Dentistry facing a problem of plenty?
LAIQH A. KHAN
Bleak outlook: BDS graduates in Karnataka are looking outside their vocation for a rewarding career
Sai Sridhar had fond dreams of becoming a dentist when he enrolled himself in a private dental college in Bangalore. But, he was unable to either set up his own clinic or find a suitable job as dentist despite the BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery) degree he holds. Reluctantly, he has taken up a job in a private pharmacovigilance company in the city.
Ranjini too had been nursing an ambition to become a dentist. But, due to absence of opportunities, she was unable to realise her dream and was forced to join a multinational drug research company, which not only offered her a job, but also a decent pay package.
The two are among the hundreds of BDS graduates in different parts of Karnataka who have deviated from their chosen profession to join the workforce in various multinational firms besides call centres and medical transcription companies.
Looking elsewhere
The high costs involved in establishing dental clinics in urban areas that are already concentrated with dentists appear to be forcing the BDS graduates to look outside their vocation for a rewarding career.
“I need at least Rs.5 lakh to establish a clinic with the necessary dental equipment and minimal interiors. Besides, dentists are found in every nook and corner of the city and it takes a long time for any dental clinic to become established and begin drawing patients. Till then, how will I be able to pay the rent for the clinic and the EMIs for the loan?,” said another BDS graduate, who has dropped the idea of setting up her own clinic and is hunting for a stable job. The desertion of dentistry by BDS graduates in large numbers had cast its shadow on the Diamond Jubilee of Dental Council of India (DCI) held in Bangalore recently. Voicing his concern over the trend of BDS graduates taking up vocations other than dentistry, Vice-Chancellor of Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences (RGUHS) S. Ramananda Shetty emphasised the need for policy makers to come out with solutions to hold them back in the profession.
He offered to work towards offering more fellowships for BDS graduates to take up further studies and engage themselves in skill- upgrading programmes. “We have to offer them incentives to retain them in the profession,” he said.
Considered to be a pioneer in dental education in the country, Karnataka boasts of the largest number of dental colleges in India, admitting as many 2,500 new students every year. “Out of the 283 dental colleges in India, as many as 42 are situated in Karnataka,” said Dr. Shetty.
President of Karnataka State Dental Council J.P. Shetty said a total of 24,486 dentists had been registered in Karnataka, but added that it was difficult to quantify the number currently practicing in the State. Though 3,281 dentists registered in Karnataka had sought a transfer to different States, it is not possible to ascertain whether the rest are all practicing dentistry.
All dentists practicing in Karnataka must compulsorily renew their registration with the State Council every year. But only a few bother to do so. Only 3,872 and 2,588 renewed their registration during 2007 and 2008 respectively, according to figures available with the State Dental Council. “It is not easy to find out how many are actually practicing,” said Dr. Shetty.
However, each year, roughly 2,000 graduates register themselves with the State Dental Council. “During 2008, a total of 2,012 did so,” he said adding that the numbers have been increasing with each passing year.
Poor returns
“There are far too many dentists concentrated in urban areas such as Bangalore. It is a problem of plenty. Even if the BDS graduates arrange for the funds and start a clinic, the returns will not commensurate with the investment at least for the first few years,” said Associate Professor at Vydehi Dental College, Bangalore, Azeem Farhan.
Concurring with Dr. Farhan, a dentist with a clinic near Frazer Town said she has to keep her consultation fee less than Rs. 50 to attract patients.
“There are many dentists who offer free consultation, hoping to make up in the treatment they would be able to offer subsequently. But, most dentists do not charge more than Rs. 50 for consultation. I barely make Rs. 15,000 per month after two years of practice. Out of this, I need to pay the rent for the shop and maintain the clinic by purchasing the necessary dental care items,” she said.
Hence, most of them scout for teaching opportunities in dental colleges.
Though there is a provision for recruiting BDS graduates as tutors in dental colleges, the openings are difficult to come by and the remuneration is a measly Rs. 3,000 to Rs. 3,500. The Dental Council of India (DCI) has prescribed a minimum qualification of MDS (Master of Dental Surgery) for appointment as lecturer in dental colleges.
Professor at KLE Dental College Pravin said the curriculum for BDS courses is tailor-made for practicing dentistry.
“It does not equip the graduates with teaching skills,” he opined.
A BDS graduate can enter the teaching profession only if he or she takes up MDS. But, MDS seats are few in number and can accommodate barely 15 to 20 per cent of all BDS graduates. Only financially well-off students can fork out the exorbitant donation and fees.
DCI member S.M. Jaykar said a way out of the impasse for BDS graduates is paving the way for their employment as dentists in primary health centres (PHCs). The government is coming forward to employ dentists in PHCs situated in rural areas of the State.
“BDS graduates do not go to rural areas and set up clinics. The poor awareness of oral health care in rural areas will make the venture financially unviable.
Printer friendly
page
Send this article to Friends by
E-Mail
Education Plus
