Career in Dental Courses in India: Dental medicine is a branch of medicine that deals with the anatomy, development, and diagnosis of diseases and disorders of human teeth. The one who has a degree in dentistry and practices dentistry is known as a Dentist. It has become a common trend to go for dentistry Courses in India when students do not get admission to MBBS or are scoreless on the NEET entrance test.
Most people hardly know anything about the BDS course and give it a second priority to studying dental courses. But in reality, Dentistry is a stimulating and vibrant career option, just like MBBS, to kick start your career option in dentistry course in India. This branch of dental study is growing day by day to accommodate new Dental technologies as a result of continuous research. Through this article one can gain in-depth knowledge about a career in dental courses in India like admission, courses, colleges, syllabus, scope, salary, etc.
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Quick Facts
Below is a quick summary of dental courses in India. Let’s take a look.
| Particulars | Description |
|---|---|
| Course Name | BDS MDS |
| Course Duration | UG: 5 Years PG: 3 Years |
| Eligibility | UG: 10+2 with 50% marks PG: BDS degree |
| Average Fees | 25K |
| Average Salary | INR 4-8 LPA |
| Career Opportunities | General Dentist, Pedodontist, Orthodontist, Endodontist, Oral Surgeon, Prosthodontist |
| Recruiting Sectors | Dental Clinics, Hospitals, Private Practice, Research Institutes |
What is a Dental Course?
Dental Course is a branch of medicine which focuses on teeth, mouth and gums. The dental course duration for the undergraduate level is of 5 years including a one-year internship and prepares students for oral health. The dental courses basically include fixing new teeth, cleaning and removing and guiding patients to adhere to the instructions.
It has become a multi-speciality faculty that deals with complex problems like the cleft palate and lips. The scope also stretches now also to aesthetic dentistry, which itself has an array of possibilities. Each branch of dentistry is a speciality in itself, bearing many possibilities. Several dental and allied sciences are in being now, with many professionals involved. Thus in the new era, dentistry has limitless possibilities to offer.
Who is a Dentist?
Dental problems were not common among earlier people. During that time, people consulted sculptors, and things like elephant tusks were used to replace natural teeth. Later, as there was a massive rise in mouth diseases, the need for a dentist passed through everyone’s thoughts, and gradually Dentistry courses were included in medical science. The dental practitioner is known as a dentist or dental surgeon.
A dentist usually carries out treatments to prevent or treat various dental diseases, commonly tooth decay and gum disease. Their work involves tissues and structures lying in the facial and jaw area near the oral cavity. A dentist plays a vital role in keeping the natural teeth of a person as such for a long time and creating awareness among the public about oral health.
Dental Courses in India
To work as a Dentist, one can earn a degree in the following dental courses after 12th. Let’s have a look.
| Course Name | Course Duration |
|---|---|
| Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) | 5 years |
| Master of Dental Surgery (MDS) | 3 years |
| Diploma | 2 years |
| Short-term Certificate courses | 6-12 months |
How to get Admission to Dental Courses?
A basic query like how to become a dentist after the 12th arises after opting for any of the dental courses. So, below we have mentioned the admission procedure to Dental courses in India:
- To be eligible for the Dental courses, aspiring candidates should have passed from 10+2 with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks in the science stream (PCB).
- Candidates should have a NEET scorecard.
- After qualifying NEET examination, candidates must participate in counselling conducted by MCC (Medical Counselling Committee) for 15% AIQ and the remaining 85% State quota.
Eligibility Criteria
When you choose a course, you must follow a certain set of criteria. Below we have mentioned dental course eligibility criteria. Let’s hve a look.
| Particulars | Description |
|---|---|
| Age Limit | The minimum age limit is of 17 years. |
| Qualification | 10+2 with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks in the science stream including Physics, Chemistry, Biology and English as main subjects. |
| Qualifying Entrance Exam | NEET |
BDS Syllabus
The BDS syllabus is divided into four year with one year compulsory internship. Below we have mentioned dental courses syllabus. Let’s take a look.
| 1st Year | 2nd Year | 3rd Year | 4th Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Anatomy | Dental Materials | Oral Pathology | Oral Medicine |
| General Human Physiology | General Pathology and Microbiology | General Surgery | Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics |
| Dental Anatomy and Embryology | General Pharmacology and Therapeutics | Oral Microbiology | Prosthodontics and Crown and Bridge |
| Oral Histology | Pre-Clinical Prosthodontics & Crown & Bridge | General Medicine | Radiology |
| Embryology and Histology | Dental Pharmacology and Therapeutics | – | Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopaedics |
| General Biochemistry | Preclinical Conservative Dentistry | – | Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery |
| – | – | – | Public Health Dentistry |
| – | – | – | Periodontology |
Top Colleges for Dental Courses in India
Several colleges offer dental course in India. Below we have mentioned top 10 dental colleges in India according to IIRF ranking 2022 with average fees. Let’s have a look.
