A branch of dental sciences, Prosthodontics and Crown & Bridge includes the study of creation and placement of such artificial dentures of teeth lost due to an injury or disease. This branch of dentistry deals with the replacement and restoration of lost teeth as well as the related structures through a dental prosthesis that restores the optimal function, comfort and aesthetics of a patient.
The services include the replacement of teeth, associated oral as well as maxillofacial tissues through removing and fixing methods like implants. The restorations comprise bridges, crowns, inlays and veneers. When it comes to appropriate restorations, its effectiveness is determined with the materials used, the extent of destruction, tooth orientation and location as well as condition of the adjacent teeth.
Job Opportunities and Scope
There is ample scope for a postgraduate in Prosthodontics and Crown & Bridge. Such postgraduates can land up with a job in colleges, universities, teaching hospitals and research institutes. Trained private practitioners can have their own clinic which could fetch them a fortune. Those who have an inclination towards social service can join non-governmental organizations and contribute to the welfare of society. Those who have bigger dreams, can go abroad to countries like the US, Australia and the UK and establish their setup till they gain confidence about a good practice.
Colleges have a set goal behind imparting education in this area which trains and develops such dental health professionals who conform to global standards of quality care in prosthetic treatment. The teaching fulfils the objective of offering options for replacing the missing teeth with artificial substitutes. Another aim is to train the undergraduates and guide the postgraduates to excel in a scientific research approach.
Course Structure
If anyone wants to pursue a special course in Prosthodontics and Crown & Bridge, he or she needs to study for three years in order to get familiar with the installation procedure and implants. This field incorporates a training programme that has been structured to gain skills and knowledge in communication, research, aptitude and practice clinical and theoretical laboratory. This requires a sound understanding of cultural, social, environmental and educational background of society. The postgraduates in this stream are experts in Prosthodontic therapy with a good knowledge of behavioral, medical and clinical science.
Criteria for Selection
The basic requirement to opt for this discipline is a bachelor of dental surgery (BDS) from a reputed educational institution that has gained the recognition of Dental Council of India. The selection for this course at various medical colleges is based on the scores of state or national level centralized entrance tests conducted across the country. Students can complete their MDS successfully to work at a private hospital or for a government establishment or open an independent clinic.
