Dear Rediff Guru!! I"m a 63 year old widow, who ventured into teaching 16 yrs ago. About 10 years previous to that, I worked 10 yrs in a non- banking finance coy as clerk and/ or cashier. I resigned that job since I had to singularily concentrate on my son"s studies. I"m still teaching. This job is on contract basis. Now my son is grown - up and independent, my elder brother, who is settled in US, is advicing me to make a move to US. The way he suggests is pursuing a Phd in any University there whereby one gets a stipend which would assist for a living and eventually getting a job and settling there in. Would I be able to do that? There are formalities here ofcourse,,,. I"m a postgraduate in German Language & Literature, Sir. I recently heard from a believable sourse that in US people get jobs in looking after Old People in Assisted Living Facilities. I would like to get an advice. Thanking You, Geethanjali Unnikrishnan, Trivandrum, Kerala, INDIA

Ans: With over three years of experience as a temporary assistant professor at Delhi University, pursuing a Ph.D. in the US could offer promising opportunities. A Ph.D. can enhance your academic credentials, potentially opening doors to tenure-track positions globally. Research-intensive universities in the US offer diverse opportunities for academic growth and professional networking. However, it's crucial to assess program fit, funding availability, and post-Ph.D. career prospects in academia or related fields before making a decision.

Ans: Thank you for contacting me. I am happy to hear that you have completed your BDS and you want to pursue higher studies in USA. There are various courses which are mentioned below to help you.

Master level courses includes options in Dental Surgery (MDS) with specialization in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery / Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics / Periodontology or Periodontics / Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics / Oral Pathology and Microbiology / Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry / Oral Medicine and Radiology

Diploma level courses includes options in Diploma in Dental Materials / Dental Hygiene / Hospital Management and Administration / Forensic Odontology / Public Health Dentistry

Certification Level courses includes options in Certificate in Aesthetic Dentistry/ Dental Implantology/ Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery/ Endodontics (Root Canal Treatment)/ Orthodontics

Postgraduate level course includes Postgraduate Certificate in Advanced Dental Implantology / Pediatric Dentistry / Geriatric Dentistry

Fellowship Level program options includes Fellowship in Cosmetic Dentistry / Oral Implantology/ Laser Dentistry

Here are some of the recommended universities in USA where you can pursue higher studies abroad mentioned below:

Harvard University School of Dental Medicine (Boston, Massachusetts) / University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) School of Dentistry (Los Angeles, California) / University of Michigan School of Dentistry (Ann Arbor, Michigan) / University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) / University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Dentistry (Chapel Hill, North Carolina) / Columbia University College of Dental Medicine (New York City, New York) / University of Washington School of Dentistry (Seattle, Washington) / University of Maryland School of Dentistry (Baltimore, Maryland) / University of Florida College of Dentistry (Gainesville, Florida) and Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine (Boston, Massachusetts)

These are just few of the course examples for you to carefully consider the best option based on your interest and career goals after BDS. I wish you best of luck with your higher studies and dentistry! If you have any specific questions or need further advice, feel free to ask me on Rediff Gurus

Ans: No issue. Being the citizen he will get the benefit and tuition fess will be very low as compared to other international students. I won't allow his talents to die. But don't send him for Masters, because now a days in Masters it is very difficult to get scholarship, that means tuition fees waive. Let him directly try for PH.D. Ph.D admission always comes with funding. You need to spend only for the air ticket. In Ph.d after two years if he wants to discontinue he can safely exit with an MS degree and please don't think of unemployment benefits. It's a negative thinking. Since he is an American Citizen by birth let him fly and inscribe his name in golden letters in the academic landscape of USA. I am always there to help him. No worries please. For long term counselling join me in LINKEDIN.I thank you for your kind concern for your son. GOD BLESS HIM. Professor