A medical career is a dream for millions of students, but they are not sure about their career choices after qualifying for the NEET examination. The two most talked about medical courses designed to serve humanity are MBBS and BDS. Both courses share multiple similarities and have their own versatility.
The most talked about dilemma among medical students still revolves around the comparison of mbbs or bds which is better. The decision to choose either way should pass through the route of extensive research and facts. Let’s address the elephant in the room and find out the answers.
Table of Contents
What is BDS?
Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) is one of the prominent medical courses that provides specialisation in dentistry. The course spans 5 years, including a mandatory internship of one year. It is one of the top recommendations for students exploring a career in Dental Sciences.
The course is heavily dependent on mastery in dental surgery and oral health. Students are exposed to various dental specialisations such as orthodontics, periodontics, prosthodontics, oral Pathology, and dental anatomy.
Practical exposure and training are a part of the curriculum. It gives an edge to the course and holds a weightage to the question of MBBS or BDS which is better? Mansarovar Dental College and Hospital in Bhopal is equipped with the best educational setup and training for dental aspirants.
What is MBBS?
Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) is an undergraduate program that fulfills the dream of becoming a doctor. It is a 5.5-year duration course that includes an internship to equip students with the practical knowledge demanded by the profession.
The students have a large number of options to choose from for their specialisation in medicine. The MBBS course is highly detail-oriented and requires Intensive attention and hard work on the part of the students. The course is mostly researched to find out the answer to the most sought-after query, MBBS or BDS which is better.
Key Difference Between BDS and MBBS
BDS and MBBS root from the same family tree, bearing different career tastes. The struggle is real to pick one of the courses for the rest of your future. A comparative analysis to find out MBBS or BDS which is better sounds like a terrific idea. Scroll down to spot the MBBS and BDS difference:
| Basis | MBBS | BDS |
| Academic load | A comprehensive course loaded with academic rigor. | Heavily focused on the dental curriculum. |
| Course duration | A duration of five and a half years with an internship. | A duration of 5 years, including the internship |
| Career prospects | An MBBS graduate is eligible to practice medicine and surgery in his area of specialisation. | A BDS graduate can choose a career in dentistry and work as a dental surgeon in hospitals, clinics, or self-practice. |
| Scope | An MBBS course has a wider scope as it opens the door for a plethora of options in medicine as well as for higher education. | BDS course has a narrow scope as compared to MBBS, and it is strictly limited to the dental Sciences. |
| Focus | Diagnosis and treatment of diseases and health issues. | Dental procedures like tooth filling, root canal, and extractions. |
| Course Fee (INR) | INR 6,100 – 1 Cr | INR 25,000- 38 lacs |
| Average Salary | INR 2.5 LPA- 15 LPA | INR 3 LPA- 9 LPA |
Eligibility Criteria for Both Courses
Both courses are undergraduate programs suitable for aspiring medical students, hence the eligibility criteria are quite similar. MBBS and BDS students have a common boarding point of NEET. The eligibility requirements cannot justify the burning question: MBBS or BDS which is better? Here are the basic eligibility criteria regardless of the difference between BDS and MBBS courses.
- Educational background: 10 + 2 with physics, chemistry, biology/ biotechnology.
- Entrance examination: NEET UG.
- Minimum marks: A minimum of 50% in 10 + 2 for the general category and 40% for SC/ST.
- Age limit: A minimum of 17 years of age, while there is no maximum age limit.
Career Opportunities after BDS and MBBS
Fear of the future is legit among mankind, and medical students are not an exception. BDS and MBBS have promising career opportunities after graduation. Students have numerous options to choose from depending on their skills and interests. Here is a list of the best career opportunities after courses.
| MBBS | BDS |
| General practice in clinics or hospitals. | General dentistry in its own setting or public spaces. |
| MD/ MS in their specialisation. | MDS in specific areas of dentistry. |
| Medical officer in the government sector. | Dental officers or the Army Corps in the public sector. |
| Healthcare administration, Hospitals | Clinical Research or Pharmaceutical industry. |
| Higher education or academic research | Higher education or academic research |
Which Course to Choose after 12th?
The battle of the best among BDS and MBBS is never-ending. Irrespective of the same academic background, both courses are closely related. Students are skeptical till the last day of counselling as to mbbs or bds which is better.
The decision-making should be based on individual interests, career goals, and the capacity to cope with the course curriculum. Introspection and self-analysis can make the process smoother. Faculty guidance and career counselling are your allies in case of extreme confusion.
In case you are looking for the best BDS colleges in India, Mansarovar Dental College in Bhopal ticks positively in all the boxes. It has the best faculty on board with innovative labs, High-end infrastructure, and career support. On-campus dental hospital is the USP for students to get practical exposure.
Conclusion
No matter which path students choose, both the courses BDS and MBBS are equally good. A course seems difficult when there is a lack of interest; a decision driven by passion always sets the right and easy choice. Every individual should take a well-informed decision backed by individual preference, interest, and goals.
The constant comparison between the courses to spot the difference between MBBS and BDS seems much exaggerated. The quest to find out mbbs or bds which is better, is subjective and will not have a definitive answer ever. “Each on their own,” answers the query in the best possible way.