Introduction: Presently, India is one of the countries with highest number of dentists in the world. Majority of the students would like to pursue a post- graduation degree after completing graduation, and few would be inclined to be employed in the public or private sector. Aim: To assess the motivation and perception for choosing dentistry as a career and the future plans among dental students (under graduates and interns) of Rama Dental College, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh. Materials and methods: A self-administered questionnaire was prepared which consisted of demographic information and questions regarding motivation and perception for choosing dentistry as career and their future plans. Results: A total of 89 students participated in the survey. Out of them 60 were females (67.4%) and 29 were males (32.6%); 47.2% of the participants were final year students and 52.8% of them were interns. 57.3% of participants mentioned that they didn't get MBBS seat, so they chose dentistry. 41.6% of participants felt very good about choosing dentistry and 31.8% of the participants replied they had acquired very good clinical skills during their BDS course and 30% of them mentioned interest towards Endodontics as their subject of choice for post graduation. Around 67% of them showed interest in studying abroad and 38%/ 39% of participants felt USA/UK would be ideal countries for higher studies abroad, respectively. 47% of the participants felt less job opportunities after BDS and 36% of them felt civil service would be a great alternate career. Conclusion: Because of many dental colleges in India, dental graduates are in greater numbers with less job opportunities and has become almost saturated, which has lead to many other alternative career options for the dental graduates.

Dentistry, Career, Perception, Future Plans,