Updated on Jun 21, 2024 11:26 IST
Parul Thapa

Parul ThapaSenior Executive Content

A BDS career in India is a promising path for those interested in dental healthcare. With a good starting salary and numerous opportunities for specialization and growth, BDS graduates can look forward to a stable and fulfilling career in the ever-evolving field of dental science.

BDS career provides various job opportunities such as Dentists, Dental officers in Defense Services, Dentists in Indian Railway, etc. The BDS salary offered at entry-level positions ranges between INR 3 - 5 LPA, for mid-level profiles INR 5 -8 LPA and senior-level profiles INR 8 - 12 LPA. 

BDS graduates can either go for jobs or choose to pursue further options such as MDS, MBA in Hospital Management, Clinical Research courses, Public Health Management courses, etc. The top recruiters where candidates can kickstart their BDS career are Hospitals, Dental Clinics, Educational Institutes, Dental Product Manufacturers etc.

The popular colleges that offer BDS courses are KGMU, SRIHER, SRM Dental College, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, etc. 

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BDS Career: Quick Facts

  • By 2032, the healthcare market is anticipated to reach USD 193.59 billion.
  • The hospital market in India, worth USD 98.98 billion in 2023, is expected to grow steadily, with a projected CAGR of 8 per cent from 2024 to 2032.
  • The Union Health Ministry's budget of INR 90,658.63 crore represents a 12.59 per cent increase, emphasizing the government's focus on healthcare spending.
  • A recent research report forecasts that the adoption of AI in the Indian healthcare sector will generate almost 3 million new jobs by 2028.

Top Career Profiles in BDS Career

In today's society, when oral health is one of everyone's key concerns, the scope of a BDS career in India and overseas is extremely extensive. In India, the scope of a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) job is highly broad and expanding at a quick pace. 

Candidates can check the popular job profiles that BDS course graduates opt for:

Job Profiles

Description

Average Salary  

Dental officer in Defense Services

Military dentists attend to the oral health requirements of serving soldiers and their families.

INR 14.6 LPA

Dentist in Indian Railways

These dentists take care of the dental needs of Indian Railways members and their family's oral health

INR 7 LPA

Lecturer

Dentistry lecturers are subject experts who guide students towards a Dental education.

INR 5.7 LPA

Dentist

A dentist is a medical professional who treats illnesses of the mouth.

INR 4 LPA

Researcher

Candidates for dental research look at ways to enhance public oral health and how to deliver professional, safe care.

INR 5 LPA

Note: The average salary has been taken from Ambitionbox.com.

Quick Links for Medical Courses:

BDS

BVSc

BHMS

BAMS

Physiotherapy

Veterinary Science

Emerging Trends in BDS

The Bachelor of Dental Surgery programme is particularly career-oriented, and its implementation benefits society. Bachelor of Dental Surgery graduates can easily earn a good living by working in both the private and public sectors.

Further, candidates can check below what upcoming trends they can witness in their BDS careers.

  • Digital Dentistry: Integration of digital tools such as CAD/CAM systems, 3D printing, and digital impressions for more accurate and efficient dental treatments.
  • Regenerative Dentistry: Development of techniques to regenerate dental tissues and structures, including stem cell therapy and tissue engineering.
  • AI and Machine Learning: Implementation of AI for diagnostics, treatment planning, and predictive analytics to improve patient outcomes.
  • 3D Printing: Utilization of 3D printing technology for creating dental prosthetics, implants, and orthodontic devices with high precision.
  • Personalized Dentistry: Tailoring dental treatments based on individual genetic profiles and specific patient needs for more effective care.

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BDS Scope in India: Jobs, Salary and Further Education

The BDS career in India is expanding significantly due to increasing awareness of oral health and the growing demand for dental care services. Further, government initiatives and increased healthcare spending also support the development of the Dental sector. 

Consequently, BDS graduates in India have a wide range of opportunities in clinical practice, academia, research, and public health, making dentistry a promising and dynamic career path.

Candidates can check the key employment industries where graduates can start their BDS careers in India.

Employment Sectors

Details

Private Dental Clinics

Many BDS graduates start their careers by working in or establishing private dental practices, providing a range of dental services to patients.

Hospitals

Both public and private hospitals employ dental professionals to offer comprehensive dental care, including surgeries and specialized treatments.

