Dental Career Guide: Roles, Salary 2025 & Future Scope

Parul ThapaSenior Executive Content
There are ample Dental jobs opportunities for both general dental practitioners and specialists in India. Dentists can choose to run their own Dental clinics or work in multi-speciality hospitals.
A Dental jobs offers various career opportunities with job profiles such as General Dentists, Dental and Oral Surgeons, Orthodontists, Endodontists, etc. The Dental salary offered at entry-level positions ranges between INR 1.8 - 5 LPA, for mid-level profiles INR 3.6 - 10 LPA and for senior-level profiles INR 12 LPA and above. After graduating from Dental (BDS), candidates can start practising Dentistry by setting up their private dental clinics or pursue an MDS (Master of Dentistry) to specialize in a particular area of Dentistry such as Orthodontics, Endodontics, Periodontics, Prosthodontics, Oral and Maxillofacial surgery, and more.
The popular colleges that offer Dental courses are Manipal College of Dental Sciences, MAMC, AIIMS Delhi, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, etc. The top recruiters that are always on the lookout for Dental freshers are Clove Dental, FMS Dental Hospitals, Dentafix Multispeciality Hospital, Max Superspeciality Hospital, etc.
Suggested Links for Dental Jobs and Career:
Top Dental Jobs
There are several Dental jobs for graduates and postgraduates in India. Additionally, roles in public health dentistry, forensic odontology, dental cosmetology, and academic or research positions are also popular. Many Dental jobs are available in private clinics, hospitals, or some candidates start their practice, making it a versatile and rewarding profession. Several Dental jobs and specializations offer significant opportunities for Dental professionals.
Here are some of the top Dental jobs and specializations in India:
Job Profiles |
Description |
Average Salary (in INR) |
---|---|---|
General Dentist |
General dentists provide comprehensive dental care, including preventive, restorative, and basic dental treatments, to patients of all ages. |
3.5 LPA |
Orthodontist |
Orthodontists specialize in correcting misaligned teeth and jaws using braces, aligners, and other orthodontic devices. |
6 LPA |
Endodontist |
Endodontists focus on the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and injuries related to dental pulp and the inner parts of teeth. |
7 LPA |
Periodontist |
Periodontists specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of gum diseases, including gingivitis and periodontitis. |
6.4 LPA |
Prosthodontist |
Prosthodontists are experts in replacing missing teeth and restoring damaged or lost dental structures. |
4.9 LPA |
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon |
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons perform surgical procedures related to the face, jaws, mouth, and associated structures. |
6 LPA |
Pediatric Dentist (Pedodontist) |
Pediatric dentists specialize in providing dental care to children and adolescents. |
6 LPA |
Geriatric Dentist |
Geriatric dentists focus on providing dental care to older adults. |
4.5 LPA |
Implantologist |
Implantologists specialize in placing and restoring dental implants. |
7 LPA |
Note: The salary data has been sourced from Ambitionbox.com.
Useful Links for Dental Jobs and Career:
Dental Jobs: Top Recruiters
Several Dental institutions, hospitals, clinics, and organizations offer Dental jobs in India. These recruiters often seek a range of Dental professionals, including general dentists, specialists, and Dental assistants.
Here are some top recruiters that offer Dental jobs in India:
Dental Top Recruiters |
|
---|---|
AIIMS |
Sir Ganga Ram Hospital |
Safdarjung Hospital |
Sir JJ Hospital |
Fortis Escorts Heart Institute |
Apollo Hospitals |
Fortis Hospital |
Manipal Hospital |
Denty's |
Axiss Dental |
Dental Life |
Nimbles Biotech |
Helpful Links for Dental Jobs and Careers:
Dental Jobs: Core Sectors
Dental professionals in India can find employment across several core sectors. Candidates can check the table below to see the list of popular industries where candidates can find Dental jobs in India:
Core Sector | Description |
---|---|
Hospitals | Dentists are employed in general and specialty hospitals for clinical roles. |
Private Dental Clinics | Many dentists either join or open their clinics to provide direct services. |
Government Healthcare Facilities | Opportunities through state and central healthcare schemes and hospitals. |
Dental Colleges & Universities | Teaching and academic research roles for BDS and MDS graduates. |
Research Institutions | Involvement in clinical trials, dental innovation, and public health studies. |
Pharmaceutical Companies | Roles in oral healthcare product development and clinical research. |
Dental Equipment Companies | Work in R&D, quality assurance, or as product consultants. |
Public Health & NGOs | Community dental health services in rural or underserved areas. |
Relevant Links for Dental Jobs and Career:
Best Dental Colleges for Placements (In India)
When it comes to strong placement support and career opportunities, several Dental colleges in India stand out. These colleges often have tie-ups with reputed hospitals, dental chains, and research institutes, ensuring that students get exposure to internships, clinical training, and job placements right after graduation.
