BDS vs MBBS: Which One Should You Choose?

A Bachelor of Medicine Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS), or a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) are two of the most popular professional options in the medical industry. Selecting a career path out of BDS vs MBBS is a big decision. Though they address diverse interests and skill sets, both degrees provide gratifying and rewarding job prospects.

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BDS vs MBBS: The Difference

Let’s look at BDS vs MBBS, and understand if you should pursue BDS or MBBS as per the famous colleges, the future aspirations and more. 

MBBS 

The main goal of MBBS is to prepare students to become general practitioners or surgeons who can identify and handle various illnesses.

The average length of an MBBS program is 5.5 years, consisting of a 4.5-year academic curriculum and a mandatory one-year rotating internship.

Graduates of the MBBS program become medical doctors who can conduct surgeries, prescribe drugs, diagnose and treat general health issues, and, with more training, specialise in different areas of medicine.

BDS

BDS focuses on dental and oral health, preparing students to work as dentists who do dental surgery and diagnose, treat, and prescribe dental care. Typically, BDS lasts five years, consisting of one year of required internship work and four years of academic study.

Graduates of the BDS program work as dentists, with an emphasis on oral health, managing dental conditions and performing dental operations. They can also specialise in areas such as oral surgery, periodontics, and orthodontics.

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Difference between MBBS and BDS- An Overview 

BDS vs MBBS: Key Highlights

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Eligibility for BDS vs MBBS 

The qualifying requirements guarantee that applicants are ready for the theoretical and practical difficulties of MBBS and BDS programs, ultimately leading to prosperous careers in medicine and dentistry.

The table below shows the eligibility requirements for BDS vs MBBS:

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Also Read: SBI Education Loan for MBBS Students: Eligibility and Process 

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Admission Process- MBBS vs BDS 

The main entrance test (NEET-UG) for both BDS and MBBS in India is the same, although the career prospects and future options are different in BDS vs MBBS.

Also, if candidates prefer to apply for the BDS course without taking NEET, they can sit for KEAM too.

In addition, students can review the main distinctions between these two entrance tests required for admission to BDS vs MBBS from the table below: 

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Syllabus- BDS vs MBBS 

A person's interest in general medicine versus specialist dental care will determine whether to pursue an MBBS or BDS degree. The BDS and MBBS course curricula demand commitment and a solid background in science courses.

An outline of the Indian BDS vs MBBS semester-by-semester course is provided below:

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Also Read: 

• MBBS Subjects For 2024: Year-Wise Syllabus And Structure.
• BDS Syllabus & Subjects 2024: Year Wise and Semester Wise

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Top 10 Colleges BDS vs MBBS

The MBBS and BDS difference is that these courses  demand intense academic preparation and commitment. The college of choice can significantly impact the quality of education, clinical exposure, and career chances in the different professions.

The following tables list well-known MBBS and BDS colleges in India for prospective students:

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Also Read: MBBS Fees for Private and Government Colleges 

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Career Opportunities BDS vs MBBS 

MBBS and BDS are fulfilling professions that can improve patients' lives. Depending on personal preferences, professional goals, and academic standing, one may choose between the two.

Courses after BDS 

Here are the courses you can pursue after BDS to advance your knowledge: 

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Courses after MBBS 

Here are the courses you can pursue after an MBBS:

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Salary- BDS vs MBBS 

Salary is one of the key factors to be considered befor pursuing any course. Let’s take a look at the common job roles one can get and the averag salary offered after BDS vs MBBS. 

BDS Salary in India 

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MBBS Salary in India

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Your question on “Is BDS better than MBBS” must have been answered by now. However, both BDS and MBBS courses require a significant amount of investment. 

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FAQ: BDS vs MBBS 

What is the full form of BDS and MBBS?

BDS stands for Bachelor of Dental Surgery, while MBBS stands for Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery. Both are undergraduate medical degrees in India.

What are the main differences between BDS and MBBS courses?

BDS focuses on dental education, training students to become dentists, whereas MBBS provides comprehensive knowledge of general medicine and allows graduates to become doctors.

Which has a longer course duration, BDS or MBBS?

Both BDS and MBBS generally take five years to complete, including internships. However, MBBS may extend depending on specialisation choices.

Which career offers a better scope: BDS or MBBS?

MBBS graduates typically have broader career options in general medicine, surgery, and specialisations. BDS graduates specialise in dentistry but have limited fields compared to MBBS.

Which course is harder: BDS or MBBS?

The difficulty of BDS vs MBBS depends on the student's interest. MBBS involves a broader range of subjects, while BDS has a focused study on oral health and dental procedures.

What is the average salary of a BDS graduate compared to an MBBS graduate?

MBBS graduates generally earn higher salaries, especially after specialisations, ranging from ₹8-20 lakh annually. BDS graduates start with ₹3-10 lakh per annum, depending on experience.

What are the admission criteria for BDS and MBBS in India?

Both require students to pass the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET). Admission cutoffs vary based on college reputation and category.

What is the scope for higher studies after BDS and MBBS?

MBBS graduates can pursue an MD or MS in various medical specialisations, while BDS graduates often opt for MDS (Master of Dental Surgery) or further specialisations in dentistry.

Is MBBS more expensive than BDS?

Yes, MBBS courses, especially in private institutions, tend to have higher fees than BDS courses. Government colleges offer more affordable options for both.

Which has better job security, BDS or MBBS?

MBBS provides more job security due to broader medical roles and higher demand for general practitioners, while BDS has a more niche market.

Can BDS graduates become doctors like MBBS graduates?

No, BDS graduates are trained as dentists and cannot practise general medicine like MBBS graduates. Their specialisations are different, which is why BDS is separate from MBBS. However, they are licensed to perform dental surgeries and treatments.

What are the job prospects after completing BDS or MBBS?

MBBS graduates can work as general practitioners, surgeons, or specialists in hospitals and clinics. BDS graduates mainly work as dentists or open private dental practices.

Which course is more popular in India, BDS or MBBS?

MBBS is generally more popular due to its wider career options and higher demand in the healthcare industry. However, BDS is gaining recognition with growing awareness of dental health.

Which specialisation offers a higher salary: dentistry (BDS) or general medicine (MBBS)?

MBBS specialisations like surgery, cardiology, or oncology offer significantly higher salaries than most dental specialisations.

Which degree is better for work-life balance: BDS or MBBS?

Students often ask “is BDS equal to MBBS in terms of work life balance”. BDS often offers a better work-life balance due to more predictable working hours in dental clinics, while MBBS doctors, especially surgeons, may have longer hours. 

Is it easier to get admission into BDS than MBBS?

Yes, the competition for MBBS seats is generally higher than for BDS. BDS often has slightly lower NEET cutoff scores, making admission marginally easier.