| Ranks | Name of the College | Location | Average Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Science | Delhi | INR 25K |
| 2 | Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research | Chennai | INR 7.5 LPA |
| 3 | Faculty of Dental Sciences, King George’s Medical University | Lucknow | INR 54,900 |
| 4 | SDM College of Dental Science & Hospital, Dharwad | Karnataka | INR 4.69 LPA |
| 5 | Manipal College of Dental Science, Manipal | Karnataka | INR 18.5 LPA |
| 6 | JSS Dental College and Hospital, Mysuru | Karnataka | INR 5.16 LPA |
| 7 | Faculty of Dental Sciences, BHU | Varanasi | INR 59K |
| 8 | Christian Dental College | Ludhiana | INR 1.65 LPA (Govt. Quota) |
| 9 | Faculty of Dentistry, Jamia Millia Islamia | Delhi | INR 31K |
| 10 | Meenakshi Ammal Dental College & Hospital, Chennai | Tamil Nadu | INR 5.5 LPA |
Career Opportunities after Dentist Courses
The future of a dental surgeon like any other medical field is on the rise. Those who have got a passion towards their career can self-employ by starting dental clinics. People are more concerned about their natural teeth and are in a rush to keep them beautiful as always. Dental disorders have become a common problem among all sections of society. With advancements in science and technologies, treatment procedures have become specialised. Thus, the profession is both demanding and remunerative, drawing new aspirations to the profession. Dentistry is a professional field that includes dental care and correction.
There is a high demand for the right Dentist in the field of cosmetic dentistry too. Like any other profession, those who have a keen interest in teaching can apply for a teaching position at colleges. Tremendous job opportunities are available for dental doctors in the private as well as the government sector.
Job Profile for Dental Courses
- General Dentist
- Pedodontist or Pediatric Dentist
- Orthodontist
- Periodontist or Gum Specialist
- Endodontist or Root Canal Specialist
- Oral Pathologist or Oral Surgeon
- Prosthodontist
Advantages of Being a Dentist
Being a Dentist is a challenging job, but seriously Dentistry has many advantages compared to some of the other professions in the medical field. A few of them are:
- You don’t have to struggle yourself working throughout the night as there won’t be any emergencies
- There is a solution to almost every case.
- Dentists are brushed up on new skills every day
- The freedom to practice on your own
- It is quite entertaining as it involves interaction with all sorts of people
- Finally, it is an excellent source of money
Role of a Dentist
- A dentist’s main job is to examine, diagnose and treat oral disease.
- Evaluate patient’s oral health and prescribe medications.
- They perform oral treatments like root canals, extractions, and fixing and removing prosthetics.
- Work with clinical staff to provide quality patient treatments.
- Enlighten patients on preventive dental care and oral health care.
- Design and fix prosthodontic appliances including bridges, dentures and space maintainers.
- Treat teeth malformations, gum injuries and other oral abnormalities.
- Use dental instruments safely to avoid accidents.
- Operate x-rays and diagnostic equipment effectively to examine teeth and gums.
- Ensure that the work area is maintained, cleaned and organized.
- Follow standard dentistry procedures and comply with company policies.
Skills of a Dentist
- Communication
- Compassion
- Interpersonal
- Attention to detail
- Leadership
- Dexterity
- Decision-making
Average Salary for Dental Courses
Below we have mentioned the average salary for dental courses. Let’s take a look.
| Job Profile | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| General Dentist | INR 8.50 LPA |
| Pediatric Dentist | INR 4 LPA |
| Orthodontist | INR 5.84 LPA |
| Periodontist | INR 4.50 LPA |
| Endodontist | INR 6.06 LPA |
| Oral Surgeon | INR 9.96 LPA |
| Prosthodontist | INR 5.24 LPA |
Recruiting Sectors
- Dental Clinics
- Hospitals
- Private Practice
- Research Institutes
- Educational Institutes
- Dental Equipment Manufacturers
- Dental Products Manufacturers
- Pharmaceutical Companies
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which field is best for science students with Biology (PCB)?
Below mentioned Available Courses after 12th Science.
>MBBS
>BDS-dentistry.
>BAMS-Ayurveda.
>BHMS-Homeopathy.
>BUMS-Unani.
>BNYS–Naturopathy & Yogic Science.
>BSMS – Siddha Medicine & Sciences.
>Veterinary Science & Animal Husbandry (BVSc. AH)
What are some of the best career options for a Science student?
Check out our list of the top 7 highest paying science careers for inspiration to guide your science career journey.
>Geoscientists
>Atmospheric Scientists
>Biochemists and biophysicists
>Medical Scientists
>Hydrologist
What are the dental courses after a BDS?
One can pursue an MDS or Diploma course after completing their BDS degree. There are some short-term certificate courses as well, which a person can opt for if they don’t want to pursue MDS.
Is a Dental course a good career?
BDS is a good career choice. Dental courses are the 2nd most popular courses after MBBS in India. BDS graduates can work in Dental Clinics, Hospitals, Private Practice, Research Institutes etc., as dental surgeons or dental assistants. There are ample job opportunities after dental courses.
How important is a dentist?
It is essential to make sure they are board-certified dentists. Professional certification is offered through standards of the American Dental Association or other accredited dental association sub-speciality board certification. Other countries typically require membership or board certification through Dental Colleges.
For example, In INDIA: A dental dentist should be certified through the Dental Council of India.
SINGAPORE: A dental care dentist should be registered with the College of Dental Surgeons.
AUSTRALIA: Dental dentists should be registered with the Royal Australian College of Dental Surgeons.
