Clinical scope after BDS
When all reach the period of internship,the students get excited.At the very same time they are equally stressed thinking aboutthe next bigstep of their life. Whether to go for a new clinic or higher studies? Is BDS degree and knowledge enough to performall the need of the patient? MDS is very expensive process, time consuming and lot of struggle.Is it worth doing another 3 year of MDSafter BDS?Let me help you with some sortof information, not only you but majority of students and parents are worried about knowing what to do after you are aBDS. My genuine advice to you is go with your heart.If you like teaching then MDS gives you priority in academics as well as in government jobs.Another benefit is as world is moving towards education,patients prefer MDS over BDS for treatment.MDS will also give you boost in your career but be ready for another 3 year of dedication, hard work and determination.
There are so manyoptions available in India, to do specialization of your choice.It could be either clinical branch or non-clinical branch of dentistry.
Let’s gain knowledge of each branch.This will help you to choose theright one for yourself
a) Non - clinical Branch
- Community Dentistry
- Oral Medicine and radiology
- Oral Pathology & Microbiology
1. Community Dentistry:It’s a non-clinical branch of dentistry which focuses on the prevention of oral disease and promote awareness towards oral health. When compared to a Clinician dentist which deals with a single patient at a time based on one’s dental need, public health dentists focus on entire community or population.
The primary function of dental public health specialist dentist includes the Oral Health Assessment through clinical surveys, screening surveys, non-clinical data and health department data, such as water fluoridation reports, etc. and Oral Health Assurance by keeping eye on the quality and accessibility of oral health services through community oral health education that informs, educates and empowers community about dental health issues.Also support prevention programs and conduct ample amount of research to solve oral health problems. The aim of a community dentist is to prevent and promote the importance of oral health toforoverall health and well-being.
2. Oral Medicine and Radiology: This is a specialized branch whichdeals with the diagnosis of oral and maxillofacial diseases, the oral manifestation of systemic diseases, and surrounding structures throughpatient medical as well asfamily history, clinical examination, radiological and pathologicalinvestigation, and medical management of lesions related to the oral cavity.
Oral medicine primarily deals with non-surgical treatment of oral diseases, disorders, and conditions. As defined by the American Dental Association, “Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology is the specialty of dentistry and discipline of radiology concerned with production and interpretation of images and data produced by all modalities of radiant energy that are used for the diagnosis and management of diseases, disorders, and conditions of the oral and maxillofacial region.”
3. Oral Pathology and microbiology: It is the specialty of dentistry that isalso known as an oral pathologist. According to the American Dental Association: “Oral pathology is the specialty of dentistry and discipline of pathology that deals with the nature, identification, and management of diseases affecting the oral and maxillofacial regions.”
In other words, pathologists perform routine histopathological evaluations of specimens and also carry out routine diagnostic procedures including cytological, microbiological, other investigations, and research projects. The oral pathologist relates the clinical manifestation to physiologic and anatomic changes associated with oral diseases. It does not only deal with pre-malignancy and malignancy diseases but any pain in your mouth can be a reason of one or the other fungus, bacteria, or viruses. Early detection of any oral diseases is the aim of this branch.
b) clinical Branches
- Prosthodontics, bridge and crown
- Operative Dentistry and Endodontic
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
- Orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics
- Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry
- Periodontology or periodontics
1.Prosthodontics, bridge and crown: It is one of the most versatile branche which is focused on the reconstruction of any damaged intraoral structure. Sometimes prosthodontics is also known as “oral architecture of smile or Geriatric dentist”. A prosthodontist is someone who restores the aesthetic, function, comfort, and overall health of a patient’s oral cavity.
Prosthodontists are well trained to replace missing teeth, by complete or partial dentures /bridges /crowns/veneers and arealso trained to perform complex surgeries like single to full mouth implant placement with crowns. To perform these procedures effectively, prosthodontists gain detailed knowledge of mouth sculpting by which dentists ensure every minor detail regarding the structure of the bone, ligaments, blood vessels, etc. to make precise smile makeover.
2.Operative Dentistry and Endodontic: It’s a branch of dentistry that aims to “Increasing the life span of teeth”. Endodontics is more into the management of sequel of dental caries, discolored or fractured teeth, aesthetic treatment call desensitization, and bleaching, pulpal and periapical diseases includingother defects of natural teeth; techniques and procedures to restore the teeth to full function and appearance.
BDS Dentists, too, can perform root canals, but an Endodontist has a lot more experience and skill. The curriculum also includes endodontic microsurgery, regenerative endodontics, and management of traumatic injuries.
3.Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery: It’s a branch called surgical dentistry. Aims to treat many diseases, injuries, and defects in the head, neck, face, jaws, and the hard and soft tissues of the oral (mouth) and maxillofacial (jaws and face) region.
Apart from routine tooth extractions and dis-impactions which can be done by BDS dentist, the department of Oral Surgeonperforms surgical procedures for various pathologies of the oral cavity, head and neck cancers, salivary tumors, cysts, T.M. joint disorders, orthognathic corrections, bone grafting, distraction, and cleft lip and cleft palate corrections surgeries.
4.Orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics: This branch focus on the alignment of maloccluded teeth, dental arches: the maxilla and the mandible, and adjacent structures using various removable and fixed dental appliances. The practice of this specialty includes diagnosis, prevention, interception, and correction of malocclusion and other abnormalities of the developing or mature orofacial structures. Orthodontics is an exclusive branch of dentistry. Most of the time BDS unable to learn while pursuing the course of BDS.
5.Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry:This branch of dentistry focus on children from birth through adolescence. The aim is to manage dental caries, gingivitis and periodontal diseases, problematic habit breaker, and developing malocclusions. BDS dentist can do Restorations of decayed primary and permanent teeth in children using various restorative material but for Traumatic Injuries, management of Oral Habits, developmental disorders, Chronology of dental development, Dimensional changes in dental arches, Child Psychology, and Behavior Management in operatory area ask for specialization.
6.Periodontology or periodontics -As the name suggests, this branch of dentistry including supporting structures of teeth – gums, periodontal ligaments, cementum, and alveolar bone and provides prevention and cure of the damage already caused by infection.
With knowledge of specialization, periodontics is more likely to perform more than Scaling and root planning. Cosmetic gum surgeries, Alveolar bone surgeries, Curettage, implant placement, splinting and abscess drainage, flap surgery, micro-gingival surgery, and laser-assisted surgery are conducted on a regular basis. Advance aesthetic and regenerative procedures are the main attraction of this branch of dentistry.
So, you have diversified ways after graduation in dentistry. Choosing a career is one of the most important decisions you will make for your life, main key to get success in your life is right decision at right time. Weather you choose Clinical or Non-clinical branch, clinical practice or academic practice, the choice is completely yours, after all is about your future.
