To become a dentist, a candidate must have passed class 12th or equivalent examination with science stream in PCB - Physics, Chemistry and Biology. Candidates must have also appeared for a national-level medical entrance exam like NEET-UG for admission to dental courses. NEET UG is a national level entrance test which is conducted by National Testing Agency (NTA). Candidates need a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) to practice as a dentist. There is no specialization there at the bachelor level. The BDS is a 4-year course which is followed by a requisite one year of rotating internship. After graduation, candidates may pursue the PG in Master of Dental Surgery (MDS).
PG training is for three years in a specialized subject. The Master of Dental Surgery (MDS) course is offered in the following subjects – Prosthodontics, Periodontics, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Conservative Dentistry & Endodontics, Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopedics, Oral Pathology & Microbiology, Community Dentistry, Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry & Oral Medicine Diagnosis and Radiology. Selections of the candidates to the PG courses are through state/national entrance examinations.
1. Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences, New Delhi 2. Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Mangalore 3. King George's Medical College, Lucknow 4. Government Dental College and Hospital, Mumbai 5. Pt Bhagwat Dayal Sharma Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Rohtak 6. SRM Dental College, Chennai 7. Tamil Nadu Government Dental College and Hospital, Chennai
A dentist performs many iortant duties in the maintenance of oral health. Check-ups are a major part of the job and are important for patients keeping on top of their oral care. In addition to general check-ups, general dentistry involves basic treatments that can be done at a regular dental office. Such procedures might include filling a tooth, performing a minor surgical procedure such as a tooth extraction, and cleaning and polishing teeth. A dentist will encourage patients to practice good dental care by brushing and flossing and getting regular cleanings as these good habits can help prevent cavities and other tooth and gum diseases.