Dentistry deals with medical or surgical treatment of diseases and disorders related to teeth, gums and soft tissues of mouth. The basic degree is BDS- Bachelor of dental surgery for which eligibility is 10+2 with Science. At Master level (MDS) specialisation is possible in areas such as Operative Dentistry, Oral Surgery etc. Admission to the Masters Programme requires BDS plus 2 years of experience.

Selection of BDS is through the same All India Entrance Examination as for MBBS. (Details in Entrance Details & Syllabus). The qualification required for entrance is 10+2 or equivalent with Science subjects. In the case of private medical colleges entrance examinations are conducted by the institutes individually. 

Areas of Specialization:
Dentistry has many specializations:
ORTHODONTICS deals with straightening and aligning teeth and jaws.
PERIODONTICS  specialises in the care of gums and the diseases that might affect them.
OPERATIVE DENTISTRY for root canal jobs, filling and cosmetic surgery.
PROSTHODONTICS involves the making of artificial teeth.
ORAL SURGERY deals specifically with operation on the mouth and jaw.
ORAL PATHOLOGY provides the diagnosis for diseases that affect the mouth.

Job Prospects:
Job opportunities include employment in government or private hospitals, Defence Services, Nursing homes, Poly- clinics, Research and Health centers, Medical colleges etc. There is also scope to do your own practice while being visiting specialists at various hospitals or visiting faculty at Medical colleges.