One Degree Many Roads: What Comes After BDS

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So many of us enter dentistry with a fixed path in mind, but reality opens up multiple routes–- MDS, abroad exams like ADC/AMC, research, teaching, hospital administration, or even digital healthcare ventures. Let’s talk honestly:

What career options are you exploring after BDS?

Have you faced confusion or regret?

What helped you decide or are you still figuring it out?

Share your journey or doubts. It might help someone else who’s in the same boat!

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Honestly don’t know about BDS … I’ll try to get knowledge from commmets

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I am still figuring out! I have been through a lot of confusion and uncertainty, but it has also helped me gain clarity. Right now, I am focusing more on non-clinical roles, especially in areas like clinical research and pharmacovigilance. For the time being, I am taking a step back from dentistry to explore where I can grow and contribute the most.

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My friend has completed her BDS
she’s currently pursuing OMFS

I think thats a really cool PG degree to do after BDS , it connects with facial surgery and honestly I’m in awe of that .

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I think bds is somewhat same as like physiotherapy,valued more than that …but limited growth options

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Absolutely after earning a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS), you’re standing at a crossroads with many exciting paths ahead. Whether you want to deepen your clinical expertise, pivot into public health, or explore entrepreneurial ventures.

Here’s a comprehensive guide to what comes next:

  1. Academic & Clinical Specializations
    MDS (Master of Dental Surgery)
    MPH (Master of Public Health)
    MBA (Hospital/Healthcare Management)
    Clinical Research

2. Professional Practice

• Start your own dental clinic
• Join a hospital or dental chain
• Government jobs: UPSC, state PSCs, or Army Dental Corps.
• Lecturer or academic roles

  1. International Opportunities

• Practice abroad: Countries like the UK, USA, Canada, and Australia require licensing exams (e.g., NBDE, ADC).
• Dental tourism: Combine clinical practice with travel services for international patients.

  1. Non-Traditional & Creative Careers

• Dental YouTuber or Blogger
• Medical transcriptionist
• Forensic dentistry
• Health tech startups

“One degree, many roads” isn’t just a slogan, it’s a reality for BDS graduates. The key is aligning your next step with your passion, strengths, and long-term goals.

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Yes, I have face regret, that no one was there to guide me when I was thinking to pursue dentistry.
Now also i am still figuring it out what to do.