The first two years cover basic medical subjects (Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, General Pathology, Pharmacology) but with additional focus on head and neck anatomy and dental materials. From third year on, it’s primarily dental subjects – Operative Dentistry, Prosthodontics, Oral Surgery, etc. You practice on phantom heads (dummy models) before treating real patients in final year and internship. Expect a lot of practical lab work making wax teeth models, fillings, etc.

Yes. BDS graduates are legally allowed to use the title "Dr." in India, as they are doctors of dental science.

Many dentists open their clinic a couple of years after BDS or after MDS. Initially, you might work under a senior dentist to gain experience. Once confident, setting up a clinic gives autonomy. Location is key – urban areas have more competition but also more clients for high-end procedures; smaller towns may have less competition for basic dental care. A good clinic with established clientele can be very rewarding.

It varies widely. As an entry-level dentist at a clinic/hospital, you might start around ₹3–₹4 lakh per annum. With experience, a general dentist can earn ₹6–₹8 lakh p.a. or more. Specialists (MDS) typically earn more; e.g., an orthodontist or oral surgeon can charge premium for specialized procedures. Running your own clinic has variable income – a busy practice in a metro city can earn a few lakhs per month, whereas a new practice will take time to reach that. According to some sources, entry-level packages are around ₹4.4 lakh per annum on average, but can go up significantly with specialization and experience.

After a few years, a general dentist might make ₹40,000–₹60,000 per month. Those who establish a good private practice can earn significantly more – income can range widely based on patient volume (some experienced dentists in metro areas earn ₹1 lakh+ per month).

MDS specialists tend to command higher salaries. E.g., Orthodontists and Oral Surgeons often charge premium fees for specialized treatments. An orthodontist can charge ₹25,000–₹60,000 per patient for braces treatment spanning 1–2 years. With a steady stream of patients, their annual earnings can be quite high.

Many dentists prefer private practice. A successful clinic’s revenue depends on services offered – routine checkups, cleanings, fillings are modestly priced, while cosmetic procedures (implants, smile design, veneers) and orthodontics bring higher revenue. Upscale urban clinics offering advanced cosmetic dentistry or catering to medical tourism (foreign patients) can earn substantial income in foreign currency as well.

The number of dental graduates has increased (about 30,000 BDS per year from ~300 colleges), leading to some saturation in urban areas. This means initial competition for jobs or patients in big cities. However, rural and semi-urban India has a shortage of dentists, so there is unmet demand if one is willing to work outside metros.

There’s rising awareness of oral health in India. More people are now seeking cosmetic dental procedures like teeth whitening, aligners, implants (with India also becoming a hub for affordable dental tourism). Corporate dental chains (e.g., Clove Dental, Partha Dental) are expanding, hiring dentists across cities. The government also periodically announces rural dental health programs and jobs. Overall, while the market is competitive, dentists with postgraduate skills or those offering new technologies (like clear aligners, lasers) stay ahead.

Those in academic dentistry (lecturers, researchers in dental materials/oral pathology) might earn less than private practitioners initially (starting ₹50,000–₹70,000/month in academic roles), but they have more fixed hours and the prestige of working in institutions. Some also work part-time in clinic to supplement.