Why Become a Dentist over a Doctor?
Why Become a Dentist over a Doctor?

Medical is one such uncertain field with great obstacles. For instance, since childhood, you dream of being a doctor. You give your best and clear NEET exam. However, the drawback? You fail to secure a seat in any Indian government or private college. This shatters your plan. As, in one of our recent blogs, we gave you the idea of how you Study MBBS Abroad is still your ‘B’ plan to accomplish your dream, today, in the medical series, we have brought you a new field- dentistry!
You might not be aware of this, but medical aspirants think dentistry is the next best healthcare field after being a doctor. So, if you are keen to help humankind and want to be a medical professional then let’s help you with an alternative plan. Today, in this blog, we are going to share how becoming a dentist is better than to be a doctor.
So, if you are all set to have another plan “B” ready with you, then read this blog till the last word.
The Medical Pathway
Indeed, the thought of becoming a healthcare professional is a selfless decision. But the struggles you must go through at each point is a little too much to take. Where some medical aspirants break with each passing moment, there are some who keep themselves together till they accomplish the said dream.
Since Becoming a Doctor, especially a surgeon, is the top dream for most medical students, let’s take a look at how dentistry can be an equally rewarding option.
Here is your ultimate guide for the plan “B” of becoming a dentist rather than a doctor. Refer the below image to check the benefits of becoming a dentist.
The Pathway to Become a Dentist
The NEET-UG exam is around the corner. May 4th isn’t far, and all the medical aspirants are trying their best to clear the NEET exam. As you are one of them who is aiming to be a doctor. Don’t break your heart and courage if something else is written in your destiny, because maybe it’s dentistry.
For a safer side, let’s help you have a second option handy. So, besides being a doctor and pursuing MBBS abroad, you can become a dentist and pursue BDS. People might say that a BDS is not as good as an MBBS, but that’s a clear myth. As you saw the benefits of becoming a dentist above, it is time to reflect on what your journey as a dentist will look like.
Step 1: Take NEET Exam
After finishing your 12th in PCB, your first step in fulfilling your medical dream is taking the NEET exam. This is one of the major requirements to begin your medical journey irrespective of the field.
Step 2: Shortlist Your Options
Once you have taken the NEET exam and cleared it, but for some reason couldn’t get a seat in India, your options abroad are still open. With unlimited opportunities awaiting abroad, it is your time to research your option. There are various affordable countries that can help you with your dentistry studies.
To study dentistry abroad, you may not even require the NEET exam or any English proficiency exam like IELTS or TOEFL. Hence, you must research your options and requirements clearly. The Pathway to Become a Dentist
The NEET-UG exam is around the corner. May 4th isn’t far, and all the medical aspirants are trying their best to clear the NEET exam. As you are one of them who is aiming to be a doctor. Don’t break your heart and courage if something else is written in your destiny, because maybe it’s dentistry.
For a safer side, let’s help you have a second option handy. So, besides being a doctor and pursuing MBBS abroad, you can become a dentist and pursue BDS. People might say that a BDS is not as good as an MBBS, but that’s a clear myth. As you saw the benefits of becoming a dentist above, it is time to reflect on what your journey as a dentist will look like.
Step 3: Apply for Abroad Admission
Once you have shortlisted the country and universities (always have at least 5 options handy for better chances of getting in any one of them). It is time for you to prepare the documents and apply to universities. Here’s all you’ll need.
- Class 10th and 12h transcripts
- Passport
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Letter of Recommendation (LOR)
- Language Proficiency Test Score (if applicable)
Step 4: Study, Study, & Study
Do you know? Becoming a dentist is a shorter process than becoming a doctor! Yes, you can become a dentist in 8-10 years or even less if you directly start studying without taking any gap year. On the other hand, to become a doctor you must invest 11-15 years to start earning good. This is one of the best advantages of becoming a dentist that you can start earning good, have a great work-life balance, and have a secured future early.
Step 5: Licensing to Practice Dentistry Abroad
After completing your studies in 5-6 years, you start with an internship of a year for compulsory and then you are open to work anywhere you want. By deciding to study abroad, you get an opportunity to work anywhere in the world, all you must do is get a license to practice dentistry in your preferred country. Once you qualify as a dentist, your working options include;
- Private practice/ dental clinic
- Hospital/dental department
- Research and academia
- Dental product companies/pharma
- Public health organisation
- Cosmetic dentistry or Orthodontics
Now that we have defined what your path to become a dentist will look like, let’s see some of the best and most affordable countries to pursue dentistry abroad. So, without further ado, let’s have a quick look on top countries.
