What courses can I do abroad after my BDS?
After BDS, Indian students can study abroad through master's degrees, fellowships, diplomas, postgraduate certificates and research courses. Masters usually take 1 to 2 years, though some clinical dental specialties run 3 years. Fellowship length varies, and diplomas can run from a few months to 1 to 2 years.
After BDS you can choose from master's degrees, fellowships, diplomas, postgraduate certificates and research courses. The right one depends on whether you want deep clinical training, a specific skill or a move into a wider healthcare role.
Main course options after BDS
| Course type | Structure | Typical length | Popular areas |
|---|---|---|---|
| Master's degree | Classroom teaching, lab and clinical training depending on course | Generally 1 to 2 years; some clinical dental specialties run 3 years | Dental sciences, oral health, public health, healthcare management, clinical research, health sciences |
| Fellowship | Focused learning in one dental or healthcare area, sometimes hands-on | Varies by university and training provider | Implantology, cosmetic dentistry, oral surgery, orthodontics, endodontics |
| Diploma | Short focused programme for one skill or subject | A few months to 1 to 2 years | Dental implantology, healthcare management, dental technology, public health, clinical research |
Choosing between them
- A master's suits you if you want advanced knowledge, in dentistry or a wider healthcare field.
- Fellowships let you pick up one skill without a long master's.
- Diplomas are useful for short, focused study and management-oriented roles.
- Fellowship structure can differ between universities and training providers.
My Advice
Decide your career direction first: clinical practice, research, public health or management. Then pick the course type that gets you there, and confirm licensing rules for the country if you plan to practise as a dentist.
Looking for a specific course?
We will find the universities that offer it, and whether you will get in.
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