Here are some of the top colleges that help candidates to kickstart their Dental jobs in India:
College Name |
Average Package (in INR) |
---|---|
Indira Gandhi Institute of Dental Sciences | 53.5 LPA |
Bhabha College of Dental Sciences | 48 LPA |
K.S.R. Instiute of Dental Science and Research | 36 LPA |
KSR Educational Institutions | 16 - 24 LPA |
JIPMER Puducherry | 24 LPA |
Rural Medical College, Loni | 3.2 - 19 LPA |
Rural Dental College | 19 LPA |
Jan Nayak Ch.Devi Lal Vidyapeeth - JCDV | 7 - 18.8 LPA |
Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh | 18 LPA |
Note: This information is sourced from the official website/ media reports/NIRF website and may vary.
Related Links for Dental Jobs and Career:
Dental Career FAQs
Q. What is the highest-paying Dental job?
A. A dentist who specialises in Oral and Maxillofacial surgery earns the highest in India. An experienced professional earns between INR 15 and 30 LPA.
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (OMFS) is a specialized field within Dentistry that focuses on the diagnosis and surgical treatment of a wide range of conditions and diseases involving the face, mouth, and jaws. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are highly trained Dental professionals who have completed extensive education and surgical training.
Q. What is a Dental career?
A. A Dental career encompasses a wide range of professions and job opportunities within the field of Dentistry. Dental careers revolve around oral health, the treatment and care of teeth, gums, and the overall oral cavity.
Dentists are primary healthcare providers for oral health. They diagnose and treat various dental conditions, perform routine check-ups, and offer treatments like cleanings, fillings, root canals, and extractions. They may also specialize in areas such as orthodontics, oral surgery, or pediatric Dentistry.
An experienced professional can earn above INR 12 LPA in India.
Q. Is BDS a good career option?
A. BDS can be a good career option in India, but it depends on candidate’s interests, aspirations, and dedication to the field of Dentistry.
Here are some key points to consider when evaluating whether pursuing a BDS degree is a good choice:
- High Demand for Dental Services: As people become more health-conscious and aware of the importance of oral health, the demand for Dental professionals is likely to continue growing.
- Variety of Specializations: Dentistry offers various specializations, such as orthodontics, oral surgery, periodontics, prosthodontics, endodontics, and more.
- Potential for a Lucrative Career: Dental professionals, especially specialists, have the potential to earn competitive salaries in India, particularly in private practice.
- Job Security: Dental healthcare is considered an essential service, which means that there is a degree of job security for Dental professionals.
Q. What is the salary of BDS in India?
A. The salary of a BDS graduate in India can vary widely depending on several factors, including the location of employment, type of practice, experience, and specialization. Here is a general overview of the salary range for BDS graduates in different scenarios:
- Entry-Level: INR 30,000 - 40,000 per month
- Mid-Level: INR 40,000 - 1 LPA
- Experience-Level: INR 60,000 - 2 LPA
Q. What is the career scope of BDS?
A. The career scope of a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) in India is broad and offers various opportunities in different sectors of Dentistry.
The scope for BDS graduates in India is diverse, and the demand for dental services is expected to continue growing as awareness of oral health increases. Opportunities exist in both urban and rural areas, and the potential for specialization allows individuals to tailor their career paths to their interests and goals. Moreover, BDS graduates can choose a combination of roles and continue to learn and expand their expertise throughout their careers.
