General dentist: the BDS degree
A general dentist has completed the Bachelor of Dental Surgery, a four-year course followed by a one-year internship, and is registered with a State Dental Council. The meaning of the letters is covered in our guide to the BDS full form. In the United States and Canada the equivalent degree is called DDS or DMD, explained in the DDS full form guide.
A general dentist legitimately does most routine dental work: examinations, X-rays, scaling, fillings, extractions, root canals, crowns, dentures and many orthodontic and gum cases. Holding a BDS and not an MDS does not make a dentist unqualified, and most people never need anyone else.
Dental specialists: the MDS branches
A specialist is a dentist who has completed a three-year Master of Dental Surgery (MDS) in one branch after the BDS. India recognises nine of these branches, shown in the table below. The list was set by the Dental Council of India (DCI), which the National Dental Commission replaced in 2026. Practising in a branch does not by itself make someone a specialist; the postgraduate degree does.
The five branches patients meet most often have their own guides: the periodontist for gums, the endodontist for root canals, the prosthodontist for crowns, dentures and implant teeth, the orthodontist for braces and jaw alignment, and the paediatric dentist for children.
| Specialty (MDS) | Mainly covers |
|---|---|
| Periodontology | Gum disease and the bone around teeth |
| Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics | Fillings, root canals, retreatment |
| Prosthodontics and Crown and Bridge | Crowns, bridges, dentures, implant teeth |
| Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopaedics | Braces, aligners, jaw growth and bite |
| Paediatric and Preventive Dentistry | Children's teeth and prevention |
| Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery | Complex extractions, jaw surgery, facial injuries |
| Oral Medicine and Radiology | Mouth conditions, imaging, diagnosis |
| Oral Pathology and Microbiology | Laboratory diagnosis of mouth disease |
| Public Health Dentistry | Community dental health and prevention |
The nine MDS specialties recognised in India and what each mainly covers. General information, not advice for any one case.
Cosmetic dentist and other terms you may see
Some titles are not specialties. In India, cosmetic dentistry is not a separate recognised MDS branch, as our cosmetic dentist guide explains. Terms such as implantologist or smile designer describe an area of interest or extra training, not a postgraduate degree.
How to check a dentist's qualification
Ask for the degree and the State Dental Council registration number. Registration is a matter of public record and can be checked with the council. A dentist can describe themselves truthfully as a specialist only if they hold the MDS in that branch, so it is reasonable to ask which one.
Common questions
Is a BDS dentist a real dentist?
Yes. BDS is the qualification that lets a dentist practise in India once registered with a State Dental Council. General dentists handle most routine work, and a specialist is needed only for particular cases.
What is the difference between a dentist and a dental specialist?
A specialist is a dentist who has completed a further three-year MDS in one branch. The extra training concentrates on harder or more complex cases in that area. Everyday check-ups and common treatments are done by general dentists.
Which dentist should I see first?
Start with a general dentist unless you already know your problem is a specialist one. After an examination and X-ray they can treat you or refer you to the right specialist.
How many dental specialties are there in India?
India recognises nine MDS branches, including periodontology, endodontics, prosthodontics, orthodontics, paediatric dentistry and oral surgery. Cosmetic dentistry is not one of them.
About this page
This page is general information, not a diagnosis or a quotation. Prices are prevailing Lucknow market ranges. Your own treatment and cost are determined after an examination. For questions about your own case, call +91 83036 12717.