What Is A Dentist Salary In India?

Let’s face it, everyone wants to know the numbers before jumping into a career, especially one as competitive and demanding as dentistry. So, what’s the real story behind a dentist salary in India? Whether you’re planning to pursue BDS, thinking about MDS, or wondering if running your own clinic will pay off, we’re going to answer all your questions.

The dental field in India has evolved. Earlier seen as a backup option to MBBS, it’s now a primary career choice for many. But despite the respect and demand, salaries can be quite varied. This article cuts through the noise to give you a no-fluff breakdown of dentist earnings, what affects them, and how to increase your income in this field.

How to Become a Dentist in India?

Before exploring the salaries, let’s understand how you even get to the point of earning.

NEET Exam and Admission to BDS

Before choosing a dentist career, you must first clear the NEET exam after completing your 12th grade with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. Your NEET score determines your eligibility for a BDS seat, either in a government or private college.

• NEET Cutoff (General Category): Ranges from 117 to 138
• Admission: Via state and national counselling

Cracking NEET and securing a seat in a reputed college is the first big step toward earning a stable income in dentistry.

Duration and Curriculum of BDS

BDS is a 5-year program, including a 1-year internship. The course is hands-on, focusing on dental anatomy, pathology, surgery, and public health. This foundation sets you up for jobs in hospitals or private practice.

Pursuing MDS for Specialisation

After BDS, many go for MDS to boost their earning potential. An MDS degree, though costly, gives access to high-demand specialisations like Orthodontics, Prosthodontics, and Oral Surgery.

Factors Influencing Dentist Salaries in India

Different elements, including education, on-the-job experience, the area where they practice and employer type, determine how much a dentist in India makes.

1. Dentist Qualifications

When they graduate, BDS dentists usually earn a reasonable income, which rises as they learn and gain new abilities.

• The salary of MDS-qualified dentists is often higher because of their special skills.

2. Experience and Practice

Taking on more roles helps an employee progress up the salary ladder.

• Commonly earn income between ₹10,000 and ₹25,000 every month.
• After 2 to 5 years, a Dentist’s monthly salary may be between ₹50,000 and ₹75,000.
• Once a Senior Dentist has been practising for 5 years or more and has a loyal following, their monthly income can range from ₹1,00,000 to ₹2,50,000.

3. Geographic Location

The area you live in can have a significant influence on how much you make:

• Urban Areas: It is common for dentists working in large cities to see a larger number of patients and set higher prices.
• Rural Areas: Even though there are many patients, earning high fees can be a challenge.

4. Area of Work

If a doctor sets up a private practice and runs it successfully, the earnings can be perfect.

• Government Sector: There is a low risk of losing a job and a set salary, but earnings can be smaller than in other fields.
• At Dental Colleges: Being a teacher in a dental school has steady pay and lets you engage in research and development.

Average Salary Ranges for Dentists

Entry-Level Dentists

These are typically fresh BDS graduates or those within their first 2 years of practice.

• Private Clinics: ₹15,000–₹30,000/month
• Hospitals: ₹25,000–₹50,000/month
• Government Jobs: ₹45,000–₹60,000/month

Key Tip: Don’t expect big money right out of college. The focus should be on gaining hands-on experience and learning about clinic management.

Mid-Level Practitioners

These dentists usually have 3–5 years of experience and may be MDS-qualified.

• Private Clinics: ₹50,000–₹1.2 L/month
• Own Practice: ₹1 Lakh–₹2.5 Lakh/month
• Teaching Jobs: ₹40,000–₹90,000/month

At this stage, many dentists open their own practice, which significantly boosts income if managed well.

Senior Dentists and Specialists

These are the veterans in the field, often running successful clinics or working in top hospitals.

• Own Practice: ₹2 Lakh–₹5 Lakh+/
• Senior Consultant in Hospitals: ₹1.5–₹3 Lakh/
• Corporate or Cosmetic Dentistry: ₹3–₹6 Lakh/month (especially in metros

Their earnings depend largely on reputation, client base, and range of services offered.

Comparative Analysis: BDS vs. MDS Earnings

If you’re weighing whether to stop after BDS or pursue MDS, the salary difference alone might help you decide. While BDS provides a solid start, MDS can significantly amplify your income and job opportunities.

Salary Differences Based on Qualifications

BDS Graduate:

• Entry-level jobs start at ₹15,000–₹30,000/month
• After 3–5 years, private practice can generate ₹50,000–₹1.5 lakh/month
• In government roles, expect ₹50,000–₹80,000/month

MDS Specialist:

• Starts at ₹60,000–₹1.2 lakh/month in hospitals or clinics
• Experienced specialists earn ₹2 lakh–₹5 lakh/month, especially in oral surgery or orthodontics
• Higher demand in cosmetic, implant, and pediatric dentistry

BDS holders often need to work under senior dentists or in clinics. MDS professionals can take up consultant positions or start high-end practices.

Additional Income Opportunities for Dentists

Dentistry offers income streams beyond just checking teeth. With smart planning, dentists can boost their earnings with various side avenues.

Private Practice and Clinic Ownership

Owning a clinic can be a game-changer. While the initial investment (₹5–₹10 lakhs) is steep, the returns are much higher over time.

Monthly Revenue:

• Small Clinic: ₹50,000–₹1 lakh
• Mid-size Clinic: ₹1–₹3 lakhs
• High-end Urban Clinic: ₹5 lakhs+

Factors affecting income include patient volume, services offered (implants, aligners), and location.

Academic Roles and Teaching Positions

Teaching is another stable and respectable career path, especially for MDS holders.

Typical Salaries:

• Lecturer: ₹40,000–₹60,000/month
• Reader/Associate Professor: ₹75,000–₹1.5 lakh/month
• Professor/HOD: ₹1.5–₹2.5 lakh/month

Many colleges also allow private practice alongside teaching, doubling your income stream.

Consultancy and Corporate Roles

Dentists can consult for:

• Dental product companies (Colgate, Oral-B)
• Dental chains (Clove Dental, Sabka Dentist)
• Medical startups and health tech companies

Roles include product design, training, quality assurance, and marketing strategy.

Earnings: ₹50,000–₹3 lakh/month based on experience and involvement

These are ideal for dentists who want flexible hours or are looking to diversify their income sources.

Conclusion:

To sum it up, the dentist salary in India varies widely depending on experience, specialisation, location, and business acumen. While entry-level pay can be modest, with the right strategy and continued learning, it can grow significantly, crossing ₹5 lakh/month for senior dentists with strong practices.

Whether you're aiming to crack NEET, choose a top BDS college, or want to specialise via MDS, your journey should start with the right guidance. That’s where PrepMed comes in. With expert NEET resources, practice tests, and career counselling, they’re your partner in building a successful dental career from day one.

Also read:

Preparing for a Medical Career

How to become a doctor in India

PrepMed Institute Courses for NEET Preparation