MBBS vs BDS: The Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) and Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) are India’s most opted Medical Courses for students with PCB in Class 12.  Students can get admission into these courses only through scores obtained in NEET UG 2024 exam. There are no other entrance exams conducted for enrollment into these courses. 

BDS Course have shorter duration, lesser fees and high chances of admission to top colleges. On the other hand, MBBS Course can benefit from having a highly rewarding career, as doctors' average salaries are higher than those of dentists. However, If are still wondering which course to choose among MBBS vs BDS, understand your passion first, then go through the difference between MBBS and BDS to choose the right Medical course.

MBBS Vs BDS: Comparative Analysis

MBBS and BDS courses are popular choices by students who have passed class 12 with Physics, Chemistry and Biology as core subjects. Are you contemplating which course is better for you? Check out the table below to get a brief comparative analysis between MBBS and BDS courses. 

MBBS Vs BDS: What is the Difference Between MBBS and BDS?

To solve the query of students related to BDS vs MBBS, they must first understand the basic difference between MBBS and BDS course. Both the courses target different aspects of medicine and mentioned below are the differences between MBBS and BDS. 

• Focuses of the Course: MBBS teaches a specialization focused on the complete human body. In contrast, BDS is a specialization that focuses more on the neck and head regions of the human body. 
• Duration and Internship: MBBS involves learning anatomy, physiology, conservative measures, surgical management, biochemical reactions, and more. BDS involves oral surgery, oral pathology, oral medicine, oral radiology, dental anatomy, etc. BDS is a +1 year mandatory internship and four years of academic education. At the same time, MBBS is a four and half-year course. 
• Flexibility of Pursuing either of the Courses: Once you complete your course, you must take hands-on training in hospital wards and outpatient departments. On the other hand, you can pursue the BDS course either part-time or full-time. 

MBBS Vs BDS: Eligibility Criteria

Given below are the eligibility criteria for MBBS and BDS courses. Know which course is more suitable for you by checking out its eligibility criteria.

Eligibility Criteria for MBBS

Applicants are required to fulfil specific eligibility criteria to be eligible for enrollment in the MBBS program. The outlined criteria are as follows:

1. Educational Qualification: The candidate must have completed the 12th grade from a recognized board.

2. Mandatory Subjects: In Class 12th, the applicant should have studied Biology, Physics, and Chemistry as mandatory subjects.

3. Minimum Percentage in PCM: The student is required to have secured a minimum of 50% in the aggregate of Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM).

4. Minimum Age Requirement: The candidate should be at least 17 years old at the time of application.

Eligibility Criteria for BDS

Aspiring students seeking admission to the BDS program must satisfy the following eligibility criteria:

• Educational Qualification: Successful completion of a senior secondary examination from a recognized board.
• Mandatory Subjects: Inclusion of Physics, Chemistry, and Biology as mandatory subjects in the Class 12th curriculum.
• Minimum Percentage in PCM:  Attainment of a minimum score of 50% in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (PCM) in the Class 12th examination.
• Minimum Age Requirement: The candidate should be at least 17 years old to be eligible for admission.

MBBS vs BDS: Admission Process

For MBBS and BDS courses, students must appear in the NEET UG 2024 Exam, as it is the single UG medical entrance exam in India conducted for admission into MBBS, BDS, Nursing, AYUSH, and other courses. Students must pass class 12 with a minimum of 50% aggregate scores for Unreserved category students, and 40% for reserved category students.

Students appear in NEET to enroll in any medical course, and during NEET Counselling 2024, they will get an opportunity to choose between MBBS, BDS, or any other medical courses. Based on the registration and choice-filling process conducted by MCC at mcc.nic.in, students get their admission in the MBBS or BDS course they have chosen.

MBBS Vs BDS: Fees Structure

The MBBS fee structure varies for the government, private and deemed universities. The average fees for government colleges in India range from INR 11,000 to INR 7,00,00 for the complete course. The fees for private colleges can range between INR 20,00,000 lakhs to INR 80,00,000. Whereas, fees structure for BDS varies for government colleges, private colleges, and deemed universities. The average fees for BDS in India range from INR 50,000 to INR 12,00,000 for the complete course.