Public Health Sector

Government health departments and public health organizations offer opportunities for BDS graduates to work in community health programs, focusing on preventive and public health dentistry.

Corporate Dental Chains

Large dental care chains and franchises provide structured career paths and opportunities for professional growth.

NGOs

NGOs involved in healthcare often require dental professionals for their outreach programs, especially in underserved regions.

Courses after BDS

The courses pursued after BDS allow graduates to specialize, enhance their skills, and pursue careers in clinical practice, academia, research, and healthcare management.

Candidates can check the courses they can pursue to broaden their knowledge horizon after BDS course:

Courses

Duration

MDS

MDS is an advanced postgraduate program that allows Dental graduates to specialize in various fields providing in-depth knowledge and expertise for specialized Dental practice.

MBA in Hospital Management

The MBA in Hospital Management is a specialized PG course designed to equip healthcare professionals with the managerial skills and knowledge needed to effectively run healthcare facilities.

Clinical Research courses

Clinical Research courses are designed to train healthcare professionals and researchers in the methodologies and regulations governing clinical trials and research studies.

Public Health Management courses

Public Health Management courses are tailored to equip professionals with the skills needed to address public health challenges effectively.

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BDS Top Recruiters

Graduates can pursue various career avenues, such as starting their Dental practice, working in hospitals, joining academic institutions as lecturers, engaging in dental research, or contributing to public health initiatives. 

Further, candidates can check the table below to see the list of BDS top recruiters.

BDS Top Recruiters

Dental Clinics

Educational Institutions

Dental Product Manufactures

Pharmaceutical Companies

Hospitals

Research Institutes

Quick Links relevant to the BDS Career:

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Best BDS Colleges for Placements

A successful BDS career is determined by the aspirant's talents, knowledge, and calibre, as well as the location where they practise. 

However, candidates can check the list of top colleges that allow them to kickstart their BDS career offering a good median salary.

BDS Colleges 

BDS Median Salary

Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research

INR 4.7 LPA

King George's Medical University

INR 8 LPA

SRM Dental College, Ramapuram Campus

INR 4.2 LPA

Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research 

INR 7.2 LPA

Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences

INR 3.8 LPA

Maharishi Markandeshwar University

INR 9 LPA

Christian Dental College, Ludhiana

INR 3.5 LPA

Padmashree Dr D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Navi Mumbai

INR 7.5 LPA

Institute of Medical Sciences

INR 15 LPA

Note: This information is sourced from the official website/media reports/NIRF website and may vary.

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BDS Career FAQs

Q. Is a Bachelor of Dental Surgery a good career path?

A. Yes, a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) is one of the most promising medical career possibilities following high school. 

BDS is a well-designed undergraduate curriculum that is roughly similar to the MBBS in terms of medical education.

Q. What is the future of Doctors of Dental Surgery?

A. Upon finishing the BDS course, Dental graduates are authorized to use the title 'Dr' before their names. 

Obtaining a Dentistry doctorate opens up abundant opportunities for well-paying careers and advanced studies in this high-demand professional field.

Q. What happens after you get your Bachelor of Dental Surgery?

A. Upon finishing the BDS course, graduates can seek employment in both private and public hospitals, or they may choose to pursue additional education. 

Completing the BDS course also opens up various career paths within the field of dentistry, including specialities such as pedodontics, orthodontics, dental pharmacology, periodontics, and others.

Q. Is a Bachelor of Dental Surgery superior to a pharmacy degree?

A. The BDS course spans five years, consisting of four years dedicated to theory and one year focused on practical training. In contrast, B Pharmacy lasts four years and includes training in both industrial and hospital settings. 

A Bachelor of Dental Surgery degree qualifies you to practice as a dentist, while a Bachelor of Pharmacy degree enables you to work as a pharmacist or pharmaceutical specialist.

Q. Is a Bachelor of Dental Surgery very tough?

A. Yes, pursuing the Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) course is highly demanding, requiring enthusiasm, diligent study habits, and a dedicated mindset. 

The Dental Council of India is the sole accrediting body for Dental courses.

Q. Is a BDS holder a doctor?

A. Yes, BDS graduates are entitled to use the prefix ‘Dr.’ since they have achieved a doctoral degree in Dental Surgery. This usage is a customary professional courtesy extended to those who have completed a doctoral-level program, such as dentistry. 

