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Completing a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) is an important milestone, but deciding the next step can be challenging for many dental graduates. With a wide range of options available, such as postgraduate specialisation, diploma courses, non-clinical programs, research pathways, and international opportunities, it is essential to understand what each choice offers. This article provides a clear and detailed overview of the best courses after BDS, helping you make an informed decision based on your interests, career goals, and long-term plans.
This Blog Includes:
List of Top Courses After BDS
This complete list includes both clinical and non-clinical options that help dental graduates advance their careers based on their interests and goals. From postgraduate specialisations to management, public health, and research programs, these courses open diverse career opportunities in India and abroad.
Diploma and Certificate Courses After BDS
Choosing a diploma and certificate course after completing a BDS program helps you complete your course in a short period of time. Designed to help dental graduates gain practical expertise in specific areas of dentistry, these courses are ideal for enhancing clinical skills, improving employability, and strengthening private practice without pursuing a full postgraduate degree.
| Course | Duration |
| Diploma/Fellowship in Implantology | 6 months-1 year |
| Diploma in Cosmetic/Aesthetic Dentistry | 6 months-1 year |
| Diploma in Laser Dentistry | 6 months-1 year |
| Diploma in Forensic Odontology | 1 year |
| Certificate in Digital Dentistry | 6 months |
| Certificate in Oral Implantology | 6 months-1 year |
Also Read: Dental Technology Courses: A Comprehensive Guide
Master of Dental Surgery (MDS) Course After BDS
MDS is the most popular postgraduate course after BDS. It’s a three-year master’s degree focused on advanced clinical training and specialisation. To join MDS in India, you must clear the NEET MDS exam conducted nationally. Here are some of the specialities that you can choose from. The Dental Council of India recognised several MDS specialities:
| Specialisation | Duration |
| MDS (Conservative Dentistry & Endodontics) | 3 Years |
| MDS (Public Health Dentistry) | 3 Years |
| MDS (Oral Pathology & Microbiology) | 3 Years |
| MDS (Pediatric & Preventive Dentistry) | 3 Years |
| MDS (Oral Medicine & Radiology) | 3 Years |
| MDS (Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery) | 3 Years |
| MDS (Periodontology) | 3 Years |
| MDS (Orthodontics & Dentofacial) | 3 Years |
| MDS (Prosthodontics & Crown & Bridge) | 3 Years |
Postgraduate Diploma Courses After BDS
Post-diploma courses after BDS offer focused, skill-based training for dental graduates who want to gain practical expertise in a shorter time than a full MDS program. The course typically lasts 1-2 years and helps BDS graduates enhance clinical skills, improve employability and strengthen private practice or academic prospects.
| Specialisation | Duration |
| PG Diploma in Prosthodontics & Crown and Bridge | 1-2 Years |
| PG Diploma in Public Health Dentistry | 1-2 Years |
| PG Diploma in Oral Pathology & Microbiology | 1-2 Years |
| PG Diploma in Pediatric & Preventive Dentistry | 1-2 Years |
| PG Diploma in Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopaedics | 1-2 Years |
| PG Diploma in Oral Medicine & Radiology | 1-2 Years |
| PG Diploma in Periodontology | 1-2 Years |
| PG Diploma in Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery | 1-2 Years |
Non-Clinical Courses After BDS
Non-clinical courses after BDS are ideal for dental graduates who wish to explore careers beyond clinical practice, such as management, public health, research, or healthcare administration. The course helps BDS graduates build alternative career paths with opportunities in hospitals, corporate healthcare, government organisations and international health agencies.
| Non-Clinical Courses | Duration |
| Master’s in Public Health (MPH) | 1-2 Years |
| Master of Hospital Administration (MHA) | 1-2 Years |
| Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) | 1-2 Years |
| MBA in health care management | 1-2 Years |
Also Read: What Is the Dental Admission Test? An Essential Guide
PhD (Doctor of Philosophy)
After BDS, you can pursue a PhD in dental and related sciences. This is a research-focused doctoral degree that allows you to become an expert in a specialised area of work in academia, research institutions, public health, industry, or clinical innovation. A PhD is typically 3-5 years of research work culminating in a thesis/dissertation. Here is a list of common PhD specialisations that you can choose from:
| PhD Specialisation | Duration |
| PhD in Oral Biology | 3-5 Years |
| PhD in Pediatric & Preventive Dentistry | 3-5 Years |
| PhD in Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopaedics | 3-5 Years |
| PhD in Prosthodontics & Crown and Bridge | 3-5 Years |
| PhD in Public Health Dentistry | 3-5 Years |
Career Options After BDS
Career options after BDS include a wide range of opportunities in clinical practice, higher education, research, health management, public health and government services. Depending on their skills and interests, BDS graduates can build successful careers in India or abroad across both clinical and non-clinical domains. Here are the career options that you can consider after completing a BDS program:
- Government Jobs: BDS graduates can choose stable job roles outside higher studies, too. Dental surgeon position in a government hospital, the Army Dental Corps (Indian Armed Forces dentist), ESIC Railways or the public health department.
- Private Practice: Starting your own dental clinic is a major career option. As a BDS graduate, you can open a private practice and offer general dental treatments.
- International Career Opportunities: Many BDS graduates aim to work abroad. This typically requires passing a licensing exam in the destination country before practising clinically. The common licensing exams include:
| NBDE (National Board Dental Examination) | USA |
| NDEB (National Dental Examining Board of Canada) | Canada |
| ADC (Australia Dental Council Examination) | Australia |
| ORE/LDS (Licence in Dental Surgery) | UK |
- Alternative Career Path Related to Dentistry: If you want something different from clinical practice, there are non-traditional fields where BDS knowledge is valuable examples: Clinical research roles, Dental writing and blogging, Healthcare consulting, and dental product industry roles. Medical coding or transcriptions.
Also Read: SRM Dental College: Admission, Eligibility, Courses
Choosing the right course after BDS depends on your career goals, interests, and long-term plans. With options ranging from clinical specialisation and diploma courses to non-clinical programs and international pathways, dental graduates have multiple opportunities to build successful and rewarding careers. Careful planning and informed guidance can help take the next step with confidence.
FAQs
Yes, because of the constant need for dental care, the BDS scope is good in India. The need for dentists is rising as a result of increased public awareness of oral health. BDS graduates can work in clinics, hospitals, public health, or even start their own dentistry practice.
Here are the top career & course options after BDS
Pursue higher education
MBA in Hospital Management
Become a Certified Dietitian
Teaching Career
Start your own Dental Practice
Practice Dentistry Abroad
Opt for MPH (Master’s in Public Health)
You can pursue an MBA in public health or hospital management after earning your BDS. Because of the practical exposure you receive during your internship and course, you can manage more effectively. Thus, following BDS, hospital management is also an excellent choice.
If you need expert guidance on choosing the right course after BDS or planning your higher studies abroad, Leverage Edu can help you explore suitable options, understand eligibility requirements and make informed academic decisions based on your career goals.
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