"Every time you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing." – Mother Teresa 

In a historic moment for the dental profession, an AI-controlled autonomous robot has performed a complete procedure on a human patient, recently. This is the first time an AI-controlled autonomous robot has performed it which is about eight times faster than a human dentist could do it. The system was built by Boston company Perceptive.

“We’re excited to successfully complete the world's first fully automated robotic dental procedure,” says Dr. Chris Ciriello, CEO and Founder of Perceptive.

“This medical breakthrough enhances precision and efficiency of dental procedures, and democratizes access to better dental care, for improved patient experience and clinical outcomes. We look forward to advancing our system and pioneering scalable, fully automated dental healthcare solutions for patients,” he adds.

Aspiring dentists face numerous challenges as they prepare to embark on a new journey in the field of dentistry. Here there is a need for a deep understanding of both science as well as the art of dental care. The journey is about gaining a comprehensive understanding of the underlying principles that guide the practices and not just about the path they travel. Global Oral Care Market size is expected to be worth around USD 68.0 Billion by 2032.

Aspiring dentists should equip themselves with a comprehensive education that covers a broad spectrum of topics right from the intricate anatomy of the oral cavity to the latest advancements in dental technology. The importance of specialized training has never been greater as the dentistry field continues to evolve, and this is driven by technological innovations as well as a growing emphasis on patient-centered care.

Some of the courses stand out as one of the essential building blocks which will not just enhance their knowledge & skills but also help them in preparing & meeting the challenges of modern dental practice, for those who are aspiring to excel in this field. Some of the top universities to study dentistry include the University of Sao Paulo, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Radbound University, The Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, The IMU University, and the University of Puerto Rico School of Dental Medicine. In this article let us look at the five must-take courses that are designed to provide aspiring dentists with the foundational knowledge as well as practical expertise required for succeeding in an increasingly complex as well as competitive field.

Oral Anatomy & Physiology

It is important to understand the anatomy & physiology of the oral cavity in every aspect of dental practice. Aspiring dentists are provided with a comprehensive understanding of the structures & functions of the mouth, gums, teeth & related tissues through the study of oral anatomy & physiology. This knowledge is imperative for diagnosing as well as treating a wide range of dental conditions right from common issues such as cavities & gum disease to more complex issues which include the jaw & facial muscles.

Also, a course in the field of oral anatomy & physiology typically covers biomechanics of chewing and swallowing, the development & morphology of teeth, and the various physiological processes that maintain oral health including saliva production & the immune responses within the mouth.

“Neglecting oral hygiene can lead to a variety of common, and often serious, issues. One of the most prevalent problems is cavities (dental caries), which occur when plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, accumulates on teeth. The bacteria produce acids that erode tooth enamel, resulting in cavities,” says Dr Prathyusha Prasad, oral physician and oral cancers & oral maxillofacial radiologist at KIMS Hospital, Hyderabad. 

Aspiring dentists can gain the ability to approach every patient with a thorough understanding of how the oral structures work together & how they may be affected by the injury, disease or congenital conditions, by mastering the aforementioned courses. This foundational information and knowledge is highly important for not just general practice but for also for any dental specialization which includes periodontics, oral surgery & orthodontics. This enables the dentists in providing accurate diagnosis & developing effective treatment plans and anticipating potential complications and this helps in ensuring the highest standard of care for their patients.

Dental radiology & imaging

The critical components of modern dental practice include radiology & imaging as it plays a central role in diagnosis, patient monitoring & treatment planning. A course in dental radiology as well as imaging equips aspiring dentists with the essential skills required for producing and interpreting high-quality radiographic images that are important for identifying a wide range of dental & maxillofacial conditions. This course covers the principles of radiographic imaging which includes the physics of X-ray production, image formation and the use of various kinds of imaging equipment which comprise the panoramic radiography, intraoral cameras, as well as advanced technologies such as CBCT (Cone Beam Computed Tomography). Also, Dental radiology & imaging courses can help aspiring dentists improve their diagnostic capabilities, enhance the accuracy of their treatments as well as render better outcomes for their patients.

Restorative Dentistry

Restorative dentistry is a cornerstone of dental practice, and it focuses on the repair as well as restoration of damaged teeth in order to enhance their appearance & function. This course is highly essential for dentists as it teaches them the techniques & materials which are implemented in restoring teeth that are affected by trauma, wear or decay. It covers a wide range of procedures right from simple fillings to bonding to more complex restorations which include bridges, veneers & crowns. This course emphasizes the importance of aesthetics in restorative dentistry, which teaches students how to achieve natural-looking results which improve the smile and confidence of the patient.

Restorative dentistry also involves understanding the broader context of patient care which includes management of dental caries, the prevention of further damage as well as the maintenance of oral health over time, beyond the technical skills. Whether in general dentistry, prosthodontics, or cosmetic dentistry, the skills acquired by aspiring dentists in this course will be applied daily for helping patients maintain functional, healthy & beautiful smiles.

Periodontics & Oral Surgery

Two specialized areas of dentistry include Periodontics & oral surgery. These address some of the most challenging as well as complex conditions that affect oral health. While oral surgery involves the surgical management of a wide range of oral & maxillofacial conditions, periodontics focuses mainly on the prevention, diagnosis as well as treatment of diseases that affect the gums & supporting structures of the teeth. For aspiring dentists who wish to provide comprehensive care to their patients, a course in periodontics and oral surgery is essential as it equips them with the knowledge as well as skills that are required for managing advanced dental conditions & performing complex surgical procedures.

Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopedics

A specialized branch of dentistry that deals with the prevention, diagnosis, as well as correction of malocclusions & other irregularities of the teeth & jaw, is Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopedics. A course in Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopedics is highly essential for understanding how to create beautiful and functional smiles. This course covers the principles of orthodontic diagnosis & treatment planning, the biometrics of the movement of the tooth and the use of numerous orthodontic appliances which include clear aligners, retainers & braces. Aspiring dentists can learn how to assess & treat a wide range of orthodontic issues from simple cases of overcrowding to more complex problems which include the crossbites, overbites & jaw misalignments. This course offers the foundational knowledge as well as skills that are required for pursuing advanced training and certification for those who wish to specialize in orthodontics.