However, it's crucial to recognize that regulations governing the use of titles can vary by country or region. Therefore, it's prudent to review local regulations and guidelines concerning the use of professional titles.

Q. What does a BDS doctor do?

A. One of the most esteemed and sought-after degrees in dentistry is BDS. In India, the primary academic and professional program for dental surgery is BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery), which grants the title "Dr." similar to MBBS.

A dentist is a healthcare professional specializing in diagnosing and treating oral conditions. Proper dental care, including regular visits to the dentist for check-ups and cleanings, can reduce the risk of serious health issues like heart disease and stroke.

Q. Which are the countries where a BDS degree is valid?

A. The best countries to migrate to for an Indian Dentist are as follows:

  • United Arab Emirates
  • Australia
  • The UK
  • Canada
  • New Zealand
  • The United States of America

Q. Is BDS in demand?

A. Yes, BDS graduates are in high demand both in India and internationally. Graduates of the Bachelor of Dental Science program have opportunities to advance their careers in various fields, including Dentistry and Medicine, across both private and public institutions worldwide.

Upon completing the BDS course, graduates can pursue excellent job opportunities in numerous private and public hospitals and dental colleges. 

Q. What can I do after BDS in India?

A. After completing a BDS course (Bachelor of Dental Surgery) in India, candidates have several career paths to consider:

  • Private Practice: Many BDS course graduates choose to establish their Dental clinics or join existing Dental practices.
  • Government Jobs: BDS course graduates are eligible to apply for positions in government hospitals, public health departments, armed forces, railways, and educational institutions.
  • Teaching and Research: Candidates can embark on an academic career by teaching dental students in Dental colleges or universities.
  • Specialization: BDS course graduates can pursue postgraduate specialization by obtaining an MDS in fields such as Orthodontics, Periodontics, Endodontics, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Prosthodontics, Pedodontics, and Conservative Dentistry.

Popular BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery) Colleges in India

Following are the most popular BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery) Colleges in India. Learn more about these BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery) colleges (Courses, Reviews, Answers & more) by downloading the Brochure.
1 K - 6.08 K
12 - 24 LPA

#1 NIRF

300 - 2.67 L
4.34 - 12.09 LPA

#3 NIRF

111 Courses
7.11 K - 19.5 L
7.53 - 18 LPA

#2 NIRF

650 - 2 L
12.2 - 24.1 LPA

#14 NIRF

130 - 46.58 K
6 - 24 LPA

#5 NIRF

65 Courses
1.5 L - 79.5 L
9.2 - 15.8 LPA

#9 NIRF

Popular Private BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery) Colleges in India

2.2 L - 10.08 L
3.15 LPA

Top 15 in Bangalore

Medicine & Health Sciences Applications open. Apply Now

1 L - 5.6 L
1 Course
3.25 L
4.3
25 K - 1.95 Cr
3.9

Medicine & Health Sciences Applications open. Apply Now

1 L - 9.6 L
3.7
36 Courses
2 L - 21.42 L
3.6
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Student Forum

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Write here...

Answered 3 days ago

You will need to register first on the official website for NEET counseling in order to participate with 563 marks and an EWS category. The official counseling websites may be managed by the MCC for all India counseling or may be the counseling authorities of the respective states.

K

KUMKUM BASWAL

Contributor-Level 8

Answered 6 days ago

Doing post-graduate Diploma in dermatology after Bachelor of Dental Surgery can be a very promising career move.

Particularly if you are interested in diverse skill sets in dermatology, skin care, and aesthetics, this is the right step toward diversification. Dermatology is a very large field with in

...more

R

Rayamkula Harish

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

No, candidates cannot join Sri Ramakrishna Dental College and Hospital without NEET for BDS. As the institute is entirely government and there is no direct admission or donation type admission so, you have to clear NEET-UG and clear the required cutoff to apply for counselling process.

