{"id":48641,"date":"2023-03-02T10:27:43","date_gmt":"2023-03-02T04:57:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/royalimplant.com\/blogs\/?p=48641"},"modified":"2026-07-23T10:23:29","modified_gmt":"2026-07-23T04:53:29","slug":"can-dentist-in-india-use-title-dr","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/royalimplant.com\/blogs\/can-dentist-in-india-use-title-dr\/","title":{"rendered":"Can Dentists in India Use Dr.? BDS and MDS Explained"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The use of the title \u2018Dr.\u2019 can be a tricky issue in India, particularly when it comes to dentists. While some argue that it is unethical to use the title without a doctorate, others think that dentists should be allowed to use the title, given the amount of medical knowledge and training they possess. The controversy around the use of the title \u2018Dr.\u2019 by dentists in India has been ongoing for years, with both sides making valid points. Dentists and doctors are both equally important. This article will explore the arguments for and against allowing dentists in India to use the title \u2018Dr.\u2019, as well as the legal implications of doing so. With this information, readers will be able to make an informed decision on the matter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Who Is This Article For?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This article is for patients, students, parents and healthcare professionals who want a clear answer to a commonly searched question: can a dentist in India use the title \u201cDr.\u201d? The answer is yes. A qualified and registered dentist may professionally use the title \u201cDr.\u201d before their name. Dentists are healthcare professionals trained to diagnose, prevent and treat diseases affecting the teeth, gums, jaws, mouth and related facial structures. However, dentists should also clearly mention their recognised dental qualification, such as BDS or MDS, so that patients understand their professional background and area of practice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Can Dentists Use the Title \u201cDr.\u201d in India?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Yes. Qualified and registered dentists in India commonly and professionally use the prefix \u201cDr.\u201d before their names. The official Indian dental registration system itself lists registered dental practitioners using the title \u201cDr.\u201d The Revised Dentists Code of Ethics also recognises a person holding a registerable dental degree, including a recognised Bachelor of Dental Surgery qualification, as a dentist or dental surgeon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The correct professional presentation would generally be:<\/pre>\n\n\n\n
Dr Name, BDS<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
or, for a dentist with a recognised postgraduate qualification:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dr Name, BDS, MDS<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The dentist should also display the registration number issued by the relevant State Dental Council wherever required, including in the clinic, prescriptions, certificates and patient receipts.<\/p>\n\n\n
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\"Dentists
dental implant dentist in india<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
Are Dentists Doctors?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Yes. Dentists are doctors who specialise in oral and dental healthcare. The word \u201cdoctor\u201d is used across different healthcare disciplines. A dentist is not the same as an MBBS-qualified medical physician, but that does not make the dentist any less qualified within the field of dentistry. Dentists receive specialised university education and clinical training in areas such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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  1. Anatomy and physiology<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Oral pathology<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Dental materials<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Pharmacology<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  5. Oral medicine<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  6. Dental radiology<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  7. Periodontal care<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  8. Restorative dentistry<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  9. Root canal treatment<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  10. Prosthodontics<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  11. Oral and maxillofacial surgery<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  12. Preventive and community dentistry<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
    Why Dentists Are Doctors of Oral Health<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
    The mouth is not separate from the rest of the body. Oral diseases can affect nutrition, speech, sleep, appearance and overall quality of life. Dentists manage much more than cavities. Depending on their qualifications and field of practice, dentists may diagnose and treat: Dental infections, Gum disease, Facial swelling, Impacted wisdom teeth, Jaw cysts and tumours, Oral cancer, Facial trauma, Missing teeth, Bite-related problems and many more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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    Dentists also identify signs that may be associated with broader health concerns, including nutritional deficiencies, uncontrolled diabetes, immune-related disorders and medication-related oral changes. Calling a qualified dentist \u201cDoctor\u201d therefore reflects the dentist\u2019s role as a trained healthcare professional responsible for diagnosing and treating diseases within a recognised field of healthcare.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
    What Does BDS Mean?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
    BDS stands for\u00a0Bachelor of Dental Surgery<\/strong>. It is the principal undergraduate professional qualification required to become a dentist in India. After completing a recognised BDS programme and fulfilling the applicable registration requirements, a graduate may practise dentistry subject to the rules of the relevant dental regulatory authorities.<\/p>\n\n\n
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    \"first
    indian dental industry
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    A BDS-qualified dentist may provide general dental care, including examination, diagnosis, preventive treatment, fillings, extractions, gum care, root canal treatment, crowns, dentures and other procedures within the dentist\u2019s training and competence. The dentist should remain registered with the appropriate dental council and follow the applicable code of professional conduct and ethics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
    What Does MDS Mean?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
    MDS stands for\u00a0Master of Dental Surgery<\/strong>. It is a recognised postgraduate dental qualification completed after BDS. An MDS qualification provides advanced training in a specific branch of dentistry, such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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    1. Oral and maxillofacial surgery<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    2. Orthodontics<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    3. Prosthodontics<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    4. Conservative dentistry and endodontics<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    5. Periodontology<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    6. Paediatric and preventive dentistry<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    7. Oral medicine and radiology<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    8. Oral pathology<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    9. Public health dentistry<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
      A dentist should describe themselves as a specialist only when they possess a recognised postgraduate qualification in that speciality. For example:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
      Dr Name, BDS, MDS \u2013 Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery<\/strong><\/pre>\n\n\n\n
      This allows patients to understand the dentist\u2019s exact qualification and area of specialised training.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
      Is a Dentist the Same as an MBBS Doctor?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
      A dentist and an MBBS doctor are both healthcare professionals, but their education, registration and scope of practice are different. An MBBS-qualified doctor is trained in general medicine and the diagnosis and treatment of diseases affecting different systems of the body. A BDS-qualified dentist is trained specifically in oral health, dentistry, dental surgery and diseases affecting the teeth, gums, mouth and related jaw structures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
      Therefore, a dentist should not claim to be an MBBS physician unless the person separately holds a recognised medical qualification. Similarly, a medical practitioner should not perform specialised dental treatment without the appropriate dental education, registration and competence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
      The correct distinction is not \u201cdoctor versus non-doctor.\u201d It is:<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n