What do a Dentist and Doctor do?
Deciding on a career path in the medical industry can be both exciting and daunting, especially with so many specialisations to choose from in this field. In this article, we will be discussing two very prominent professions – Dentistry and Medicine, which one should you choose? Before we deep dive into these two professions, let’s take some time to understand both of them and what are the study requirements for you to embark on.
Dentists are professionals who specialise in diagnosing, preventing, and treating conditions that are related to the mouth, teeth, and gums. Dentists play a significant role in educating patients about the importance of good oral health to prevent any dental disease. As for the education pathway to becoming a Dentist, it typically comes with completing a bachelor degree related to dentistry and clinical training. With that, one will only be considered a registered dentist in their country.
Doctors, on the other hand, are skilled individuals who are responsible for diagnosing and treating a series of illnesses, injuries, and medical conditions of their patients. Their main goal is to provide medical care for their patients and support them on the road to recovery. Doctors may specialise in various disciplines such as cardiology, psychology, neurology, and more. To become a Doctor, one must also complete the necessary bachelor degree and undertake a series of professional exams. Once all is done, one needs to complete a residency programme for a few years before they are qualified as a registered doctor and can begin practising medicine.
Now, let’s continue to discuss the differences between these two professions so you can make a sound judgement when deciding your career path in the medical industry.
Difference between Dentist and Doctor
Dentists and Doctors are both highly trained medical individuals that provide different types of healthcare services to their patients. By understanding the difference between these two professions, you can make an informed decision on which suits you the best!
Dentists specialise in oral health and dental care. They are tasked with performing routine oral checkups, cleanings, and fillings, as well as more complex procedures like root canals, extractions, and dental implants. They also work with various forms of technology and equipment, like X-ray machines, dental floss, lasers, etc, to evaluate the patient’s needs and condition. Other common tasks include educating patients on oral health, administering anaesthesia, and many more.
Meanwhile, Doctors are trained medical professionals who treat a wide range of medical conditions. Doctors will use their knowledge to care for, maintain, and restore the patient’s health. Some of the common specialisations for becoming a Doctor include cardiology, paediatrics, neurology, and many others. Some Doctors are also focused on handling research to discover new medical breakthroughs that can ultimately ease the patients’ suffering and restore their lives to the best of their ability.
While both professions need extensive education and training, the journey to becoming Dentists and Doctors differs. In terms of the education pathway, both of these professions need to complete a 4 years undergraduate programme, followed by the respective residency programme in their clinical setting, and the timing will very much depend on the profession that you choose to be in. As for the work environment, Dentists generally have less demanding workloads as compared to Doctors. However, this is very much subject to where they will be working and what type of care they will provide to the patients.
Overall, while both Dentists and Doctors play vital roles in providing medical solutions to patients, they differ in their areas of specialisation and the scope of their work. If you would like to know more about which profession suits you the best, reach out to us and we can help you with that.
Pathway for Dentist and Doctor in Malaysia
The pathway to becoming a Dentist or a Doctor in Malaysia is not an easy feat, and it requires lots of determination and commitment to it. For both professions, one must first complete a Pre-university or Foundation studies, or any equivalent courses that come with science major subjects such as biology, chemistry, and physics.
For Dentistry, after completing the pre-requisite, one must further the studies with a Bachelor of Dentistry from a university that is accredited by the Malaysian Dental Council. The programme usually takes about 5 years to complete and includes both theoretical and practical components. Upon graduation, a Dental graduate is required to undergo a compulsory 1 year housemanship before being eligible to practise as a Dentist in Malaysia. Lastly, you would need about 3 years to complete a Dentistry specialty if you decide to pursue one.
As for Medicine, one must pursue a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degree that is recognised by the Malaysian Medical Council. After the completion of the study, which usually takes around 5 – 6 years, the graduate must apply for the Provisional Registration with the MMC before the beginning of general clinical training, which is what is commonly known as Housemanship at a government hospital for 2 years. Once this is done, the doctor can proceed to apply for Full Registration with the MMC.
If you want to pursue a certain specialisation after completing the housemanship, you will need to go through 2 – 4 years of supervised training to become a specialist.
Dentist and Doctor skills required
1. Meticulous
Both Dentists and Doctors need to demonstrate a high level of attention to detail in their work because what they are doing will have a big impact on the patients health and wellbeing. One correct diagnosis can help cure the root cause, and a small mistake can have big consequences on the patients.
2. Problem-solving
As easy as it may seem, both Dentists and Doctors must be able to think on the ground and provide accurate diagnoses to treat a series of medical conditions. Often at this stage, Dentists and Doctors need to leverage their critical thinking skills to find the most effective treatment for the patients.
3. Communication skills
While the majority of medical conditions or treatment comes with scientific terminologies and jargon, Doctors and Dentists need to know how to translate those into something that the general public will understand in order to give them confidence on the road to recovery.