Affordable Countries to Study Dentistry Abroad
We understand how deeply you aspire to become a doctor. No one is saying you can’t achieve that—whether in India or anywhere else in the world. However, knowing that the journey to becoming a medical professional is filled with challenges, it’s always wise to have a backup plan in place.
In one of our previous blogs, we spoke about pursuing MBBS abroad as a strong alternative. In this blog, we’re focusing on dentistry. Since studying abroad can often be an expensive experience, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best and Most Affordable Countries where you can pursue dentistry.
Georgia
Well, for a dentistry degree abroad Georgia can be considered a wonderful study abroad destination. Not many students know about this destination as they either prefer the western or European countries. But what students don’t know is Georgia is situated on the borders of Asia and Europe. Where students get to experience the best medical education as per European curriculum in the price of Asian amount.
Even though the country is known for its scenic beauty and safe environment, it is still the great academic curricula making it a perfect place for medical aspirants. With modern facilities and European curricula, students benefit from practical clinical training and academic support. The cost of Studying Dentistry in Georgia ranges from $4,000 – $7,000 per year and the courses are taught in English for everyone’s easy accessibility.
Turkey
Surprisingly, Turkey is emerging as one of the most popular destinations to study dentistry abroad. With the blend of western and European teaching and rich history of the nation, Studying Abroad in Turkey is attracting many Indian and international students to pursue a medical degree there. Turkish dental schools like Istanbul University, Hacettepe University, and Ankara University offer English-taught programs with a tuition fee ranging between $5,000 – $15,000 per year.
Besides this, you can also avail the benefits of modern technology, comprehensive laboratories, and strong clinical exposure. To make study dentistry affordable for Indian and international students in Turkey, the Turkish government and universities offers generous scholarships, allowing students to fulfil their medical dream abroad.
Hungary
Out of all the countries in the world, when it comes to pursue medical or dental studies abroad, especially in Europe, many students prefer to go to Hungary. This is because the modern infrastructure, practical clinical exposure, and affordable education option. The English-focused teaching help Indian and international students in enhancing their clinical skills by interacting with patients and research opportunities.
What makes Indian students to go study dentistry in Hungary is it is the passport to work anywhere in Europe after attaining the dental degree. Yes, if you Study Dentistry in Hungary, you get the opportunity to work anywhere in Europe after getting your degree and clearing the practitioner license. With the tuition fee ranging from $12,000 – $16,000 per year, it makes Hungary an affordable option in comparison to other western countries.
Russia
At last, in the list of affordable countries to study dentistry abroad comes Russia. Russia has always been a prominent country when it comes to study medical or dental courses abroad. What makes Russia a great option for international students is its low tuition fees, English-taught programmes, and wide career scope.
Many of the Russian medical and dental universities like Moscow State University, First Moscow State Medical University, and Kazan State Medical University offer degrees that are recognised by many global licensing bodies. This makes it easier for graduates to work anywhere in the world and experience the best practice around the globe. With tuition fee ranging from $3,500 to $6,000 per year, the Russian universities help students by offering various scholarships and subsidising accommodation.
Prepare your Plan “B” with MetaApply IE
We understand how challenging it is to pursue the medical field. There is hassle of 10-12 years and nowhere in between you are allowed to give up. Hence, when the journey becomes tougher with every step taken, it is crucial you figure out the ease ways out. To help you maintain your calm and have a backup plan ready at all times, we are here to assist you.
Taking the NEET exam is a big milestone, irrespective of the result. Your dream of becoming a dentist or a doctor for that matter always remains intact. To help you figuring out your journey of MBBS abroad, our team of professionals is always here at MetaApply IE.
From shortlisting universities and countries to help you write compelling SOPs and finally get the admission, arranging finances, and settle to study in your dream country, we are here to help you at every step.
So, don’t delay your dream further. Connect with us now and plan your medical or dental journey abroad, today!
Frequently Asked Questions
Most people prefer to pursue a dental degree over a doctoral degree because of the attached benefits like finishing the degree in 8-10 years and start earning early. Besides this, dentists also get the opportunity to get a stable career, work globally, and run their own clinic. Dentistry also offers opportunities in cosmetic care, making it both flexible and rewarding.
If you want to start with your medical career soon and don’t want to wait for the opportunity to come to you then BDS or dentistry is the best for you. By pursuing dentistry abroad, it opens doors for you to work globally and even gives you the chance to explore various freelance consulting options as well.
It is a myth believed by many people that a dentist is not as much respected as a doctor. But the truth is, dentists are just as much respected as doctors because oral hygiene is as much crucial as any other body part. With increasing focus on preventive care, dentists are in high demand globally.