Dentistry is a branch of medicine that focuses on the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of conditions related to the oral cavity and surrounding structures, including the teeth, gums, and jaw.

A dentist is a healthcare professional who specializes in this field. They are responsible for ensuring the oral health of their patients through various procedures and treatments.

The role and duties of a dentist can vary depending on their specialization and the setting in which they work, but some common responsibilities include:

1. The role and duties of a dentist can vary depending on their specialization and the setting in which they work, but some common responsibilities include:
2. Preventive Care: Dentists educate patients about proper oral hygiene practices, such as brushing and flossing, and provide regular check-ups and cleanings to prevent dental issues like cavities and gum disease.
3. Diagnosis: Dentists examine patients' mouths, teeth, and gums to diagnose oral health problems such as tooth decay, gum disease, and oral cancers. They may also use X-rays and other diagnostic tools to aid in their assessments.
4. Treatment: Dentists perform various treatments to address oral health issues, including filling cavities, performing root canals, extracting teeth, and treating gum disease. They may also offer cosmetic treatments such as teeth whitening and veneers to improve the appearance of patients' smiles.
5. Restorative Care: Dentists restore the function and appearance of damaged or missing teeth using procedures such as dental implants, crowns, bridges, and dentures.
6. Surgical Procedures: Some dentists specialize in oral and maxillofacial surgery and perform surgical procedures such as wisdom tooth extraction, jaw realignment, and treatment of facial injuries.
7. Patient Education: Dentists provide patients with information and guidance on how to maintain good oral health and may offer advice on diet, lifestyle habits, and other factors that can impact dental health.
8. Collaboration: Dentists may work closely with other healthcare professionals, such as orthodontists, periodontists, and oral surgeons, to provide comprehensive care for patients with complex dental needs.

Step 1:  Class 12th (Higher Secondary Education) with Science Stream:  Enroll in a higher secondary school and choose the science stream. Subjects like Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and English are typically required for admission to dental colleges.

Step 2:  Preparation for Entrance Exams:  To get admission to a dental college in India, you need to clear the relevant entrance exams. The most common entrance exams for dental courses in India include:

National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET-UG): This is the primary entrance exam for admission to undergraduate dental courses (BDS) in India. It is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA).

State-level Entrance Exams: Some states may conduct their own entrance exams for admission to dental colleges within the state.

Step 3:  Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) Degree:

Once you clear the entrance exam, you can enroll in a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) program offered by various dental colleges across India. The BDS course typically lasts for five years and includes both theoretical coursework and practical training. During this period, you will learn about various aspects of dentistry, including anatomy, physiology, pathology, dental materials, and clinical procedures.

Step 4:  Internship:  After completing the BDS program, you are required to undergo a one-year compulsory internship in a recognized dental college or hospital. During the internship, you will gain hands-on experience by working under the supervision of experienced dentists and treating patients.

Step 5:  Registration with Dental Council of India (DCI):   Upon successful completion of the internship, you need to register with the Dental Council of India (DCI) or the State Dental Council to practice dentistry legally in India. Registration involves submitting the required documents and paying the prescribed fees.

Step 6:  Postgraduate Studies (Optional):  After completing BDS and gaining some clinical experience, you may choose to pursue postgraduate studies in various dental specialties such as Orthodontics, Periodontics, Oral Surgery, Prosthodontics, etc. Postgraduate degrees (MDS) provide advanced training and expertise in specific areas of dentistry.

•     General Dentist
•     Orthodontist
•     Periodontist
•     Endodontist
•     Prosthodontist
•     Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon
•     Pediatric Dentist
•     Public Health Dentist
•     Cosmetic Dentist
•     Oral Pathologist

•     Private Dental Clinics
•     Hospitals and Healthcare Facilities
•     Dental Schools and Universities (Teaching & Research)
•     Government Health Departments
•     Military and Defense Services
•     Corporate Dental Clinics (e.g.corporate wellness programs)
•     Dental Equipment and Supplies Manufacturing Companies
•     Dental Insurance Companies
•     NGOs and Non-profit Organizations
•     Dental Tourism Industry