A

Aarushi Anand

Beginner-Level 5

Answered a week ago

Sri Ramakrishna Dental College and Hospital is a known college for dental sciences, Admission to BDS is solely on the basis of marks acquired in NEET UG exam, folllowed by NEET counselling session. Thus, candidates can get into Sri Ramakrishna Dental College and Hospital for BDS by cracking NEET wit

...more

R

Raushan Bhatnagar

Beginner-Level 5

Answered a week ago

To be eligible for admission to BDS courses at Sri Ramakrishna Dental College and Hospital, candidates are required to pay NEET UG application fee for admission.The application fee can be paid in an online mode via Credit Card, Debit Card, Net Banking or UPI.  The category-wise application fees are

...more

P

Pragati Shukla

Beginner-Level 5

Answered a week ago

The tuition fees for BDS in government colleges in India typically range from 15,000 to 1,00,000 per year, depending on the institution and its location. For instance, government dental colleges like those in Goa, Gujarat, and Karnataka charge between 20,000 and 53,650 annually, while other colleges

...more

53984379
Amit Saini

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

Yes, NIOS students are eligible to appear for the NEET exam, provided they fulfill the NEET eligibility criteria. They must have passed their 10+2 or equivalent with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology/Biotechnology as core subjects from a recognised board, including NIOS. The eligibility criteria for N

...more

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Amit Saini

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

To be eligible for the Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) program at Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences (MAIDS), affiliated with Maulana Azad Medical College (MAMC) in Delhi, you must meet the following criteria:

 

1. Educational Qualifications:

 

Age Requirement: You should be at least 17 years ol

...more

T

Tamanna Rao

Contributor-Level 6

Answered a week ago

Yes, it is worth pursuing BDS at Sri Ramakrishna Dental College and Hospital as it is a private college and was formed by the SNR Sons Charitable Trust, established in 1970. At present, the college has a total of 91 faculty members and more than 15,000 students enrolled in its various programmes. Sr

...more

M

Mamona Mishra

Beginner-Level 4

Answered a week ago

Yes, Sri Ramakrishna Dental College and Hospital is a good college for BDS programme as it has a total of 91 faculty members and more than 15,000 students enrolled in its various programmes. The college is recognised by the Dental Council of India and offers courses in affiliation with the MGR Unive

...more

N

Nupur Shukla

Beginner-Level 4

Answered 2 weeks ago

The choice filling process has already started for getting admission into BDS in the state of Telangana. The choice filling process for admission to BDS has already started from September 29th 2024. Interested candidates can attend counselling. 

55945175
Yash Kumar

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 weeks ago

To secure a seat in top dental colleges in India, candidates typically need a NEET score of at least 450. For NEET 2024, the BDS cutoff for the general category is around the 50th percentile, with scores ranging from 720 to 164. Keep in mind that the cutoff can vary across colleges, and specific det

...more

S

Shiv Kumar

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 weeks ago

The Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) programme at the School of Dental Sciences (SDS) at Sharda University in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh is a five-year full-time course:

Duration: Five years

Total tuition fee: INR 14,60,000

Admission fee: INR 3,00,000

Eligibility: Students must have at least 50% in 12

...more

A

Anurag Shivam

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 weeks ago

The expected NEET 2024 cutoff for BDS admission at National Dental College for the General category is around 718-137. For OBC, SC, and ST categories, the cutoff is approximately 135-107.

A

Abhay KUMAR

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 2 weeks ago

I'm glad to hear you've qualified the NEET exam! However, for BDS admissions in Karnataka, attending the counselling process is generally mandatory. The counselling process helps allocate seats based on your NEET rank, preferences, and availability of seats in various colleges.

A

Abhay KUMAR

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 3 weeks ago

According to the Dental Council of India DCI there are 28,088 BDS seats in Karnataka for the year 2024. Numerous private colleges like A.B. Shetty Memorial, Bapuji, JSS, KLE Vishwanath Katti, Manipal, and Yenepoya offer 100 seats each. Govt. colleges like ESIC Gulbarga (62 seats) and Govt. Dental Co

...more

A

Anchal Shukla

Contributor-Level 7

Answered 3 weeks ago

Yes, candidates belonging to SC and ST AI category can easily get admission at Government Dental College and Research Institute, Banglore with 100000 rank via NEET UG. However, EWS AI category candidates won't be able to get into the Insititute with this rank. It is due to the Government Dental Coll

...more

Y

Yatendra Kumar

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 3 weeks ago

  • To secure your admission to BDS program, you need to qualify National Eligibility cum Entrance Test. 
  • You also need to fulfill all necessary requirements set by the concerned authority/body.
  • You will also have to participate in the counseling process conducted by the West Bengal Medical Counselling Co

...more

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SACHIN SINGH

Guide-Level 13

Answered 3 weeks ago

The NEET cut-off percentile for the SC/ST/OBC category for the Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) program at S.C.B. Dental College and Hospital in Cuttack is 40th. The corresponding cut-off scores are 163–129. 
The National Testing Agency (NTA) announces the NEET cut-off marks for BDS along with the ex

...more

66923163
Manish Jaiswal

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 3 weeks ago

Yes. On this Score in NEET Exam you can get admission in BDS. However it will be really difficult to secure a government dental college at 222 score fir a general category student, you can get private BDS college.

