Can BDS graduates open a dental clinic?

Shuchi Bagchi

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BDS graduates can set up a private dental clinic in India provided they register with the DCI and have an internship certificate along with a valid degree. The average salary of a dentist in India can range from INR 25,000 to INR 5 lakhs per month, depending on experience. 
Can BDS graduates open a dental clinic

BDS graduates in India can open dental clinics after completing their degree in India. However, they must have completed a one-year internship, and registered with the State Dental Council to operate a dental clinic legally. This makes them qualify as a Registered Dental Practitioner under the Dentists Act, 1948, allowing them to practice independently without having an MDS degree. This article explains the eligibility requirements, career prospects for those who wish to open a private dental clinic after a BDS course in India.

Also Check - How to prepare for dental PG courses after BDS?

Documents Required to Open a Dental Clinic in India

To open a dental clinic after completing BDS in India, you will need the following documents:
  • BDS degree as proof of graduation

  • Internship completion certificate

  • Proof of good standing to be eligible for a practice license

Without producing the above documents/ certificates, one cannot legally start a private dental clinic, as per the regulations of the Dental Council of India (DCI).

How to Set Up a Dental Clinic after BDS?

The student who has completed the BDS course from a recognised college can set up the dental clinic. Starting a dental clinic after completing a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) course can be an exciting and rewarding career opportunity. It allows them to have their own practice and provide oral healthcare services to patients. For that, they must have:

  • Proper Infrastructure: This includes a well-set-up space for a dental clinic, signage, clinic timing/degree and fee structure. Furniture and dental equipment with a consultation and treatment room.

  • Hire Abled Human Resource: This includes hiring knowledgeable dental technicians, trained assistants, dental surgeons etc.

  • Modern Dental Equipment: For a dental clinic to function effectively, the essential equipment and instruments are necessary, such as a dental X-ray machine, sterilisation equipment, basic dental equipment, including restoration materials, endodontic materials, extraction materials, and materials for scaling, polishing, and fluoride treatment.

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Types of Dental Clinic after BDS Course

After completing the BDS course , the individual can set up their own dental clinic. Moreover, they must know the type of dental clinic and services offered before setting up. The dental clinics in India are classified based on the services offered and the basic facilities available. These can range from standalone clinics to multispecialty hospital setups. Here’s a brief overview of the types of dental practices that can be set up after BDS:

  • Standalone Dental Clinic: This dental clinic offers basic dental services with one dental chair and limited facilities.

  • Multispeciality Dental Setup: This clinic offers more specialised services and accommodates multiple dental chairs, enabling a wider range of treatments to the patients.

The individual must note that the standalone dental clinic must have at least one dental chair cum unit, while a multispeciality dental clinic can accommodate between 1 and 5 dental chairs, depending on the size and service offerings.

Salary of Dentist in India

The student can check out the salary offered after completing the BDS course in India based on the experience level from the table below:

Experience Level

Expected Salary

Fresher Dentist

INR 25,000 – INR 40,000/month

Private Dental Clinic (2–3 yrs)

INR 60,000- INR 1,20,000/month

Government Dental Jobs

INR 70,000- INR 1,50,000/month

Experienced Dentist (Own Clinic)

INR 1.5 lakh- INR 5 lakh/month

The dentistry course in recent times offers excellent career scope, high earning potential and professional growth for individuals. Whether they want to become a clinical dentist, pursue higher studies further, work in hospitals, or enter teaching, career opportunities after BDS in India are vast and growing. Starting a dental clinic after BDS requires careful planning, dedication, and hard work. By following these steps and continually updating their professional skills and knowledge, individuals can establish a dental clinic.

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