Are you interested in pursuing a career in medical science but don’t want to enter the competition of MBBS? Do you want to know what it takes to become a qualified dental surgeon in India? If yes, then this blog is for you. Here, we will tell you everything you need to know about dental college and hospital, including the eligibility criteria, admission process, course structure, fees, facilities, and career prospects.
Courses You’ll Find in a Dental College
Generally, most of the best dental colleges in India offer at least two courses to prospective students, BDS and MDS. To get a general overview of these courses, take a look at the table below.
| Course Name | BDS | MDS |
| Full Form | Bachelor of Dental Surgery | Master of Dental Surgery |
| Level | Undergraduate | Postgraduate |
| Duration | 4+1 years | 3 years |
| Eligibility Criteria | 50% in 10+2 PCM (NEET appeared) | BDS + NEET PG |
Eligibility Criteria for Dental Colleges
To get admission to a BDS course at a dental college and hospital, the candidate needs to fulfil the following eligibility criteria:
- Pass 10+2 or equivalent examination with Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and English as compulsory subjects from a recognized board.
- Obtain at least 50% marks in aggregate in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (40% for SC/ST/OBC candidates).
- Qualify for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) with a minimum percentile score as prescribed by the Dental Council of India (DCI).
- Be at least 17 years of age
Admission Process
The process for admission to a dental college and hospital varies from state to state, but generally involves the following steps:
- Apply online for NEET through the official website of NTA and pay the application fee.
- Appear for NEET on the scheduled date and time at your allotted exam centre.
- Check your NEET result and rank on NTA’s official website.
- Register for counselling through the respective state counselling authority or the Medical Counseling Committee (MCC) for All India Quota seats.
- Fill in your choices of dental colleges and hospitals according to your preference and rank.
- Participate in the seat allotment process and confirm your admission by paying the admission fee and submitting the required documents.
Course Structure for Dental College and Hospital
The course structure for various courses that you can find at Mansarovar Dental College Bhopal is given below:
BDS
This four-year undergraduate course which can be found in any BDS college in MP, or any other state covers the basic and clinical aspects of dentistry. It also includes one year of compulsory rotatory internship in various dental departments. The BDS curriculum comprises subjects such as Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, Pathology, Microbiology, Dental Materials, Oral Anatomy, Oral Pathology, Oral Medicine, Oral Surgery, Prosthodontics, Periodontics, Pedodontics, Orthodontics, Endodontics, Community Dentistry, etc.
MDS
This three-year postgraduate course specializes in a particular branch of dentistry. It also involves research work and dissertation writing. The MDS curriculum comprises subjects such as Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Oral Medicine and Radiology, Oral Pathology and Microbiology, Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry, Periodontology, Prosthodontics and Crown and Bridge, Public Health Dentistry, etc.
Fees for Courses at Dental Colleges
The fees for courses at a dental college and hospital depend on various factors such as the type of college (government or private), the location of the college (urban or rural), the quota of seats (state or all India), etc. However, on average, the fees for BDS range from Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 10 lakhs per annum, while the fees for MDS range from Rs. 1 lakh to Rs. 25 lakhs per annum.
Facilities at Mansarovar Dental College and Hospital
A dental college and hospital like MDC provides various facilities for its students and patients such as:
- Well-equipped classrooms with audio-visual aids
- Modern laboratories with advanced instruments
- Spacious library with books, journals, and e-resources
- Wi-Fi-enabled campus with Internet access
- Hostel accommodation with mess facility
- Sports and recreational facilities
- Transport facilities
- Medical facilities
- Security system
- Counselling cell
- Placement cell
Career Prospects for Graduates of a Dental College and Hospital
A dental college and hospital can open up many career opportunities for its graduates such as:
- Dentist: A dentist is a professional who diagnoses, treats and prevents diseases and disorders of the teeth, gums, mouth, and jaw. Dentists can work in private clinics, hospitals, dental colleges, research institutes, public health departments, defence services, etc.
- Dental Specialist: A dental specialist is a dentist who has completed MDS in a specific branch of dentistry and has expertise in that field. Dental specialists can work as consultants, professors, researchers, etc. in the same settings as a dentist.
- Dental Hygienist: A dental hygienist is a para-professional who assists the dentist in performing various dental procedures such as scaling, polishing, fluoride application, etc. Dental hygienists can work in dental clinics, hospitals, schools, community centres, etc.
- Dental Technician: A dental technician is a skilled worker who fabricates and repairs various dental appliances such as dentures, crowns, bridges, implants, braces, etc. Dental technicians can work in dental laboratories, clinics, hospitals, etc.
- Dental Assistant: A dental assistant is a support staff who helps the dentist in managing the clinic, maintaining records, sterilizing instruments, preparing patients, etc. Dental assistants can work in dental clinics, hospitals, etc.
Conclusion
Dentistry is a rewarding and challenging career option for those who have an interest in the field of medical science and want to serve society. It requires hard work, dedication, patience, and passion to excel in this field. If you have these qualities and meet the eligibility criteria, you can apply for admission to a dental college and hospital of your choice and pursue your dream of becoming a dental professional.
Also Read: How to Make the Most Out of Your B.Des Course Program?
FAQs
1. What is the average salary of A BDS dentist?
The average salary of a BDS-qualified dentist is around INR 3 LPA in India.
2. Does MDS have a significant impact on income?
Yes, the average annual salary of an MDS-qualified dental specialist is INR 5 LPA in India, which is quite more income than a BDS dentist with no specialisation.
3. Can I get into the armed forces with a dental degree?
Yes, you can become a Dental Officer in any of the branches of the armed forces with a degree in dentistry.
4. Is the 10% relaxation for candidates belonging to the reserved categories also valid at MDC?
Yes, the 10% relaxation for candidates belonging to the reserved categories is also valid at MDC, though only for ST/SC and Madhya Pradesh domicile applicants.