Consultant Dentist (Orthodontics)

Consultant Dentist (Orthodontics)

An Orthodontist specializes in diagnosing, preventing, and treating dental and facial irregularities, including straightening teeth and aligning jaws. As a Consultant Dentist in Orthodontics, you typically provide expert advice and advanced treatment to patients, often holding a senior position in hospitals, clinics, or private practice.

What is a Consultant Dentist (Orthodontics)?

  • An experienced dental specialist focusing on orthodontics (straightening teeth and jaw alignment).
  • They treat conditions like crowded teeth, overbites, underbites, and jaw misalignments.
  • Work involves advanced patient care, treatment planning, and sometimes research or teaching.

Education Eligibility

  • Undergraduate: Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS), which typically takes 5 years including an internship.
  • Postgraduate: Master of Dental Surgery (MDS) in Orthodontics (3 years).
  • Candidates must clear national/state entrance exams to secure seats in dental colleges.

Handicapped Eligibility

  • Candidates with disabilities are eligible under the Persons with Disabilities (PwD) quota.
  • Specific disabilities (e.g., minor physical impairments) are often accepted, but the extent must comply with government norms for medical studies.

Admission Process

  • Complete BDS and obtain registration with the Dental Council of India (DCI).
  • Qualify for postgraduate entrance exams like NEET-MDS.
  • Participate in counseling sessions to secure admission to MDS Orthodontics programs.

Entrance Exam

  • NEET-MDS: A national-level exam required for admission into MDS courses.
  • Some universities may have additional entrance tests or interviews.
  • Eligibility: BDS degree with a valid internship completion certificate.

Colleges and Universities

  • Top colleges in India include:
    • AIIMS, New Delhi
    • Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences, Delhi
    • Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Manipal
    • Government Dental College, Mumbai
    • Nair Dental College, Mumbai
  • Several private universities also offer excellent MDS programs.

Scholarships

  • Scholarships for dental students include:
    • National Scholarship Portal (NSP) schemes.
    • Merit-based scholarships from institutions like AIIMS and Manipal University.
    • State-specific scholarships for SC/ST/OBC or economically weaker sections.

Time and Expenses

  • Duration:
    • 5 years for BDS.
    • 3 years for MDS.
  • Expenses:
    • BDS in government colleges: ₹1–2 lakhs.
    • BDS in private colleges: ₹10–20 lakhs.
    • MDS in government colleges: ₹2–5 lakhs.
    • MDS in private colleges: ₹15–40 lakhs.

Average Income

  • Starting salary: ₹4–6 lakhs per annum.
  • Experienced orthodontists can earn ₹12–20 lakhs per annum or more.
  • Private practice can significantly boost income.

Growth in Career

  • Begin as a junior orthodontist in hospitals or clinics.
  • Progress to senior orthodontist roles or open a private practice.
  • Opportunities in teaching, research, or as a consultant in advanced dental centers.
  • Growth is steady with experience and reputation.

Specialist Roles

  • Orthodontist
  • Invisalign Specialist
  • Pediatric Orthodontist
  • Surgical Orthodontist (for advanced cases involving jaw surgery)

Scope in Government and Private

  • Government: Positions in government hospitals, military services, and public health departments.
  • Private: Private dental clinics, corporate healthcare chains, or starting your own practice.

Special Eligibility for Individuals

  • Strong interpersonal skills and patience for dealing with patients.
  • Good hand-eye coordination and precision.
  • Special eligibility like PwD quotas or reservations can be applicable depending on policies.