Let’s face it — not everyone wants to dive into MDS right after finishing their BDS. Maybe you’re done with textbooks. Maybe you’re done with NEET PG. Or maybe, just maybe… you want to take the road less drilled (get it?).
So, if MDS isn’t your jam, don’t worry — your dental degree still opens doors to amazing alternate career options that are rewarding, exciting, and (yes!) profitable.
Let’s explore the best alternate courses and career options after BDS that aren’t MDS — but are still super cool.
1. Cosmetic Dentistry – Because Smiles Are the New Selfies
This one’s a glam upgrade!
Courses in smile design, teeth whitening, veneers, Botox & fillers are in demand — especially in urban and celebrity-focused clinics.
Bonus: No entrance exams. Just hands-on courses and a good eye for beauty.
2. MBA in Healthcare Management – From Clinic to Corporate
If you love leadership, strategy, and business, an MBA in Hospital or Healthcare Management might be your true calling.
You can head dental chains, work in hospitals, manage insurance firms, or even become a healthcare consultant.
Say hello to suits, salaries, and boardrooms!
3. Public Health Careers – Because You Care Beyond Clinics
With a Master’s in Public Health (MPH) or Health Administration, you can work with NGOs, WHO, UNICEF, or even government bodies to improve community oral health.
You’ll be the hero who brings dental awareness to the masses.
4. Dental Blogging / Influencing – Educate & Entertain
Think brushing videos, myth-busting reels, or dentist reaction videos. Create content on Instagram, YouTube, or a blog and grow a dental-loving audience.
Yes, people do want to hear about flossing. And yes, you can monetize it.
5. Clinical Research – Be the Sherlock Holmes of Science
Step into the world of drug trials, dental innovations, and evidence-based studies. Enroll in clinical research certification programs and work with pharma companies or research orgs.
Perfect for the nerdy souls with a lab coat and a curiosity.
6. Dental Product Design – Tech Meets Tooth
Join companies that build braces, toothbrushes, dental apps, or oral care brands. Your on-ground dental knowledge makes you the ideal product tester or developer.
Design the future of dentistry — one gadget at a time.
7. Medical Coding & Insurance – Decode, Don’t Drill
Medical coding jobs are on the rise. BDS graduates are eligible for training in ICD coding, dental billing, and insurance claim processing.
Work-from-home perks? Yes.
Clinical stress? Nope.
8. Teaching – Without an MDS
Private dental institutes, NEET prep classes, and skill-based workshops hire BDS graduates to train students or conduct dental camps.
You teach. They learn. Everyone wins.
9. Start a Dental Startup – Be the Boss
Open a consulting clinic, start a dental tourism service, or launch a dental product brand. You’ve got the degree — now bring the business brain.
Start small. Think big.
10. Abroad Pathways – Explore International Exams
Don’t want to do MDS here? Try ORE (UK), ADC (Australia), NBDE/INBDE (USA), or DHA/MOH (UAE) and practice abroad after some licensing steps.
BDS can be your ticket to a global dental career.
Final Word (With a Smile)
Who said life after BDS is all about MDS? There’s a whole dental world out there waiting to be explored. Find your passion. Mix in your skills. And go build a career that feels right for YOU.
Quote for the road: “Don’t follow the crowd, let the crowd follow you.” – Margaret Thatcher