How to Become a Dentist

Take physics, chemistry and biology at the plus two level and then clear the pre-medical entrance examination of states/boards/institutions. After the five-year Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) course, you can go in for a postgraduate degree. There are several specialisations to choose from. The Indian Dental Association organises various continuing dental education (CDE) programmes where one can update one’s knowledge of modern dentistry.

Payoff

In the government sector, the average packages are Rs 50,000 per month (entry level), Rs 75,000 to Rs 1 lakh per month (middle level) and Rs 1.5 lakh per month (senior level). In the private sector, the pay varies according to experience and expertise. A doctor with a good private practice can bring home handsome earnings.

Skills

• Creativity and an innate interest in health sciences
• Steady hands
• Aptitude for learning new skills as dental procedures change all the time
• Ability to work tirelessly

Important Facts

• No late nights
• You can transform a person’s life by changing his/her appearance
• One might have to sit for long hours and suffer from back pain as a result
• No correlation between academic performance and earnings