What is Clinical Research after BDS?
Clinical research refers to the process of developing safe and efficient medicine, vaccines, healthcare devices, and treatments. This stream is open to all life science graduates. Clinical research after BDS offers dental graduates a new field to work in. Many dentists opt for traditional clinical practice or further education in dental specialties. But pursuing clinical research can give an alternative and increasingly attractive career option. It opens a new world of research and innovation. Though it may change the core job role of a doctor, still it will enable them to positively impact patients on a larger scale.
In this blog, we will delve into the significance of clinical research for BDS graduates, the different avenues available, and the steps to start this rewarding journey.
How can BDS knowledge help in Clinical Research?
- A dental professional has knowledge of various medical terminologies, diseases, and treatments that are part of the clinical research syllabus.
- A dentist can contribute significantly to clinical research on various oral diseases.
- Their experience in patient handling can be utilized.
- Their involvement in the entire process will help them stay updated with the latest advancements in their field.
- It will provide them an opportunity to work with scientists and researchers and contribute their expertise in the research process.
- Collaboration with multiple stakeholders can improve their career opportunities in the future.
- A dentist has adequate knowledge of the standard rules and guidelines that are to be followed in the healthcare industry.
Career Opportunities in Clinical Research after BDS
Following are the opportunities after clinical research after BDS
1. Clinical Research Physician
They are responsible for monitoring the physical health of trial volunteers and ensuring their safety. Along with it, they keep track of any changes that are occurring in their body and decide whether it is safe to continue trials on them. They carry out training for the clinical study team and provide expertise in the trial process. It is their duty to carry out the entire trial in compliance with the rules and regulations.
2. Medical Claim Officer
If you are interested in a desk job, a medical claim officer is a viable opportunity. Their main function is to evaluate and settle claims as per the terms and conditions of the insurance policy. They play an important role in the medical billing process by deciding the final compensation a patient gets after the settlement process.
3. Regulatory Affairs Officer
A BDS graduate having aptitude in legal matters can pursue this profession. As the name suggests, their main role is to ensure that the process is conducted in accordance with the regulatory norms. They conduct regulatory audits of the process, product, and labeling, packaging process.
4. Medical Transcriptionist
Their main purpose involves converting voice files of medical documents into text format. Later on, these files are uploaded to the hospital’s record.
Challenges for dental students in the clinical research Field
A dental graduate may encounter multiple challenges such as:
- Transition from clinic focused job to research related job
- Time constraints due to busy academic responsibilities
- Lack of extensive research abilities and experience
- Lack of proper guidance to enter and grow in this field
- Pressure of adjusting to a new profession while maintaining a work-life balance
However, these challenges can be tackled, and with the passing of time as the candidate gains experience and expertise. They can also opt for various clinical research courses to gain guidance and exposure to the work environment. Among the list of the best training institutes, TechnoBridge is one of the leading institutes in online clinical research courses. Their experienced trainers give the best guidance required to master this field and the placement assistance program will provide you with assured employment opportunities.
Finally, we can say that if there is genuine interest and the will to work in a challenging job, clinical research will provide the best opportunity for BDS degree holders. The scope here is quite wide as India is about to become one of the top manufacturers of medicines worldwide. BDS professionals can explore a new and exciting world of the pharma industry which is one of the fastest-growing sectors in India.