Dentistry is one of the oldest domains of medicine. From teeth wiring procedures of ancient Egypt to modern Invisalign, dentistry has benefited a lot from technology. The drive to constantly innovate and embrace newer technologies has helped dentists develop modern procedures that are less painful, low cost, and quick in completing the job, If you are interested in all-on-4 head over to The Point Dental.
The medical field is quite complex and so is dentistry. Sometimes it becomes difficult for patients to explain their problems or for doctors to correctly diagnose, examine and treat their patients. Thanks to the revolutionary advances in technology like AI, VR, 3D printing, Nanotech, etc., various gaps in diagnosis and treatment are not getting filled.
This article will discuss what dentistry is, the primary job roles of a dentist, the use of technology in dentistry, technological advancements in dentistry, how students can start their career in dentistry, and much more.
What is dentistry? What does a dentist do?
Dental & oral medicine, also known as dentistry, is a specialized medical domain. Dentistry encompasses the study, examination, diagnosis, treatment, surgery, and prevention of disorders, misalignment, diseases, birth anomalies, and conditions of the jaw, teeth, oral cavity, and craniofacial complex.
Dentistry is a whole world that includes many specialties like orthodontics, dental orthopedics, periodontics, pediatric dentistry, prosthodontics, oral and maxillofacial surgery, endodontics, oral and maxillofacial radiology, and public health dentistry.
While a dentist or dental surgeon is a practicing oral healthcare professional, these are some of the primary responsibilities –
- Diagnose and examine patients. Perform X-rays, and recommend tests.
- Prescribe medications, diet, painkillers, etc.
- Perform dental surgeries on teeth, gums or jawbones, etc.
- Install dental implants like dentures, Invisalign, braces, crowns, bridges, etc.
- Perform cleaning and other dental procedures to ensure dental hygiene.
- Performing procedures like tooth extractions, root canals, filling cavities, etc.
- Fixing bite issues and overcrowding of teeth.
- Guide teens and children about oral health and inspire the best oral health practices.
- Keeping and maintaining records of the patient to ensure the best care.
Technological advancements in dentistry
Dentistry is a very tech-intensive field. From miniature x rays tools to micro drills, the use of technology in dentistry is not uncommon. Below are some of the significant technological advancements reshaping dentistry-
- Artificial Intelligence
Artificial Intelligence is projected to be the biggest disruptor of the 21st century. Devices, systems and applications using AI are being developed, tested and used in dentistry to offer low cost, quick and accurate solutions. Some of the AI-based solutions designed for dentistry are-
- AI-based radiology quickly detects and identifies periapical radiographs, dental cavities, etc.
- AI-based orthodontics to plan tooth extractions, alignment of teeth, etc.
- AI algorithms to detect, identify, and classify periodontal diseases precisely.
- Augmented Reality
Picturising the oral cavity is not easy. It requires a lot of imagination, skill and tools. Thanks to augmented reality, dentists can now better view the patient’s oral cavity and teeth to carefully plan their procedures.
AR is more prevalent in aesthetic and reconstructive procedures to pan out the treatment. SmartTek and Kapanu are some of the AR apps which dentists use to configure features like teeth height, alignment and spacing, etc.
- 3D Printing
3D printing is one of the critical technologies for low cost, quick and effective future dental solutions. High-speed, low-cost 3D printers will make it possible to develop perfect artificial teeth, crowns, braces, dental splints, aligners, etc. Technologies like CBCT can be used to create a volumetric model of the oral cavity and teeth, and together with 3D printing, it will form a valuable technological solution. Stratasys, Envisiontech and FormLabs are the leading solution providers in this field.
- BioPrinting
BioPrinting is projected to be one of the most significant medical science advancements in the 21st century. In 3D printing, metal, ceramic or plastics were used to develop the implants, but in BioPrinting, a patient’s stem cells are used to develop gums, tissues, teeth, etc., which are biosimilar to the original teeth!
- Intraoral cameras
Intraoral cameras are fast becoming popular among dentists. These cameras allow dentists to see precisely, examine, and get well-defined pictures of a patient’s mouth. It also helps the patients to see the problematic areas and develop greater faith in the medical treatment. MouthWatch, Dürrdental and Carestream Dental are the leaders in intraoral cameras.
- Regenerative dentistry
Regenerative dentistry is a revolutionary field in dental research. It utilises the advances in genetics, material science, etc., to develop self-healing teeth and gums. Scientists are working on developing biomaterials based on stem cells that can be filled into the cavities and fill up the cavities with dentin, the natural constituent of teeth. Apart from teeth, self-healing gums are also being developed.
- Laser dentistry
Laser has a lot of applications in dentistry, from removing overgrown teeth to shaping teeth to whitening teeth; the applications are many. Laser-based surgeries are less infectious, quick, efficient, low cost, create less collateral damage, etc. Although Laser treatments have been there for decades, these solutions have become more cost-effective and intelligent through improvements in computing and hardware.
Want to become a dentist?
Dentistry is one of the best career choices for students to make a promising and lucrative career. Professional prospects after dentistry are many. Students can start their own clinics, join private or government hospitals, join armed forces as dentists, become medical officers, etc.
To start their career as a dentist, students need to join the BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery) course. BDS is a 5-year undergraduate course, which is compulsory in order to become a dentist.
Students need to crack the NEET exam to get admission into the BDS course. It’s challenging but rewarding, as a good rank ensures entry into good colleges like- KGMU, MAIDS, Manasarovar Dental College, BHU IMS, etc. Many good colleges are spread all over India; students can find good dental colleges in Bhopal, Delhi, Pune, Lucknow, etc.
Most dental colleges are concentrated in urban centers where the demand for dentists is high; students can easily find good BDS colleges in Bhopal, Delhi, Pune, Lucknow, etc.
As technology is evolving, so is dentistry, but with a noble aim of providing patients with the best care, diagnosis, treatment, and surgery. When planning for their careers, students should consider dentistry as well.
