too.
Top
Q3.What
are the personal attributes
of Dentist ?
A3.As with all medical professions,
personal characteristics required
for this branch of study too
begin with a basic compassion
for people, the ability to
keep oneself updated on development
and skills all the time and
to integrate the knowledge
gleaned, an excellent memory,
immense patience, an ability
to empathise with the patients,
a healthy mind and body, the
drive and stamina - both physical
and mental-, to put in long
hours of study and work (remember
a dentist may have to remaining
standing for hours together),
a scientific temper, craftsmanship
and dexterity. Personal Attributes
Required As with most medical
professions, a keen eye for
detail, comprehensive medical
understanding, manual dexterity,
and strong interpersonal skills
are important. Besides these
the Dentist must also possess
empathy and patience.
Top
Q4.What
are the job prospects of dentistry
?
A4. One generally begins one's
career as an assistant to
an established practitioner.
While one learns the tricks
of running a private practice,
this beginner's job often
involves a lot of administrative
work too. Later he or she
rises to become a partner
in the practice. Or, with
enough experience, one could
set up private practice, which
is a very lucrative option.
However, the initial investment
in terms of equipment and
space could be pretty stiff;
besides, it takes time to
attract patients. There are
excellent opportunities in
hospitals and dental institutions
too. Teaching and research
are other options. Remuneration
The returns for a beginner
with a graduate degree could
begin around Rs. 6,000 (all
included) at government hospitals
and less under private practitioners,
while postgraduates may begin
at Rs. 7,000 upwards. |
