About Dentistry

Dentistry is the branch of medical science which is the amalgamation of art and science, deals with the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of conditions, diseases, and disorders of the oral cavity, the maxillofacial region, and its associated structures.

The minimum qualification to be a Dentist in India is BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery) of 5 year duration. The post graduate (Master’s Degree) degree is MDS (Master of Dental Surgery) of 3 year duration after under graduate programme (BDS). There are 9 specialties in which MDS course can be taken.

Branches of dentistry:

The dentistry in India has 9 branches as follow:

Orthodontics is the oldest branch of dentistry that is concerned with the study and treatment of malocclusions (improper bites), which may be a result of tooth irregularity, disproportionate jaw relationships, or both. The literal meaning is "Straightening of Teeth".

Orthodontic treatment usually focuses on dental displacement and their correction, but it also deals with the control and modification of facial growth which is better defined as "dentofacial orthopedics". Orthodontist has also major role in the treatment of "Cleft Lip & Cleft Palate" patients. Orthodontic treatment is carried out for aesthetic reasons—improving the general appearance of patients' teeth and face for cosmetic reasons as well as for functional reasons, that is providing the patient with a functionally improved bite (occlusion).

Endodontics – is a specialist sub-field of dentistry that deals with the tooth pulp, the pulp (containing nerves, arterioles and venules as well as lymphatic tissue and fibrous tissue) can become diseased or injured, and is often unable to repair itself; if it dies, endodontic treatment is required which is commonly called root canal treatments which involves the removal of diseased pulp and restoring with inert materials.

Prosthodontics -- This involves with replacement of missing teeth. Their main concentration in the field is concentrated on ceramic crowns, removable partial denture, fixed partial denture and complete denture.

Oral & maxillo facial surgery -- is surgery to correct a wide spectrum of diseases, injuries and defects in the head, neck, face, jaws and the hard and soft tissues of the oral and maxillofacial region. Also involve in the treatment of tumors resections,plastic surgery after accidents.correction of cleft lip and palate.

Periodontics, is the branch of dentistry which studies supporting structures of teeth, and diseases and conditions that affect them. The supporting tissues are known as the periodontium, which includes the gingiva (gums), alveolar bone, cementum, and the periodontal ligament.

Pedodontics – the dentistry concerned about the diagnosis and treatment of dental problems of the children.

Oral Medicine and Radiology – medicinal branch in dentistry concerned about the radiology and medicinal treatment of disease of oral cavity.

Oral Pathology – basically a non-clinical branch which is research and teaching oriented.

Preventive and Community Dentistry –a non-clinical branch which is concerned for taking preventive measures for tooth decay and other dental problems.