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January - 2016 - issue > Expert's View

Higher Education in Dentistry

Dr.Vaibhavi Joshipura
Principal-Sri Rajiv Gandhi College of Dental Sciences & Hospital
Sunday, January 31, 2016
Dr.Vaibhavi Joshipura
With increasing number of private dental colleges in India, the Indian student has plethora of choices to make for higher education, if they have inclination towards dentistry. The single entrance exam as a gateway for admission into BDS courses throughout India, is a boon to the student, so are the online entrance exams.

While some of the government institutions have limited infrastructural facilities, most of the private sector is well equipped but are struggling for clinical material. For a student it is crucial to have both, as they have to keep up with technological advances and clinical experience of working on as many patients as possible. So we, in this industry have to find our balance in this regard, by providing the latest equipment and materials to train our students as well as lots of patients.

The five year course in dentistry is physically and mentally exhaustive, so the students and parents should prepare themselves for it. It is a drastic change from their higher secondary studies schedules and most of the students face problems with language, communication and physical and mental strength and determination.

As has happened to all the professional sectors, a bachelor's degree is not enough in dentistry today. Education is becoming very expensive, so getting a post graduate degree can also be quite expensive. But unlike 10 -15 years back, today's dentists may not want to limit themselves to a master's degree in one subject. There are plenty of diploma courses available after BDS to have overall clinical experience. Today's students have multiple options for a career in dentistry, after their BDS or MDS degree.

Clinical research in India is growing like never before, and Students in this generation have more choices in going for research in the field of dentistry, apart from becoming a dental practitioner or go for academics in the form of a teaching job.


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