Career pathways in dental science

A degree in dental sciences is seen as a ticket to a highly lucrative career for medical stream students the world over. But in India it is often perceived as a “second rung” choice for those who fail to make it to the MBBS course. Apart from this the recent cloud of controversy over the inadequate quality of education being provided at many of the private dental colleges has also made students vary of taking up this course. In a move to dispel several myths about the importance and demand for dental surgeons in the country, the Chandigarh chapter of the Indian Dental Association organised a conference and an interactive session with experts from this field in Chandigarh last week. The event held at PG Govt College For Girls, Sector 42 gave students a peep into the professional lives of stalwarts and the different career pathways that can be followed after BDS.

Maintaining that there is huge demand for dental doctors in the country Dr Gautam Munjal, President, IDA (Chandigarh chapter) said that graduates in this field can choose to make a career in research, academics, administrative services, Army, corporate dental practice or state health services. As many as 15 experts working in different fields addressed the students and talked about the opportunities and challenges of this profession. More than 150 students attended the workshop and interacted with the renowned doctors. — TNS