Dental health is one of the most important aspects of overall well-being. A healthy smile can boost your confidence, improve your appearance, and prevent many oral diseases. However, not everyone has access to quality dental care in India. This means that millions of Indians suffer from dental problems such as tooth decay, gum disease, bad breath, and tooth loss.
If you are passionate about helping people improve their dental health, you may want to consider pursuing a career in dentistry. Dentistry is a rewarding and challenging profession that requires both technical skills and interpersonal skills. You will have the opportunity to diagnose and treat various dental conditions, educate patients on oral hygiene, and make a positive impact on their lives.
But how can you become a dentist in India? What are the dental courses that you need to take? And what are the benefits of choosing this career path? In this blog, we will answer these questions and more. We will also provide some tips on how to prepare for the dental entrance exams and how to choose among dental colleges in Mumbai for your needs.
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What are the Dental Courses in India?
There are two main types of dental courses in India: Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) and Master of Dental Surgery (MDS). Both of these courses are regulated by the Dental Council of India (DCI), which is the apex body for dental education and practice in the country.
BDS
This is the basic degree that qualifies you to practice as a general dentist. It is a 5-year course (including internship) that covers subjects such as anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, microbiology, pathology, pharmacology, dental materials, oral medicine, oral surgery, prosthodontics, orthodontics, periodontics, pedodontics, and community dentistry. After completing the BDS course from dental colleges in Mumbai or elsewhere, you have to undergo a one-year compulsory internship in a dental college or hospital.
MDS
This is a postgraduate degree that allows you to specialise in a specific branch of dentistry. It is a three-year course that covers subjects such as oral pathology, oral medicine and radiology, conservative dentistry and endodontics, prosthodontics and crown and bridge, orthodontics and dentofacial orthopaedics, periodontology, oral and maxillofacial surgery, pedodontics and preventive dentistry, public health dentistry, and oral implantology. After completing the MDS course, you can practice as a specialist dentist or pursue further studies such as PhD or fellowship programs at dental colleges in Mumbai, or elsewhere.
How to Get Admission to Dental Courses?
To get admission to BDS or MDS colleges in Maharashtra or the rest of India, you have to clear the respective entrance exams conducted by various authorities at the national or state level. Some of the most popular dental entrance exams are:
- National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET)
- All India Post Graduate Dental Entrance Examination (AIPGDEE)
- NEET MDS
- Various State-level Dental Entrance Exams
How to Choose the Best Dental College in India?
Choosing the best dental colleges in Mumbai for your education is a crucial decision that can affect your career prospects and satisfaction. There are many factors that you should consider before applying to any dental college, such as:
Accreditation
All legal dental colleges in Mumbai and the rest of India are recognized by DCI and affiliated with a reputed university. This will ensure that the quality of education and infrastructure is up to the mark and that you will get a valid degree that is accepted by employers and other institutions.
Faculty
The dental college should have qualified and experienced faculty members who can impart theoretical and practical knowledge to the students. You can check the credentials and publications of the faculty members on the websites of dental colleges in Mumbai or other sources.
Curriculum
The dental college should have a comprehensive and updated curriculum that covers all the relevant topics and skills required for dentistry. You can compare the syllabi of different BDS colleges in Navi Mumbai and see which one suits your interests and goals.
Facilities
The dental college should have adequate facilities such as laboratories, libraries, clinics, hostels, canteens, sports, and cultural activities. You can visit the college campus or check the online reviews and ratings of the college to get an idea of the facilities available.
Placements
The dental college should have a good placement record and reputation in the industry. You can check the placement statistics and testimonials of the alumni on the college website or contact the alumni or seniors at Terna Dental College to get their feedback and guidance.
What are the Benefits of Pursuing Dental Courses?
Pursuing dental courses in India can offer you many benefits, such as:
Career Opportunities
Dentistry is a booming sector in India, with a high demand for skilled and qualified dentists. You can work as a general dentist or a specialist dentist in various settings such as hospitals, clinics, dental colleges, research institutes, government organizations, NGOs, or private practice. You can also pursue higher studies or specialisation in dentistry or related fields such as public health, forensic odontology, oral pathology, etc. at government or private dental colleges in Mumbai.
Job Satisfaction
Dentistry is a noble profession that allows you to help people improve their oral health and quality of life. You can make a difference in the lives of your patients by providing them with preventive, curative, and cosmetic dental services. Some people also enjoy the intellectual stimulation and creativity involved in studying in dental colleges in Mumbai and elsewhere.
Financial Rewards
Dentistry is a lucrative profession that offers attractive salaries and incentives. The average salary of a dentist in India is ₹3,09,000 per year, which can vary depending on your experience, qualification, location, and employer. You can also earn additional income by doing private practice or consultancy.
Conclusion
Dental courses are a great option for those who want to pursue a career in dentistry. They provide you with the knowledge and skills required to diagnose and treat various dental conditions, educate patients on oral hygiene, and make a positive impact on their lives. To get admission to dental colleges in Mumbai or the rest of India, you have to clear the respective entrance exams such as NEET or AIPGDEE. Try to choose the best dental college for your education based on factors such as accreditation, faculty, curriculum, facilities, and placement.
By pursuing dental courses in India, you can enjoy many benefits such as career opportunities, job satisfaction, and financial rewards.
FAQs
1. What is the accreditation of Terna Dental College?
Terna Dental College is NAAC accredited, recognised by the DCI, and affiliated to Maharashtra University of Health Sciences, Nashik.
2. What subjects does Terna Dental College offer the MDS in?
Terna Dental College offers its MDS course in the subjects of Periodontics, Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, Orthodontics, Prosthodontics, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, and Paedodontics.
3. Does Terna Dental College offer PhD programmes?
Yes, Terna Dental College offers Ph.D. programs in the subjects of Paedodontics, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Conservative Dentistry, and Endodontics.
4. Which entrance tests do I have to pass to study the dental courses at Terna Dental College?
To get admission to the BDS program at Terna Dental College, you have to appear for NEET. For the MDS program, similarly, you’ll have to sit for the NEET MDS.
