Different regulators (NMC vs DCI), different costs and different recognition. A simple, honest comparison to help you choose between medicine and dentistry in Europe.
Both MBBS (medicine) and BDS (dentistry) can be studied in English in Europe. But they are not the same journey. If you are choosing between them, four differences really matter. Let us keep it simple.
Different degree, different job
MBBS makes you a doctor. BDS makes you a dentist. In Europe, the dental degree is often called a DMD or DDS, and - like medicine - it usually takes 5 to 6 years. Both are real EU degrees recognised across Europe.
You can browse the countries we cover on our compare MBBS and compare BDS pages.
Different rule-maker in India
This is the biggest difference. Medicine is controlled by the NMC (National Medical Commission). Dentistry is controlled by the DCI (Dental Council of India), now becoming the National Dental Commission under the NDC Act, 2023.
For dentistry, a foreign degree is not simply 'recognised'. You must clear a screening/exit exam (the DCI Screening Test, moving to a NExT-Dental) and register with a State Dental Council. And India checks foreign dental degrees more strictly than medical ones. So the promise we can make for BDS is a little more careful.
Different cost story
Here is a surprise: unlike MBBS, European dentistry usually costs more than a private BDS in India. So it is not a way to save money. The value is the European degree and the doors it opens, not a lower price.
The one exception is Italy, where income-based public fees can actually beat Indian private dental fees. But Italy has very few English dental seats. For most students, dental countries like Hungary, Bulgaria and Croatia are the realistic options.
Fewer countries, fewer seats
Genuine English-taught dentistry is rarer than medicine. We list it only where it is truly offered in English - and we drop countries that only pretend to. For example, Greece and Estonia have English medicine but no English dentistry, so they appear on the MBBS side only.
So which should you choose?
Pick medicine if you want to be a doctor and want the widest choice of affordable countries. Pick dentistry if that is your true calling and you accept it may cost a bit more and offer fewer seats.
Whichever you choose, we verify recognition in writing first and tell you the caveats plainly. Still weighing it up? Talk to a counsellor and we will lay out both paths for your profile.
Frequently asked questions
Is BDS in Europe cheaper than in India?+
Usually not. Unlike MBBS, European dentistry often costs more than a private BDS in India, so it is not a money-saving move. The exception is Italy, where income-based public fees can be lower - but Italy has very few English dental seats. The main reason to study dentistry in Europe is the EU degree and mobility.
Who recognises a foreign dental degree in India?+
The Dental Council of India (DCI), now becoming the National Dental Commission under the NDC Act 2023. A foreign dental degree is not automatically recognised - you must clear a screening/exit exam and register with a State Dental Council. India checks foreign dental degrees more strictly than medical ones.
Which is easier to get into, MBBS or BDS in Europe?+
MBBS has many more countries and seats, so there is more choice. Genuine English-taught BDS is rarer and, in some countries like Italy, extremely limited. The right choice depends on your goals, not just on ease of entry.
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