78196864
Yash Kumar

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 3 weeks ago

I think it's a bit difficult to get into a good government college on this rank Although, there are several factors that play when counseling starts such as the category you belong to, the number of students applying for that particular college, etc.

Please note that there is some NRI quota in colleg

...more

67857783
SACHIN SINGH

Guide-Level 13

Answered 3 weeks ago

Haldia Institute of Dental Sciences and Research cutoff 2023 was 734299 for General category candidates in All India quota for BDS - Bachelor of Dental Surgery. Haldia Institute of Dental Sciences and Research admission 2025 to BDS course is based on NEET scores followed by NEET Counselling conducte

...more

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Jiya Tyagi

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 3 weeks ago

Bharati Vidyapeeth Dental College and Hospital BDS course offers admission based on entrance. Candidates must secure a minimum aggregate of 50% in Class 12 with mandatory subjects such as  Physics, Chemistry, Biology and English. It is mandatory for candidates to appear for NEET UG to secure admissi

...more

A

Aashi Rastogi

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 4 weeks ago

To fill out the application for admission to BDS at Haldia Institute of Dental Sciences and Research candidates are required to keep some documents handy. Candidates without original certificates/ documents shall not be allowed to take admission. Given below are the documents required at the time of

...more

63158629
Jiya Tyagi

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 4 weeks ago

Haldia Institute of Dental Sciences and Research is a known college for dental sciences, Admission to BDS at Haldia Institute of Dental Sciences and Research is solely on the basis of marks acquired in NEET UG exam, folllowed by NEET counselling session. Thus, you can get into Haldia Institute of De

...more

63158629
Jiya Tyagi

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 4 weeks ago

Achieving a BDS seat in top dental colleges in India typically requires a minimum score of 450. Minimum aggregate marks: 50% for general category, 40% for SC/ST/OBC and 45% for general-PH. Domicile: For state quota seats, students should fulfil the NEET domicile criteria of state Telangana. Entrance

...more

A

Anchal Shukla

Contributor-Level 7

Answered a month ago

As per Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences NIRF report 2024, the number of students placed over the past three years during BDS placements is presented below:

Particulars

BDS Placement Statistics (2021)

BDS Placement Statistics (2022)

BDS Placement Statistics (2023)

Total students

20

33

32

Students placed

12

15

12

Students opted for higher studies

8

13

0

K

Krishnendu Chatterjee

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

As per Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences NIRF report 2024, the median package offered during BDS placements over the past three years are presented below:

Courses

Median Package (2021)

Median Package (2022)

Median Package (2023)

BDS

INR 11.88 LPA

INR 14.15 LPA

INR 12 LPA

K

Krishnendu Chatterjee

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

As per Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences NIRF report 2024, the number of students placed during UG and PG placements over the past three years are presented below:

Particulars

BDS Placement Statistics (2021)

BDS Placement Statistics (2022)

BDS Placement Statistics (2023)

Total students

20

33

32

Students placed

12

15

12

Students opted for higher studies

8

13

0

Particulars

MDS / MD Placement Statistics (2021)

MDS / MD Placement Statistics (2022)

MDS / MD Placement Statistics (2023)

Total students

16

18

20

Students placed

15

16

19

Students opted for higher studies

1

2

1

K

Krishnendu Chatterjee

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

As per the NIRF report 2024, the median package offered to the 2023 passing-out BDS batch was INR 8.50 LPA. Earlier, the median package for 2021 and 2022 drives was the same and the amount stood at INR 8 LPA. Check the table below to know the KGMU placement package trends for BDS:

CourseMedian Package (2021)Median Package (2022)Median Package (2023)
BDSINR 8 LPAINR 8 LPAINR 8.50 LPA

A

Aarushi Kalra

Contributor-Level 10

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