Career in Dental Courses in India: Dental medicine is a specialized field within healthcare that focuses on the anatomy, development, as well as diagnosis of diseases and disorders affecting human teeth. A professional who holds a degree in dentistry and practices in this field is referred to as a Dentist. In India, it has become increasingly common for students to pursue dentistry courses, particularly when they are unable to secure admission to MBBS programs or do not achieve the required scores on the NEET entrance examination.
Many individuals are not well-informed about the Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) program and often regard it as a secondary option compared to medical studies. However, dentistry presents a dynamic and rewarding career path, comparable to MBBS, for those interested in this field. The discipline of dentistry is evolving rapidly, integrating new technologies and advancements due to ongoing research. This article aims to provide comprehensive insights into pursuing a career in dental courses in India, covering aspects such as admission processes, course structures, syllabi, career prospects, and salary expectations.
Quick Facts
The following is a brief overview of career in dental courses available in India.
| 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?
A dental course is a segment of medicine that concentrates on the health of teeth, mouth, and gums. However, the undergraduate dental program typically spans five years, which includes a one-year internship, and is designed to equip students with the skills necessary for promoting oral health. Moreover, the curriculum encompasses various aspects, including the placement of dental prosthetics, oral hygiene practices, and patient education.
Dentistry has evolved into a multifaceted discipline that addresses complex issues such as cleft palates and lip deformities. Additionally, the field has expanded to include aesthetic dentistry, which offers a wide range of opportunities.Meanwhile, each specialty within dentistry presents unique possibilities, and numerous dental and allied sciences are currently being explored, with many professionals contributing to the field. Consequently, dentistry now offers an abundance of career opportunities in this modern era.
Who is a Dentist?
Historically, dental issues were less prevalent, and individuals often sought the expertise of sculptors, utilizing materials such as elephant tusks to replace missing teeth. Over time, there has been a significant increase in dental health awareness as well as the demand for professional dental care.
Further, in the realm of oral health, the importance of consulting a dentist has become a common consideration, leading to the gradual incorporation of dentistry courses into the field of medical science. The professional responsible for dental care is referred to as a dentist or dental surgeon.
Dentists typically perform procedures aimed at preventing or addressing a variety of dental conditions, with a particular focus on tooth decay as well as periodontal disease. Further, their responsibilities encompass the examination and treatment of tissues and structures located in the facial and jaw regions adjacent to the oral cavity. At last, a dentist is essential in preserving an individual’s natural teeth over time and in promoting public awareness regarding the significance of oral hygiene.
Dental Education in India.
To pursue a career as a dentist, individuals can obtain a degree through various dental courses following their 12th grade education. Let us explore the details, such as:
| 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 |
Admission Process for Dental Courses
A common inquiry regarding the pathway to becoming a dentist after completing the 12th grade often arises when considering dental courses. The following outlines the admission process for dental programs in India:
- Aspiring candidates must have completed their 10+2 education with a minimum aggregate of 50% in the science stream (Physics, Chemistry, and Biology).
- Candidates are required to possess a valid NEET scorecard.
- Upon successfully passing the NEET examination, candidates must engage in the counseling process organized by the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) for the 15% All India Quota (AIQ) and the remaining 85% state quota.
Eligibility Requirements
When selecting a course, it is essential to adhere to specific eligibility criteria. Below are the eligibility requirements for dental courses, such as:
| 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 Curriculum
The BDS curriculum spans four years, followed by a mandatory one-year internship. The details of the dental course syllabus are outlined below, such as:
| 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 and 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 |
Leading Dental Colleges in India
Numerous institutions provide dental courses across India. Below is a list of the top 10 dental colleges in India, as per the IIRF ranking for 2022, along with their average fee structures. Please note that average fees may vary by institution.
| 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 LPA |
| 4 | SDM College of Dental Science and 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 5.16K |
| 7 | Faculty of Dental Sciences, BHU | Varanasi | INR 59K |
| 8 | Christian Dental College | Ludhiana | INR 1.65 LPA (Government Quota) |
| 9 | Faculty of Dentistry Jamia Milia Islamia | Delhi | INR 31k |
| 10 | Meenakshi Ammal Dental College and Hospital Chennai | Tamil Naud | INR 5.5 LPA |
Career Prospects Following Dental Education
The prospects for dental surgeons, akin to other medical professions, are increasingly promising. Individuals with a passion for dentistry may establish their own dental practices. There is a growing public awareness regarding the importance of maintaining natural teeth, leading to a heightened demand for dental care. Dental issues have become prevalent across various demographics. With ongoing advancements in science and technology, treatment methods have become more specialized. Consequently, the field of dentistry is both challenging and financially rewarding, attracting new talent to the profession. Dentistry encompasses a range of services related to dental care and correction.
There exists a significant demand for qualified dentists within the realm of cosmetic dentistry. Similar to other professions, individuals with a strong passion for education may seek teaching roles at educational institutions. Numerous employment opportunities are accessible for dental professionals in both the private and public sectors.
Job Profiles for Dental Courses:
- General Dentist
- Pedodontist (Pediatric Dentist)
- Orthodontist
- Periodontist (Gum Specialist)
- Endodontist (Root Canal Specialist)
- Oral Pathologist (Oral Surgeon)
- Prosthodontist
Advantages of a Career in Dentistry:
While the profession of dentistry can be demanding, it offers numerous benefits compared to various other medical careers. Some of these advantages include:
- The absence of night shifts, as emergencies are rare.
- Most cases have viable solutions.
- Dentists continuously enhance their skills.
- The autonomy to establish a private practice.
- The profession is engaging due to diverse patient interactions.
- It serves as a lucrative source of income.
Role of a Dentist:
- The primary responsibility of a dentist is to assess, diagnose, and treat oral diseases.
- They evaluate patients’ oral health and prescribe necessary medications.
- Dentists perform various oral procedures, including root canals, extractions, and the fitting or removal of prosthetics.
- They collaborate with clinical staff to ensure high-quality patient care.
- Dentists educate patients on preventive dental practices and overall oral health.
- They design and fit prosthodontic devices such as bridges, dentures, and space maintainers.
- Treatment of dental malformations, gum injuries, and other oral irregularities is also part of their duties.
- Dentists utilize dental instruments safely to prevent accidents.
- They effectively operate X-ray and diagnostic equipment to assess teeth and gums.
- Maintaining a clean, organized work environment is essential.
- Adherence to standard dental procedures and compliance with organizational policies is required.
Skills Required for Dentists
• Effective Communication
• Empathy
• Interpersonal Skills
• Detail Orientation
• Leadership Abilities
• Manual Dexterity
• Decision-Making Skills
Average Earnings for Dental Programs
The following section outlines the average earnings associated with dental programs. Let us examine the details, such as:
| Job Profile | Average Salary |
| General Dentist | INR 8.50 LPA |
| Pediatric Dentist | INR 4 LPA |
| Orthodontist | INR 5.84 LPA |
| Periodonstist | INR 4.50 LPA |
| Endodontist | INR 6.06 LPA |
| Oral Surgeon | INR 9.96 LPA |
| Prosthodontist | INR 5.24 LPA |
Employment Opportunities
• Dental Clinics
• Hospitals
• Private Practices
• Research Institutions
• Educational Institutions
• Dental Equipment Manufacturers
• Dental Product Manufacturers
• Pharmaceutical Firms
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