Community dentistry refers to that field of dentistry that deals with spreading the idea of oral health, the prevention of oral disease and administration of oral care among people. It pays attention to the importance of behavioral and environmental factors that affect oral health. The main objective of the specialty is to identify and measure the oral health problems of the people in a community. It also identifies the oral health care needs of the people, and will look into means by which these needs can be satisfied. In addition to this, it will measure the extent to which the needs have been met.

Application of community dentistry

Community dentistry is an ever changing field, which derives its knowledge base and methods of inquiry from different dental branches and behavioral disciplines. The combination of different disciplines offers a fertile ground which helps in taking decisions at the different levels of society. It will help in improving the structures of the oral health care that will positively impact the overall health of an individual. The main role of community dentist is to carry out community research, statistical surveys, and to offer services to the community.

There are many problems faced by this discipline. One is the financial strain faced in conducting research activities and another challenge is that community dentists will be asked to interpret incomprehensible research data into useful information for day to day use.

Career prospects

The career opportunities for a community dentist are great. A community dentist can work with various government as well as non government organizations. They also have opportunities with various international organizations such as World Health Organization and the United nations.

A community dentist can also work as professors and lectures in both government and private dental colleges. Since the course is gaining popularity, the community dentist will not face much of competition and will have a bright future. The dentist must have a positive social orientation and should be affectionate. They should have flair in communication as their main role is to create awareness among the people.

How to secure admission for the course?

In order to pursue community dentistry course, the candidate should have a basic graduation in dentistry. The course spans over a period of three years. In order to secure admission the candidate should have a minimum prescribed score in the entrance exam conducted by the central or state or deemed university entrance examination.