4. Empathy and compassion
Working closely with patients is something bound by these roles. Therefore, as a Doctor or Dentist, one needs to stand in the patients’ shoes and provide the needed emotional support to relieve their anxiety or pain.
5. Adaptability
The healthcare industry is always changing, and so, Doctors and Dentists need to be able to adapt to new technologies, treatments, and research in order to provide the best possible care for their patients.
Universities to Study Dentistry and Medicine in Malaysia
To further your study in Dentistry and Medicine, following are some of the notable Universities you can consider to further your study and be an expert of the chosen field.
1. International Medical University (IMU)
The International Medical University (IMU) is a private university located in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. IMU is well known for students who wish to further their study in medical related courses such as medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, nursing, health sciences, and complementary and alternative medicine. IMU focuses on innovative teaching and learning methodologies, and on producing high-quality medical professionals who are committed to making a positive impact on the healthcare industry.
Programme Offered | Duration | Intake | Indicative Fees (2023) |
Bachelor of Dental Surgery | 5 Years | February | Local Students: RM598,000 International Students: RM654,000 |
Bachelor of Medicine & Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) | 5 Years | February, September | Local Students: RM528,000 International Students: RM575,500 |
Contact us right now for a free consultation if you’d like more details about the costs, the format of the programme, and the entry requirements!
2. Taylor’s University
Taylor’s University is a private university thatI offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in various fields including medicine. Studying Medicine at Taylor’s University provides students a unique pathway to learn from skilled medical professionals and gain real world experience in a variety of medical settings. The university’s state-of-the-art facilities, including simulation labs and a dedicated clinical training centre enables students to hone the needed clinical skills and knowledge to excel as a Doctor in Malaysia.
Programme Offered | Bachelor Degree in Medicine, Bachelor Degree in Surgery (MBBS) |
Duration | 5 Years |
Intake | March, September |
Indicative Fees (2023) | Local Students: RM409,690 International Students: USD107,732 |
Contact us right now for a free consultation if you’d like more details about the costs, the format of the programme, and the entry requirements!
3. SEGi University
Established in 1997 as Systematic College, SEGi University is a private university located in Kota Damansara, Selangor gained its university college status in 2004, and finally to university status in 2012. SEGi University offers a wide range of academic programmes in different disciplines, including business, law, engineering, computing, hospitality, creative arts and design, as well as health sciences, such as medicine, pharmacy, nursing, and dentistry. SEGi University aims to provide the best facilities, faculties, to deliver the best possible learning experience and sufficient support and guidance to produce industrial driven, stellar reputation and highly employable students.
Programme Offered | Duration | Intake | Indicative Fees (2023) |
Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) | 5 Years | May, September | Local Students: RM360,100 International Students: RM375,050 |
Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (M.B.,B.S.) | 5 Years | May, September | Local Students: RM356,850 International Students: RM371,300 |
Contact us right now for a free consultation if you’d like more details about the costs, the format of the programme, and the entry requirements!
4. Newcastle University Medicine Malaysia (NUMed Malaysia)
Newcastle University Medicine Malaysia (NUMed Malaysia) is a medical university located in Johor, Malaysia that focuses on providing medical education courses. The university offers the same medical subject as the Newcastle University UK, which is ranked in the top 150 universities for medicine and health sciences nationwide. The MBBS course at NUMed Malaysia equips the students with high-quality medical training in a multicultural environment that puts great emphasis on both theoretical and hands-on learning. The programme is designed to produce competent doctors who are capable of providing quality healthcare to patients in need.
Programme Offered | MBBS Honours |
Duration | 5 Years |
Intake | September |
Indicative Fees (2023) | Local Students: RM489,250 International Students: RM550,000 |
Contact us right now for a free consultation if you’d like more details about the costs, the format of the programme, and the entry requirements!
5. Monash University Malaysia
Monash University is a prestigious university in Australia with a branch campus in Malaysia. The Monash University Malaysia campus offers a world-class medical curriculum which is recognised globally. The Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine programme equips the students with a full-fledged medical education that focuses on the basic medical sciences, clinical skills, and professional practice. Highly qualified and experienced medical professionals are employed to ensure the students receive the best education that leverages real-world working experiences. Upon graduating , the university also provides support to graduates to get access to employment and opportunities both locally and globally.
Programme Offered | Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine |
Duration | 5 Years |
Intake | February |
Indicative Fees (2023) | Local Students: RM537,500 International Students: RM617,500 |
Contact us right now for a free consultation if you’d like more details about the costs, the format of the programme, and the entry requirements!
For more information regarding the university, programs offered, entry requirements and fees, contact Excel Education.
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About The Author
Eric Chooi
A passionate and inquisitive writer, always looking for new ways to write. If you don’t see him writing, maybe he is hunting for some good food!
