How can you become a pediatric dentist?
The path to becoming a pediatric dentist can be a little tricky to navigate. Along with the basics of dentistry, a pediatric dentist is required to understand the growth and development of teeth in children from birth to puberty.
Some of the duties of a pediatric dentist in Dubai include the following:
- Initial dental examinations
- X-Ray scans and evaluation
- Routine dental checkups, cleaning and keeping an eye out for cavities
- Repairing and treating dental cavities
- Evaluating orthopedic treatment
Firstly, you will need to graduate from dental school and pass all the dental examinations. You will also have to participate in a two-year residential program, pass the dental certification process and become a registered member of the board of pediatric dentistry.
The CDS or the Community Dental Health Services of Dubai oversees the certification of pediatric dentists. The pediatric dentists must also be certified in the following procedures:
- Anesthesiology
- Bacteria growth Studies
- Oral Surgery
Specialization programs for pediatric dentists
During the residency program, pediatric dentists are sorted into different categories so that they can pursue their academics in accordance with their specialization. This also enables them to gain advanced knowledge in the field of their choice. Some of the specializations available are as follows:
- Advanced diagnostic and evaluation procedures for children
- Advanced surgical procedures for children
- Child development and child psychology
- Radiology
- Managing and treating facial trauma injuries in children
- Preparing dental care for patients with special needs
- How to provide conscious sedation and general anesthesia
Career Options of a Paediatric dentist
A pediatric dentist in Dubai can opt for either of these three career paths:
- They can open their own private practice or can join an existing private practice established by other dentists.
- They can join public clinics. Newly appointed public clinics in Dubai have a high demand for pediatric dentists, especially since the implementation of the Dubai Healthy Smiles campaign.
- They can join a research program, or teach dentistry in dental colleges.
Salary packages for pediatric dentists in Dubai
On average, the salary package of Dubai pediatric dentists depends upon the location of their practice, the number of patients they attend to, and the type of service they offer.