Current Status and Future Direction of the Prosthodontic Specialty In India

Prosthodontics deals with the diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, and maintenance of the oral function & ease of use, cosmetic appearance, and dental health of patients with missing or deficient teeth and/or oral and maxillofacial tissues. As the prosthodontists possess great skills in cosmetics, dental implants, crowns, bridges, dentures, temporomandibular disorders, patients visit them for treating and handling dental and facial problems involving restoring missing tooth and jaw structures.
Prosthodontists possess advanced training in state-of-the-art techniques and procedures for treating complex dental conditions as well as restoring optimum function with a special understanding of the dynamics of a smile. Prosthodontic Dentistry in India is a deep & broad discipline that is continuously evolving on the basis of the rapid advancements in dental biomaterials science, clinical and laboratory techniques and technologies, education & research, as well as interdisciplinary developments.

Current Scenario For Prosthodontics In India:

Although prosthodontists are officially recognized in India as a discipline, yet the common man lacks awareness and fails to recognize the need to consult such professionals. Most general dentists continue to perform the dental prosthesis work themselves and referral to prosthodontists is extremely rare though the latter may visit for consultation and treatment. A person with a basic bachelors degree, BDS, from a college/university recognized by the Dental Council of India (DCI) can become part of the profession as s/he automatically can gain admission into a Master of Dental Surgery (MDS) in prosthodontics at any college/university recognized by DCI.
Prosthodontics is ranked a low fifth as an option for specialization among the graduates in a survey. The discipline is, however, evolving as while the objective of prosthodontic care earlier was an improvement of oral function and enhancing of aesthetics, today uplifting of self-esteem is sought by enrichment of the quality of life. Hence the focus is on the resolution of problems caused by disturbances of dental functions like occlusion, chewing, swallowing, and appearance.

Future Trends In Prosthodontics In India

Modern technologies have arrived and are being applied to the field of Prosthodontics. Many Dental Courses In Delhi are rapidly familiarizing students through diploma courses after BDS for new technologies like

  1. CAD/CAM,
  2. Robotics
  3. Imaging:- In office volumetric radiography,Interactive computer software-s implant etc;
    Clinical Dentistry – Intraoral impressions, Cast duplication, Customized dental implants, abutments, and restorations, Guided implant surgery
  4. Occlusion Analysis
  5. Lasers-soft and hard tissue

Paramedical courses and short-term courses in Delhi at Dental Academy in Delhi are also acquainting students with new implant designs and altered surface properties being rapidly developed, including bio-active surfaces and additives, as well as electrical and electromagnetic treatments. These courses strive to impart extra edge and build career opportunities for Dentists by enabling exposure to New Materials, Advanced Technology, and Latest Equipment. These add enormous value as the specially designed dental courses are both Theoretical and Practical Knowledge.