Q. Do dentists have a future scope?
A. Yes, dentists have a significant and growing future scope in India.
As awareness of oral health and hygiene continues to grow in India, more people are seeking dental care. This trend is driven by a greater understanding of the link between oral health and overall well-being.
Also, India's large and diverse population ensures a steady demand for dental care. Both urban and rural areas offer opportunities for dental practice.
Q. What is the monthly income of a dentist?
A. The monthly income of a Dentist in India can vary widely based on several factors, including the location of practice, type of practice, level of experience, specialization, and reputation.
- Entry-Level: INR 30,000 - 40,000
- Mid-Level: INR 40,000 - 1 Lakh
- Experience-Level: INR 60,000 - 2 Lakh
Q. Is BDS better than MBBS?
A. Whether BDS is better than MBBS depends on individual preferences, career goals, and personal interests.
BDS is primarily focused on oral health and dental care. Dentists diagnose and treat dental conditions, perform dental procedures, and work on maintaining and improving oral hygiene
On the other hand, MBBS provides a broad foundation in general medicine and covers a wide range of medical disciplines, and graduates become medical doctors who diagnose and treat various diseases and medical conditions.
Candidates can view the table below to know the comparison between the two.
Parameters |
Dental |
MBBS |
---|---|---|
Course Level |
UG, PG, PhD, Diploma |
Undergraduate |
Course Duration |
3 years - 4 years |
5 years |
Course Fee |
INR 1000 - INR 51 Lakh |
INR 25,000 to INR 1.15 crore |
Entrance Exam |
NEET |
|
Top Colleges |
AIIMS Delhi, Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences, King George's Medical University, JIPMER, SRM Kattankulathur Dental College and Hospital University |
AIIMS Delhi, Christian Medical College Vellore, Banaras Hindu University, JIPMER Puducherry, etc. |
Average Annual Salary |
INR 4.1 LPA - INR 10 LPA |
INR 2.5 LPA - INR 15 LPA |
Job Profiles |
Consultant, Dental Assistant, Oral Pathologist, Dental Professor, Dental Lab Technician/Ceramist, Public Health Specialist, etc. |
Medical Surgeon, Medical officers, Paediatrician, General Physician, Medical Assistant (Surgery), etc. |
Top Recruiters |
Clove Dental, FMS Dental Hospitals, Dentafix Multispeciality Hospital, Max Superspeciality Hospital, Fortis Healthcare, etc. |
Medanta Hospitals, Lilavati Hospital and Research Centre, Fortis Healthcare Ltd, Wockhardt Ltd, Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd, etc. |
Q. Which is better BDS or B Pharma?
A. BDS is a Dental healthcare degree that focuses on oral health, diagnosis, and treatment of dental and oral cavity-related conditions.
B Pharmacy is a pharmaceutical and healthcare degree that focuses on the study of drugs, medications, and their effects on the human body.
Candidates can view the table below to know the comparison between the two.
Parameters |
Dental |
B Pharma |
---|---|---|
Course Level |
UG, PG, PhD, Diploma |
Undergraduate |
Course Duration |
3 years - 4 years |
4 years |
Course Fee |
INR 1000 - INR 51 Lakh |
INR 3,000 - INR 4,00,000 |
Entrance Exam |
||
Top Colleges |
AIIMS Delhi, Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences, King George's Medical University, JIPMER, SRM Kattankulathur Dental College and Hospital University |
Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Madras Medical College, BITS Pilani, SOA University, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, etc. |
Average Annual Salary |
INR 4.1 LPA - INR 10 LPA |
INR 4 LPA - INR 14 LPA |
Job Profiles |
Consultant, Dental Assistant, Oral Pathologist, Dental Professor, Dental Lab Technician/Ceramist, Public Health Specialist, etc. |
Medical Writer, Clinical Researcher, Drug Inspector, Medical Representative, Pharmacy Business, etc. |
Top Recruiters |
Clove Dental, FMS Dental Hospitals, Dentafix Multispeciality Hospital, Max Superspeciality Hospital, Fortis Healthcare, etc. |
Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., Dr Reddy’s Laboratories Ltd., Divis Laboratories Ltd., Cipla Ltd., Biocon Ltd., etc. |
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News & Updates
Student Forum
Answered 4 days ago
There are 4 major steps in whole admission process for JK MBBS/BDS. Admission process starst with regsistration/application form, followed by document verification, release of merit list and counselling. After registration, docuemnts are verified and based on teh same, a merit list is released. Cand
A
Beginner-Level 5
Answered 4 days ago
Students should be vigilant towards the admission dates in case they are looking forward to the emrollment in the BDS course at KD Dental College and Hospital. It is important to avoid the deadlines and submit the application at the earliest. It is crucial to understand the admission time frame to n
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 4 days ago
Yes you can get the seat!
