To verify a dentist in India, check their State Dental Council registration number (e.g. MSDC in Maharashtra). You can search the public registry on the official Dental Council of India (DCI) website (dciindia.gov.in) or your state dental council portal to confirm their legal license, BDS/MDS degrees, and registered clinic address.
5-Year Undergraduate
3-Year Post-Graduate
Legal Prerequisite
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1. Step-by-Step: How to Verify a Dentist Online
- Locate the Registration Number: Check the dentist’s prescription pad, clinic signboard, or framed certificate on the reception wall. It usually reads something like: Reg. No: A-28941 (MSDC).
- Visit the Dental Council of India (DCI) Portal: Go to
dciindia.gov.inand navigate to the ‘Dentist Register’ section. - Search by Name or Registration Number: Enter the doctor’s full name and select the corresponding State Dental Council (e.g. Maharashtra State Dental Council).
- Verify Degree & Status: The portal will display the dentist’s name, registered qualifications (BDS, MDS), year of passing, college attended, and current registration status (Active vs Suspended).
2. Understanding Dental Degrees in India: BDS vs. MDS vs. Fellowships
| Title / Qualification | Course Duration | Recognised by DCI? | Clinical Scope |
|---|---|---|---|
| BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery) | 4 years + 1 yr compulsory internship | Yes (Statutory) | General dental practice, fillings, extractions, basic root canals |
| MDS (Master of Dental Surgery) | 3 years intensive hospital residency | Yes (Statutory) | Super-speciality (Endodontics, Orthodontics, Oral Surgery, Prosthodontics) |
| Certificate / Weekend Fellowships | 2 days to 6 months | Informal training | Skill enhancement courses; does not substitute for an MDS degree |
3. The Danger of Quacks & Fake Dentists in India
Unqualified individuals operating unlicensed ‘street clinics’ without formal degrees remain a persistent public health hazard in semi-urban and rural India. They often use toxic chemicals, unsterilised rusty forceps, and self-cure acrylics that cause severe jawbone necrosis and blood-borne infections. Always ensure your dental practitioner holds a verified DCI-recognised BDS or MDS degree.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can a BDS dentist perform root canals and implants?
Yes. A BDS dentist is legally licensed to perform all dental procedures. However, complex implants and curved molar root canals are safer in the hands of MDS specialists.
What does MSDC stand for?
MSDC stands for the Maharashtra State Dental Council, the statutory government body regulating all dental surgeons practising in Maharashtra.