A Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) is the 2nd most preferred course in medical science. It lays the required foundation for medicos who aspire to build a career in dentistry. According to the National Health Institute, India had a dentist-patient ratio of 1:30,000 in 2004 and closed the gap to 1:5000 in 2019. A strong technical course like BDS has immense job opportunities which makes it one of the safest education options.
This blog shall give you a comprehensive understanding of the career after BDS course that lies ahead of you. This shall help you gain insights into the ways you want to develop in the field of dentistry.
About BDS Course
Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) is a 5-year long program that places you on a career path to become a dentist. It is the only degree program that can enable you to pursue dentistry in India.
Course Highlights
| Course type | Under-graduation |
| Duration | 5 years |
| BDS Qualifications | Class 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, BiologyValid score of NEET |
| Average Course Fees | Rs. 3,00,000 – Rs. 3,75,000 PA |
Also Read: The Best Ways to Take Advantage of the BDS Course Program
Admission Process
Once you have fulfilled the eligibility requirements, you need to adhere to the below guidelines for admission-
- Register for counselling in the Maharashtra CET cell.
- The major documents required to be submitted along with the admission form are-
- SSC/HSC passing certificate
- NEET UG- admit card and mark sheet
- Nationality/Domicile proof
- Caste certificate
- Gap certificate along with affidavit
- Medical Haemogram Report
- You shall be allotted a seat as per various rounds of counselling and your merit.
Top 7 career after BDS course
There are multiple clinical as well as non-clinical options available to BDS graduates. The top 7 most popular possible careers after BDS course are listed below-
Practice as a Dentist
In your final year of BDS, you have to undergo a mandatory internship. This is the best opportunity for you to bridge your theoretical knowledge with practical expertise. You can practise dentistry-
- Under the supervision of a dentist in a healthcare facility.
- Open a clinic for private practice.
- BDS pharmacovigilance jobs with major job roles as clinical research associate, pharma associate, etc.
Govt. Jobs
Servicing as a dentist in a government facility is the safest route to practise dentistry after BDS. You can secure employment in
- The Army Dental Corps.
- Serve as Assistant Commandant in paramilitary forces through the Medical Service Board.
- Apply for Combined Medical Exams to gain employment in central government healthcare facilities.
- Under state govt. Issued vacancies for state-run hospitals.
Further studies after BDS
In the field of dentistry you need more than a foundational course like BDS to be professionally recognised. Pursue multiple Master of Dental Surgery MDS courses after BDS in the field of interest to gain the required legitimacy to practice privately in healthcare institutions across the country. MDS courses available in Terna Dental College are-
| Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics | Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopaedics | Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry |
| Prosthodontics | Periodontology | Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery |
Practice overseas
The best way to work abroad is to pursue MS/MDS from the country of your choice. Each country has its specific requirements. For instance, if you aspire to pursue an MDS in the USA, appear for the National Board of Dental Examination after your BDS. Fulfill other criteria for seeking admission to dental school programs.
PhD in Dental Science
Programs of doctoral level in dental sciences are offered both in India and abroad. A PhD can be done after the completion of MDS. This highest level of education opens the door for you in research as well as academia. The lecturer jobs for BDS graduates is one of the most satisfying career options.
- Practising dentists can also take up online teaching jobs for BDS graduates.
Research
If you are interested in pursuing research in a certain field of dentistry. You can enrol as an associate member of multiple projects carried out by dental research centres across India.
Other master’s courses
You can pivot from dentistry after the foundational course of BDS. There are multiple management courses in medical science offered to BDS holders. Some of them are listed below-
- MBA in healthcare management.
- Master in Public Health
After a deep understanding of career options for BDS graduates, let us delve into the insights on being job-ready.
Tips to Stay Job-ready
It is important to be skilful for developing a lucrative career. Beyond your theoretical knowledge, you need practical expertise as well as the ability to showcase your talent to potential recruiters. A few tips for securing job opportunities for BDS graduates are listed below-
Licensing and certification
Recognition from the Dental Council of India, after your internship is an important aspect if you want to practise or pursue MDS. Ensure that you have the required licences for whatever next milestone you are planning to achieve.
Resume and interviews
If you are looking forward to practising under an expert dentist or healthcare facility, identify ways of reaching out to your suitable employer. It can be through career pages, vacancy circulation or direct recommendations. Ensure that you have a crisp resume ready and have brushed up essential Q&A for the interview.
Networking
Developing professional connections is crucial from day 1 of your BDS course. It continues to be important till the end of your career. Develop professional connections during your courses, clinical attachments, senior internship after BDS in government hospital, etc. Other means of networking are attending conferences, seminars and workshops. Such professional connections often determine your future job role.
Keep updated
Follow the latest trends in dentistry and gain professional certifications, if possible. A few of the most trending areas in dentistry include- cosmetology, digital dentistry (CAD/CAM modelling, 3D printing for prosthodontics), minimally invasive dentistry, etc.
Conclusion
A BDS is the basic course that every aspiring dentist is required to pursue. The 5-year course is designed to grant essential skills and knowledge required to develop a career in dentistry. Being one of the lucrative educational routes, a career after BDS courses is immense. From private practice to research, the BDS future scope caters to diverse interests. We hope the blog offers insights on multiple ways a BDS graduate can gain benefit from the course. Do reach out to career counsellors at Terna Dental College for personalised guidance.
FAQs
- Does BDS have scope in future?
Yes, after BDS you can choose clinical practice, research, and specialization, as oral health remains a critical aspect of overall well-being.
- Is BDS a highly paid job?
The income in BDS can vary, with specialists and private practitioners earning more. The average salary of a fresh BDS graduate in India is 2.5 LPA. Remember, an MDS is highly desired for professional recognition and competitive salary.
- What is the speciality of BDS?
BDS medicos focuses on diagnosing, preventing, and treating oral health issues, including dental restorations, extractions, and preventive care.
- What is the salary of Dentist in government of India?
The salary of an entry-level dentist in GoI ranges between 6 to 8 LPA. With experience, it can go up to 12 LPA.
- Which field in BDS is best?
BDS is a foundational level course, with importance to diverse fields of dentistry. To specialize in a certain field you need to pursue an MDS course. The best fields in dentistry include- Orthodontics, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Periodontics and Prosthodontics.