Is Oral Medicine the Same as Dentistry?

Medicine is divided into many disciplines, and for those studying medicine, choosing a good major is very important. Dentistry is an important subject in medicine, encompassing a wide range of content. Many oral problems are related to teeth, so some people may mistakenly believe that dentistry is solely about being a dentist. If that were the case, the scope of dentistry would be greatly narrowed. So, is dentistry just about being a dentist? Let's take a closer look.

Dentistry involves not only knowledge related to dentistry but also many other medical disciplines. Students majoring in dentistry primarily study the basic theories and knowledge of dentistry, and receive training in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of oral and maxillofacial diseases. They acquire basic skills in diagnosing, restoring, and preventing common and frequently occurring oral diseases. After graduation, they mainly engage in clinical dentistry, preventive healthcare, medical education, and medical research. Graduates should acquire the following knowledge and abilities:

• Master the basic theoretical knowledge and experimental skills of basic medicine and clinical medicine;
• Master the basic theoretical knowledge and medical skills of various disciplines in dentistry;
• Possess the ability to diagnose and treat common and frequently occurring diseases of the oral cavity and maxillofacial region, as well as the ability to initially handle acute, difficult, and critical cases;
• Possess basic knowledge and general operational skills in oral restoration;
• Be familiar with national health policies, guidelines, and regulations;
• Master basic methods of literature search and data inquiry, and possess initial abilities in dental research and practical work.

Major courses in dentistry include Oral Medicine, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Prosthodontics, Orthodontics, Pediatric Dentistry, and Preventive Dentistry.

There are several employment directions for dentistry majors:

1. Staying on campus to work and teach;
2. Entering relevant professional research institutions and authorities, such as local dental prevention centers or health commissions;
3. Entering the dentistry department of larger general hospitals or specialized dental hospitals;
4. Working in oral chain institutions or private dental clinics;
5. Entering urban community work, often with a startup nature, such as establishing a dentistry department in a community clinic, paying rent regularly, and managing operations independently while adhering to community clinic regulations. This type of work environment is relatively stable with considerable income, and it is likely to become an important employment path for newly graduated dentistry students in the future.