What do they do?

Dentists are healthcare ­professionals who takes care of people's oral hygiene by providing ­preventive and restorative ­treatments. The treatment includes restorative dentistry, which focuses on correcting problems of the teeth caused mainly by dental decay (cavity), and fixing the position of the teeth in relation to each other and to the jawbones. Dentists also treat injuries, infections, tumours and other conditions of the teeth, jawbones and related tissues. From cleaning of teeth to filling cavities to performing complicated surgeries – they have to do it all! 

Skills Needed

• Excellent knowledge of the science of oral health
• Good manual dexterity, eyesight and a steady hand 
• Aptitude for learning new skills as dental procedures change often
• Ability to work tirelessly 
• Good communication skills
• A good sense of humour can help you break the ice with patients.
• Being a patient listener helps 

How do I get there?

Take up biology in Class 11 and continue with it in Class 12. Thereafter, you need to clear the entrance test for BDS (bachelor of dental surgery), followed by MDS (master of dental surgery). The diploma courses after BDS also have great prospects and enhance the career growth of aspiring dentists. Dentists can also set up their own private practice.