A
Beginner-Level 1
Answered a week ago
Candidates must enroll in the National Testing Agency's (NTA) NEET-UG test in order to apply for BDS at K.M. Shah Dental College and Hospital in Vadodara. Following their eligibility individuals submit an application to Gujarat's Admission Committee for Professional Undergraduate Medical Courses (AC
R
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 weeks ago
It's difficult for you to get a seat in a government medical college.
You can choose private medical colleges; college choice depends on your state.
V
Beginner-Level 1
Answered 2 weeks ago
For admission to K.M. Shah Dental College BDS course via NEET 2025, the following are the key dates:
Registration for NEET was from February 7 to March 7, 2025
The correction window was between March 9 to 11
Admit cards were published towards the end of April
The NEET exam was conducted on May 4, 202
A
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 2 weeks ago
To get a BDS seat in K.M.Shah Dental College & Hospital.
Get good marks in NEET UG and rank among Gujarat/AI quota.
Get registered and participate in Gujarat state counselling (ACPUGMEC) or MCC national rounds.
Complete application form online, upload documents and wait for offer letter.
Accept seat, pa
A
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 2 weeks ago
BDS is the highest-in-demand course at K.M. Shah Dental College and Hospital due to its rigorous academic program, experienced teachers, and sophisticated clinical facilities.
The college provides early patient care exposure, through which students gain confidence and hands-on experience.
High NEET cu
A
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 2 weeks ago
For admission in the BDS course at K.M. Shah Dental College and Hospital, the candidates should have a 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and English.
General category candidates should have 50% marks in PCB subjects and 40% for reserved category candidates.
Selection is mandatory based on the NE
A
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 2 weeks ago
It is a very good option to be in K.M. Shah to have BDS because they give a lot of clinical experience and practical training in all the departments such as implantology, oral surgery and orthodontics. The education there is evidence-based. Backed by skilled faculty, modern facilities, affiliation w
Answered 2 weeks ago
In order to get yourself into BDS programme at K.M. Shah, candidates need to have a minimum of 50 percent marks in Physics, Chemistry and Biology of 10+2, and must qualify in NEET UG. ACPUGMEC conducts all the admissions through NEET counseling and all the seat allotment is made according to the NEE
Answered 2 weeks ago
Here are the key NEET? UG dates for BDS admission (2025):
Application window: Feb?7 – Mar?7
Correction window: Mar?9–11
Exam city info: Apr?23–26
Admit cards out: Apr?30 – May?1
Exam day: May?4 (2–5? PM)
Result declared: June?14
Counselling rounds (AIQ/state): July–November
S
Contributor-Level 8
Answered 2 weeks ago
No, you cannot get admission into the BDS course at K.M. Shah Dental College without NEET. NEET-UG is mandatory for all dental colleges in India, including private and deemed universities. Without a valid NEET score, you're not eligible for admission to any recognised BDS program, as per national re
S
Contributor-Level 8
Answered 3 weeks ago
The course duration of the MDS (Master of Dental Surgery) programme is three years. KD Dental College and Hospital offers a total of nine specialisations in the programme, the course duration for all these programmes remains the same. It is a postgraduate course that students qualify to undertake af
s
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 weeks ago
The specialisations offered by KD Dental College and Hospital in the MDS programme are as follows:
s
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 weeks ago
V
Contributor-Level 9
Answered 3 weeks ago
My PwBD NEET score 65 mujhe MBBS colleg mil jayega
A
Beginner-Level 1
Answered 4 weeks ago
Yes, it can be observed that joining the top BDS colleges in Tamil Nadu can be expensive as most colleges have tuition fees of more than INR 5 lakh. Some of the colleges are mentioned below along with their tuition fees:
Top Colleges | Tuition Fee |
---|---|
SIMTS Chennai | INR 43 lakh |
SRM Dental College, Ramapuram Campus, Chennai | INR 15.6 lakh |
Annamalai University | INR 17.5 lakh |
Adhiparasakthi Dental College and Hospital | INR 5.2 lakh |
Sri Ramakrishna Dental College and Hospital | INR 10 lakh |
Disclaimer: This information is sourced from official website and may vary.
