Dentistry is a rewarding profession that offers various specializations, including orthodontics. If you are considering a career in oral healthcare, understanding the educational journey to becoming a dentist or an orthodontist is essential. Educare Institute of Dental Sciences, one of the leading dental colleges in Kerala, provides a comprehensive curriculum to help you achieve your career goals in dentistry.
Becoming a Dentist (BDS Program)
To become a dentist, you must complete a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) degree. This is a 5-year program, including a mandatory one-year internship, where students gain both theoretical and practical knowledge in general dentistry.
✅ Course Duration: 5 years (including internship)
✅ Career Role: General Oral and Dental Practitioner (Dentist)
✅ Responsibilities: Diagnosing and treating common oral health issues, performing dental procedures, and educating patients on oral hygiene.
Specializing After BDS: MDS and Super Specialization
After completing BDS, you have the opportunity to specialize in one of the nine dental specializations by enrolling in a Master of Dental Surgery (MDS) program, which takes an additional 3 years. These specializations include:
- Orthodontics – Correcting misaligned teeth and jaw structures.
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery – Performing complex surgical procedures on the face, jaw, and oral tissues.
- Prosthodontics – Restoring and replacing missing teeth with prosthetics.
- Pedodontics – Specializing in dental care for children.
- Conservative Dentistry & Endodontics – Treating decayed or damaged teeth with restorations and root canal therapy.
- Oral Pathology – Studying diseases affecting the oral cavity.
- Periodontics – Treating gum diseases and dental implants.
- Oral Medicine & Radiology – Diagnosing oral diseases using radiographic techniques.
- Public Health Dentistry – Promoting dental health awareness and community-based care.
How to Become an Orthodontist?
If you choose to specialize in Orthodontics, you must first complete BDS (5 years) and then enroll in MDS in Orthodontics (3 years). This makes the total duration 8 years to become an Orthodontist.
✅ Course Duration: 8 years (5 years BDS + 3 years MDS)
✅ Career Role: Orthodontist (Super Specialist)
✅ Responsibilities: Treating misaligned teeth, designing braces and aligners, and improving bite function.
Difference Between a Dentist and an Orthodontist
- A Dentist is a general oral healthcare provider who diagnoses and treats common dental problems such as cavities, gum diseases, and tooth extractions.
- An Orthodontist is a dental specialist who focuses on correcting teeth and jaw alignment issues using braces, retainers, and other orthodontic appliances.
- While all Orthodontists are Dentists, not all Dentists are Orthodontists.
Why Choose Educare Institute of Dental Sciences?
At Educare Institute of Dental Sciences, we offer a world-class curriculum, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and experienced faculty to ensure you receive the best education and training in dentistry and orthodontics. Our programs provide:
✅ Clinical Exposure – Hands-on experience with real patients.
✅ Research Opportunities – Encouragement for innovative studies in dentistry.
✅ Expert Mentorship – Guidance from top professionals in the field.
✅ Global Recognition – A degree that opens doors to career opportunities worldwide.
Conclusion
If you are passionate about oral healthcare, you can become a Dentist in 5 years by completing a BDS degree. To specialize in Orthodontics, you will need to pursue MDS in Orthodontics, taking an additional 3 years. This makes it a total of 8 years to become an Orthodontist.
Whether you aspire to be a general dentist or a super-specialist orthodontist, Educare Institute of Dental Sciences is here to support your academic and professional journey.
🔹 Start your dental career today! Enroll now and take the first step toward a successful future in dentistry.
For more details, visit our official website or contact us for admission inquiries.