Consultant Dentist (Periodontology)

Consultant Dentist (Periodontology):

A Consultant Dentist specializing in Periodontology is a dental professional with expertise in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal diseases
(gum diseases) and the placement of dental implants. They also manage oral inflammation and advanced cases requiring surgical or non-surgical periodontal
therapy.

Education Eligibility

To become a Consultant Dentist in Periodontology, the following educational qualifications are typically required:

    • Undergraduate Degree:
      Completion of a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) or its equivalent from a recognized institution.
      Duration: 5 years (including 1 year of internship).
  • Postgraduate Degree:
    Master of Dental Surgery (MDS) in Periodontology is required for specialization.
    Duration: 3 years.
    Eligibility: Completion of BDS with mandatory registration with the Dental Council of the respective country.

Admission Process

The process generally involves the following steps:

  1. Qualify for Entrance Exams:
    Candidates must clear national or state-level entrance exams for MDS admission (e.g., NEET-MDS in India).
  2. Application to Institutions:
    Apply to dental colleges or universities offering MDS in Periodontology.
  3. Counseling and Seat Allocation:
    Based on entrance exam rank and preferences, seats are allocated through counseling.
  4. Final Admission:
    Document verification and payment of fees finalize admission.

Entrance Exams

Popular entrance exams for MDS admissions include:

  • India: NEET-MDS (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for Master of Dental Surgery).
  • Global: GRE/TOEFL (for universities abroad, if required), or specific country-based exams like NBDE (USA) or ORE (UK).

Colleges and Universities

Top colleges and universities for MDS in Periodontology:

  • India:
    • All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi.
    • Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences (MAIDS), New Delhi.
    • Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Manipal.
    • King George’s Medical University, Lucknow.
  • International:
    • Harvard School of Dental Medicine, USA.
    • University of Michigan School of Dentistry, USA.
    • King’s College London Dental Institute, UK.
    • University of Toronto Faculty of Dentistry, Canada.

Time and Expenses

  • Duration:
    • BDS: 5 years.
    • MDS (Periodontology): 3 years.
  • Cost:
    • India: INR 3-20 lakhs for BDS; INR 6-25 lakhs for MDS (depending on the institution).
    • International: USD 50,000–100,000 per year for postgraduate programs.

Average Income

  • India: INR 6–15 lakhs per annum (entry-level to experienced consultants).
  • Abroad: USD 80,000–200,000 annually (varies by country and experience).

Growth in Career

  • Clinical Practice: Open private clinics specializing in periodontal treatments.
  • Academic Roles: Work as a lecturer, professor, or researcher in dental institutions.
  • Consultancy: Collaborate with hospitals or multi-specialty clinics.
  • Advanced Roles: Opportunities to work in oral healthcare R&D, forensic odontology, or public health dentistry.

Scope in Government and Private Sectors

  • Government Sector:
    • Dental positions in government hospitals, public health campaigns, or research institutes.
    • Join as faculty in government dental colleges.
    • Work with central organizations like the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) or health departments.
  • Private Sector:
    • Establish a private periodontal clinic.
    • Partner with dental and multi-specialty hospitals.
    • Opportunities in cosmetic dentistry, implantology, and periodontal surgeries.

The field of periodontology has significant growth potential, offering rewarding career paths in both clinical and academic sectors.

Handicapped Eligibility

  • There is a separate reservation for physically handicapped candidates, which is under the guidelines of DCI.
  • Minimum disability criteria (40% or more) and it must be certified by a Medical Board.

Scholarship

  • There are several scholarships offered by government and private institutions:
    • Schemes under National Scholarship Portal(NSP).
    • State Government Scholarship for economically weaker sections.
    • Special schemes for SC/ST and OBC categories.
    • Private foundations like Tata Trusts Scholarship, Aditya Birla Scholarship etc.

Specialist

  • As a periodontologist, you can specialize in implant surgery, gum surgery, and complex gum disease.
  • Specialization in subfields like Implantology, Plastic Periodontic Surgery etc.

Special Eligibility in Person

  • Good vision and hand stability.
  • Empathetic treatment of patients.
  • High level of patience and ability to work closely.
  • Technical expertise in implants and surgery.