Dentist
Also known as: Dental Surgeon · Associate Dentist · Consultant Dentist
Treats teeth and gums in clinics, hospitals or dental chains after registering with a dental council.
What you’d do
A dentist examines, diagnoses and treats problems of the teeth, gums and mouth, from fillings and extractions to root canals and cleanings. Dentists work in private clinics, hospitals, dental chains and government health services, and many eventually open their own clinic. A typical day is a schedule of patient appointments and procedures.
- Examine patients and read dental X-rays
- Do fillings, extractions and cleanings
- Plan treatment and explain it to patients
- Keep patient and treatment records
How you get in
Admission to BDS is through NEET-UG, with MCC counselling for all-India quota seats and state counselling for the rest. After the internship and registration with a State Dental Council, freshers usually join a clinic or chain as an associate dentist. Government dental surgeon posts come through state public service commissions and health department notices.
Salary in India
Fresher salary over the years
middle of the 0–1 yr range, ₹ lakh a year
Fewer than two years of fresher data so far — the trend shows once there are two.
Skills you’ll use
From our guide · a curated list is coming
- Oral examination and diagnosis
- Restorative procedures such as fillings and root canals
- Extractions and minor oral surgery
- Infection control and sterilisation
- Patient communication
About this field · for freshers
Job openings by year
Is demand growing?
Not added yet.
Competition3
How many graduates enter each year?
BDS graduates in 2023-24 at institutions that reported to AISHE — everyone finishing that degree, not only those entering this role.
Who hires
IT firms, banks, government, startups?
Not added yet.
Where the jobs are
Which cities?
Not added yet.
Women in the field3
Is it diverse?
Share of women among BDS graduates in 2023-24 — the entry degree, not people already working in this role.
At a glance
- Cities have many dentists; early pay as an associate is often modest.
- Opening a clinic needs significant investment in equipment.
- An MDS through NEET-MDS leads to specialities such as orthodontics or oral surgery.
Stay safe
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