T
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 4 weeks ago
BDS full form in medical is Bachelor of Dental Surgery. The BDS course duration is 5 years, including four years of academic study and one year of compulsory internship. BDS course is a professional UG degree in Dentistry in India. Candidates who are detail-oriented, patient, and have a keen interes
V
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 4 weeks ago
No. You have to score 500+ marks in NEET exam to pursue the BDS you can get private college in these numbers but government seat is not available in these numbers.
I
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 4 weeks ago
A total of 4 rounds of counselling will be held for Punjab MBBS/BDS admission, i.e round 1, round2, round 3, and stray vacancy round. All rounds of counselling will be held online. Registration and submission of application form is mandatory exercise to particiapte in the counsleling for seat alloca
A
Beginner-Level 5
Answered 4 weeks ago
To enroll in a MDS course at Anil Neerukonda Institute of Dental Sciences, candidates must meet the eligibility criteria set by the institute. The institute offers full-time MDS courses lasting three years. Students are selected based on entrance exam. In addition to the selection criteria, students
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 4 weeks ago
Yes, BDS course is available at Anil Neerukonda Institute of Dental Sciences. The college offers BDS courses at the UG level. Candidate must meet the eligibility criteria to enrol for BDS course admission set by the college. Aspirants must pass Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology (Botany/ Zool
I
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 4 weeks ago
The fee range for the BDS programme at Anil Neerukonda Institute of Dental Sciences is INR 46,300. This information is sourced from official website/ sanctioning body and is subject to change. The fee cover various academic expenses like tuition fees, laboratory charges, examination fees, library fe
L
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 4 weeks ago
The institute admits students based on NEET score for BDS and NEET MDS for MDS course. Candidates looking for course admission at Anil Neerukonda Institute of Dental Sciences must the eligibility criteria set by the college. The courses are offered in four year course + internship. Similarly, for th
N
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 4 weeks ago
There are about 50+ Dental colleges in India offer Diploma courses. Some of them arementioned below along with their tuition fees:
Top Colleges | Tuition Fee |
---|---|
SIMTS Chennai | INR 10 lakh |
J.S.S. Dental College and Hospital | INR 60,000 |
Banaras Hindu University | INR 50,000 |
Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research (Deemed to be University) | INR 20,000 |
Yenepoya Dental College And Hospital, Mangalore | INR 3 lakh |
Disclaimer: This information is sourced from official website and may vary.
T
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 4 weeks ago
No. You are not eligible for any of the course because you have to score 500+ marks for taking admission in these courses.you have to work hard and give next attempt to take admission in these courses.
I
Contributor-Level 6
Answered a month ago
Yes, BDS graduates can easily move from their clinical practice to Health Informatics roles that apply technology to hospitals, or technology to digital dental records, or public health with technology. Health Informatics creates multiple options for work other than just in clinical practice (e.g. r
M
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
Yes, you can get private dental college with 210 score in NEET 2025. You can get admission in Rishiraj Dental college in Madhya Pradesh. It is very good college.
P
Beginner-Level 1
Answered a month ago
You cannot get admission in BDS without passing NEET UG.
S
Beginner-Level 1
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How many steps are there in JK MBBS/BDS admission?