MBBS Course Syllabus

The MBBS course has a vast syllabus that covers every aspect of modern medical therapy. The course syllabus is divided in three major parts namely Pre-Clinical, Para-Clinical, and Clinical phase. The Syllabus of MBBS course is mentioned below -

Pre-Clinical Phase

• Anatomy

• Biochemistry

• Physiology

Para - Clinical Phase

• Forensic Medicine and toxicology

• Microbiology

• Pathology

• Pharmacology

Clinical Phase

• Anesthesiology

• Community Medicine

• Dermatology and Venereology

• Medicine

• Obstetrics and Gynecology

• Ophthalmology

• Orthopedics

• Paediatrics

• Psychiatry

• Surgery

Specializations after MBBS

After successfully completing their MBBS, students have the option to pursue higher education in medicine by undertaking MD (Doctor of Medicine) or MS (Master of Surgery) programs, or they can opt for a postgraduate diploma, which allows them to specialize in specific fields. MD and MS degrees typically have a duration of three years, while postgraduate diploma programs usually take two years to complete.

Various specializations are available for students pursuing advanced medical degrees after MBBS. These specializations include but are not limited to:

1. Anatomy
2. Dermatology & Venereology
3. Biochemistry
4. Internal Medicine
5. Orthopaedics
6. Paediatrics
7. Psychiatry
8. Surgery
9. Anaesthesiology
10. Pathology
11. Microbiology
12. Physiology

These are just a few examples, and there are many more specializations to cater to diverse medical interests and career paths. Pursuing these advanced degrees allows medical professionals to become specialists in their chosen fields, contributing to the depth and expertise within the medical profession.

MBBS Career Scope

There are various job opportunities for students after the completion of the MBBS course. Students can join any private or government hospitals after the completion of course. Candidate can opt for any postgraduate studies after the completion of MBBS. Postgraduate studies help the candidate to specialise in a particular field of study. Students can either go for MS or MD after MBBS. Various specialisations include the following 

• Pediatrics
• Psychiatry
• Gynaecology 
• Orthopaedics
• Endocrinology
• Ophthalmology
• Internal medicine
• Plastic surgery, etc.

Ultimately, the completion of MBBS opens doors to diverse career paths, ranging from hospital roles to specialized postgraduate studies, offering students a spectrum of opportunities for impactful contributions to the healthcare sector.

Benefits of Pursuing MBBS

The MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery) program in India holds a distinguished position and offers a multitude of advantages that set it apart from other academic pursuits. Below is an extensive exploration of its importance:

1. Esteemed Reputation: The MBBS program enjoys a prestigious standing in India, commanding respect and admiration from students, parents, and the wider community.

2. Career Advancement and Opportunities: The medical field offers a vast landscape for professional growth, offering a wide array of exciting career opportunities. Medical practitioners have the option to specialize in various areas such as surgery, pediatrics, or cardiology, ensuring continuous avenues for progression.

3. A Noble and Gratifying Calling: The medical profession is often considered one of the noblest vocations. Physicians shoulder the profound responsibility of saving lives and actively contributing to the enhancement of the quality of life for numerous patients. The sense of fulfillment derived from aiding others is immeasurable.

4. Financial Prosperity: In addition to the inherent nobility of the profession, the medical field also presents substantial financial prospects. Experienced and specialized medical professionals can attain lucrative salaries, reflecting their dedication and the years invested in honing their expertise.

Top MBBS Colleges in India: NIRF Ranking

Candidates can explore the top dental colleges in India according to the NIRF ranking. This ranking helps us know which colleges excel in dental education and are recognized in the industry. Check out this list of private and government medical colleges to complete MBBS in India:

Also Read: MBBS in India Versus MBBS Abroad

BDS Course Syllabus

The BDS course syllabus includes all aspects of Dental sciences and surgery. BDS is a 4 year course and the dental aspirants can refer for the syllabus mentioned below -

