Is BDS still a better option now?

Dental
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In today’s reality, BDS is no longer the “secure and prestigious” career it once appeared to be for many students. Increasingly, it has become a secondary option, often chosen due to family pressure, lack of alternatives after NEET, or simply for the “Dr.” prefix.

For students especially those from middle-class or non-dental backgrounds pursuing BDS often involves high fees, loans, and years of intense effort.

Yet after graduation, many find themselves earning as little as ₹15,000–₹25,000 per month in private clinics . This is often comparable to, or even less than, the salaries of receptionists or assistants in the same setup.

The irony is hard to ignore:

  • A dentist studies for 5+ years

  • Invests lakhs in education

  • Works 10+ hours a day

  • No Public holiday or a quality life

  • Yet earns nearly the same as non-clinical staff

In rural areas, the situation can be even more challenging due to lower patient flow and limited awareness.

The Bigger Issues in Dentistry Today

1. Oversaturation of Dentists

2. Lack of Government Opportunities

3. Exploitative Work Conditions

4. Financial Pressure

The Reality vs Expectation Gap

Is There Still Scope?

Yes but with conditions.

Dentistry is still a viable career if:

You are genuinely passionate about the field

You are ready for long-term investment (time + money)

You plan to specialize (MDS) or build your own clinic

You develop strong clinical + communication + business skills

What Needs to Change

Just like nurses have organized and voiced their concerns, dentistry also needs:

A strong, unified professional association

Better regulation of dental colleges

Standardized minimum salary structures

More government recruitment opportunities

So the real question Would you still choose dentistry if given a second chance?

MBH/AB

8 Likes
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Yes it is

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In a country like India , where are efforts are underpaid, where there is no minimum wage criteria, where fresh BDS graduates are paid so less which is not enough for their day to day expenses , i would think a zillion times to take up dentistry again .

The problem is not with the field , the problem is the system . The system has failed the dental students , that is why they opt for different careers or move abroad. Dentistry is itself a speciality but is less rewarding in country like ours.

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I’m not a dentist, but I know many dental graduates facing this reality. Lack of government jobs is hitting them hard and not everyone can invest lakhs more into specialization or afford opening their own clinic.

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Informative Post. Yes there is a need for more implementations to be made for people in the dentistry career.

6

Dentist is considered as one of the noble profession in healthcare industry which bring smile on patients face but most of the dental students don’t get recognition even after so much of hardwork

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It is informative

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Yes I would choose dentistry. There are many challenges as you mentioned. Consistency, hard work and reducing the cost of treatments will attract patients and it will feel like it’s worth studying dentistry.

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I think this is situation of almost all doctors and healthcare workers.

10

Agreed! There’s alot of saturation I feel. It is an important field of study yet not as prestigious as it used to be.

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It’s honestly a tough reality, but also a reminder that every profession goes through phases. Dentistry still has dignity and value—just needs patience, growth, and the right direction.If the passion is real, the path may be hard, but it can still be meaningful.

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Very true

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This feels real and honest. BDS still has scope, but it’s not as simple as it used to seem. It really depends on how much effort, patience, and long-term planning someone is ready to put in.

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According to me the harsh reality is somehow to be accepted. Of course not every private clinical setups have gained momentum or more patient flow hence many end up working in private clinics earning a little. With increasing competition and unemployment across all fields, a uniqueness is expected wherever we go and whatever we tend to do

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The main issue is the over saturation and the concentration of dentists in urban areas. While the cities are over saturated, villages and rural areas have hardly any dentists. Since dentistry is expensive, people tend to ignore oral health in the villages as well; so opening a private dental clinic in a rural area will not be fruitful for a dentist. Government should create more opportunities for the public via creating more posts for dentist which will benefit both the dentists and the common public. At the same time, they should reduce the number of seats in private dental colleges which does not provide quality education but simply considers it as a business opportunity.