Pursuing a Bachelor of Dental Surgery degree overseas can offer international students numerous advantages, from access to world-class education and cutting-edge technologies to diverse patient exposure and a global network of peers and mentors.

But why study abroad for a BDS degree? The latest statistics from the International Education Association of Australia (IEAA) show that thousands of international students have already taken advantage of this opportunity. In 2019-2020, over 7,000 international students were enrolled in dentistry courses in Australia, 2,830 non-UK students were studying dentistry in the UK, and 6,141 international students were enrolled in dental programs in the US.

In this blog, we'll explore the top universities & courses offering BDS abroad. Keep reading to find out more!

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Why Study BDS Abroad?

Studying BDS abroad offers the chance to learn from experts, experience new cultures, and expand your career opportunities. It's a unique and enriching experience that can broaden your horizons and enhance your personal growth.

Top 5 Countries to Study BDS Abroad 

There are numerous options available for international students who wish to pursue BDS abroad. The choice of country to study depends on several factors, such as the availability of universities, employment opportunities, cost of education and scholarships, and the nation's political and economic stability.

Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS Abroad)

The Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) is a highly specialised degree that prepares students to become dental professionals. For those who wish to pursue a BDS degree abroad, there are many top universities that offer excellent programs in this field. These universities provide comprehensive dental science education covering anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and clinical dentistry. 

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Top Universities for Masters (BDS Abroad) 

Dentistry is a highly specialised field that requires extensive education and training. For those who have completed a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) degree and wish to pursue further education abroad, numerous top universities offer Master’s programs in a variety of dental specialities.

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Overview of the BDS Abroad Program

The BDS Abroad Program allows dental students to expand their horizons and gain a global perspective on dentistry. This program allows students to immerse themselves in new cultures, learn about different dental practices, and broaden their understanding of oral health care.

Course Curriculum of BDS Abroad

The course curriculum of any program plays a crucial role in shaping the career of students, and the BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery) program is no exception. The BDS course curriculum abroad comprises two categories that are essential to understanding the program's structure: 

1. The duration of the course
2. The core subjects

The BDS course duration varies across different countries and universities, but it typically lasts 4-5 years. During this time, students undergo rigorous training in various aspects of dental care to prepare them to become successful dental professionals. The core subjects of the BDS course curriculum cover a wide range of topics, including: 

• Dental Therapeutics
• Oral Microbiology
• General and Dental Pharmacology
• Oral Pathology
• Preclinical Conservative Dentistry

The curriculum is designed to provide students with a solid foundation in dental theory and practice, with a focus on hands-on training to develop their practical skills.

Admission Procedure to Study BDS Abroad

The admission procedure for studying BDS abroad can vary depending on the country and the university you choose to apply to. However, here are some general steps that you may need to follow:

Meet the eligibility criteria: Make sure you meet the eligibility criteria set by the universities you are interested in. The eligibility criteria can vary from university to university, but usually, you need to have completed high school or an equivalent program with a science background.

Entrance exams: Most universities abroad require you to take an entrance exam such as the SAT, ACT, or TOEFL/IELTS (if English is not your first language) as a part of the application process.

Application process: Once you have selected the universities you want to apply to, check the admission deadlines, and submit your application along with all the necessary documents. The documents required may include transcripts, recommendation letters, essays, and proof of language proficiency.

Interviews: Some universities may require you to participate in an interview before being admitted to the BDS program.

Visa: Once you have been accepted into a BDS program abroad, you will need to apply for a student visa. The visa application process can vary depending on the country. So make sure you check the specific requirements and deadlines.

BDS Salary Abroad

The salary of a BDS graduate working abroad can vary significantly depending on the country of work, years of experience, and specialisation. 

The average income for a general dentist in Canada is approximately CAD 161,200 per year, as per the Canadian Dental Association.

In the United Kingdom, newly qualified dentists working in the National Health Service (NHS) typically earn between £33,000 to £50,000 per year, with experienced dentists earning up to £113,000 per year.

In Australia, the average salary for a general dentist is AUD 99,184 per year, according to PayScale. However, the salary for dentists who specialise in orthodontics, periodontics, or other fields can be higher.

It is important to note that these figures are general estimates and can vary depending on the employer, location, and other factors. Factors such as cost of living and taxation should also be considered when considering the earning potential abroad.

List of Entrance Exams after BDS

Here's a detailed list of entrance exams that you can take after completing your BDS degree if you're interested in pursuing further studies abroad:

National Board Dental Examination (NBDE) - conducted in the United States, evaluating the knowledge of dental sciences, clinical skills, and ethics. It is required for foreign-educated dentists who wish to practice in the US.

Dental Admission Test (DAT) - conducted in the US measures academic and perceptual abilities and is accepted by US and Canadian dental schools.

Australian Dental Council (ADC) Exam - conducted in Australia- assesses international dental graduates' knowledge and clinical skills. This exam is required for foreign-trained dentists who wish to practice dentistry in Australia.

General Dental Council (GDC) Exam - conducted in the UK, evaluates the knowledge and clinical skills of international dental graduates who wish to practice in the UK. It consists of a theoretical and clinical exam.

Canadian Dental Aptitude Test (CDAT) - measures the academic ability, comprehension of scientific information, and manual dexterity of candidates. It is required for foreign-trained dentists who wish to apply to Canadian dental schools.

The National Dental Examining Board of Canada (NDEB) Exam - evaluates the knowledge and clinical skills of international dental graduates who wish to practice dentistry in Canada. It consists of a written and clinical exam.

Career Opportunities for Dentistry

Many career opportunities are available for BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery) graduates in the dental and healthcare sectors. Here are a few potential jobs for BDS graduates to consider:

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