BDS First Year Syllabus

• Human Anatomy including Embryology and Histology

• Human Physiology and Biochemistry, Nutrition and Dietetics

• Dental Anatomy Embryology and Oral Histology

• Dental Materials

• Pre-clinical Prosthodontics and Crown & Bridge

BDS Second Year Syllabus

• General Pathology and Microbiology

• Dental Pharmacology and Therapeutics

• Dental Materials

• Preclinical Conservative Dentistry

• Pre-clinical Prosthodontics and Crown & Bridge

• Oral Pathology & Oral Microbiology

BDS Third Year Syllabus

• General Medicine

• General Surgery

• Oral Pathology and Oral Microbiology

• Conservative dentistry and Endodontics

• Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery

• Oral Medicine and Radiology

• Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopaedics

• Paediatric & Preventive Dentistry

• Periodontology

• Prosthodontics and Crown & Bridge

BDS Fourth Year Syllabus

• Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopaedics

• Oral Medicine & Radiology

• Paediatric & Preventive Dentistry

• Periodontology

• Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery

• Prosthodontics and Crown & Bridge

• Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics

• Public Health Dentistry

Specialisations after BDS 

After completing the degree, students with a BDS title can choose to go for higher education in dental science. There are many options to choose from, depending on the students' interest, expertise and career path as a dentist. A PG degree in dental science offers more scope in various fields depending on the specialization chosen. MDS or Master of Dental Science is a 3-year program that mainly focuses on advanced dental sciences and oral surgical techniques. The MDS course trains the students to become dental specialists and practitioners or consultants in their field of Dental Science. The doctors studying MDS can specialize in

• Prosthodontics

• Orthodontics

• Operative Dentistry

• Oral and Maxillofacial surgery

• Conservative Dentistry

• Periodontics

• Oral Medicine and Radiology, etc.

BDS Career Scope

Upon successful completion of the 5-year BDS program, students find a plethora of opportunities in various avenues. Reputed medical colleges often facilitate placement opportunities for graduates in both private and government hospitals. While job prospects are available at this stage, pursuing a Master's in Dental Surgery (MDS) unlocks even more promising career pathways.

MDS, a postgraduate course, becomes an option after obtaining a BDS degree. Students can choose to pursue higher education in esteemed institutions, either within India or abroad, thereby enhancing their expertise in specific dental specialties.

Furthermore, with accumulated experience and practice, individuals have the option to establish their own dental clinic. This entrepreneurial avenue allows practitioners to build their careers independently and contribute to oral healthcare. The diverse array of opportunities post-BDS reflects the dynamic and rewarding nature of a career in dentistry.

Benefits of Pursuing BDS

Being a pocket friendly medical course and the guarantee of a stable income are some obvious benefits of pursuing a BDS course after completing class 12. The field offers plenty of opportunities in the public as well as in the private sector. Here are some major advantages of studying BDS.

• Financial Accessibility: Compared to the MBBS course, the BDS course often comes with lower annual course fees, which makes it accessible to Indian students from diverse socio-economic backgrounds. 
• Streamlined Course Duration: While the MBBS course duration is of 5.5 years, the BDS program can be completed in 5 years.
• More Accessible Opportunities: When securing a seat in a medical course, the competition can be intense. However, the BDS program offers a greater chance of obtaining a seat under merit due to its lower competition compared to MBBS. 
• Specialized Qualification: Pursuing BDS course gives specialized knowledge and skills in the field of dentistry. Unlike MBBS, which qualifies you for general medicine, BDS allows you to specialize in dental practice right from the undergraduate level. 
• Simplified Admission Process: Securing admission into a BDS course is comparatively easier than getting into an MBBS program. 
• Immediate Job Opportunities: A career after pursuing a BDS course opens doors to a high profit potential. Dentists can start earning soon after completing their BDS degree, allowing for faster financial stability. 

Top BDS Colleges in India: NIRF Ranking

Explore the leading dental education institutions in India as per the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), offering valuable insights into academic excellence and industry recognition. Here is the list of private and government medical colleges to study BDS in India:

Also Read: Alternative Courses in Medical Field

BDS Vs MBBS: Conclusion

In conclusion, the decision between pursuing MBBS or BDS should be driven by individual passion and understanding of the differences between the two courses. Students must note that BDS course is a good option as it's annual course is less and chances of admission is high. On the other hand, MBBS course can also be considered it is ensures high income and stability. 

While MBBS offers a comprehensive study of the entire human body with the potential for highly rewarding careers and specialization opportunities, BDS focuses on dental sciences and provides avenues for establishing dental clinics or pursuing further studies in dentistry. Ultimately, both paths offer fulfilling career opportunities, and making an informed decision is crucial as it shapes one's professional journey for years to come.

For more information difference between MBBS and BDS, stay tuned at CollegeDekho!