Bachelor Of Dental Surgery,(BDS)

Bachelor Of Dental Surgery,(BDS)

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About Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS)

BDS is one of the most popular and designated degree of dentists (doctors). The BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery) is the only educational and professional programme of dental surgery in India. It is equivalent to the MBBS and owes the “Dr” domain. In the medical educational field, it is the second choice of the students after the MBBS course.

In this course, the students are taught about the denture, dental problems and surgery. It is also a good job oriented degree programmes and various opportunities are available in the hospital, pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturing industries.

The BDS degree is awarded on the successful completion of the four-year academic education and the one year mandatory internship programme in dentistry education leading to the Bachelor of Dental Surgery degree programme. After completing your BDS, you are qualified to practice as a dentist.

The BDS is the degree given to a person who plays the vital role in the treatment of problems related to teeth . The dentist prevents, diagnoses and cures to all dental and related diseases.

It is very challenging to pursue the BDS course and you should have the enthusiasm, hard-working attitude in the study and have a focused mind for doing the BDS course.

The Dental Council of India is the only accredited body for the dental programmes. This course is now in heavy demand by the students after 12th in medical field.

ParticularsDescription
Full-FormBachelor of Dental Surgery
Duration5 years ( 4 years + 1 year of compulsory paid internship).
Eligibility 10+2 with a minimum of 50%. Compulsory subjects include Physics, Chemistry, Biology
Examination TypeSemester Based
Average Course FeeINR 1-6 lacs per annum
Admission Process Entrance Exam (NEET)
Average Initial SalaryINR 4-10 lacs (approx.)

BDS Syllabus

This selection will let you know about the Syllabus of the BDS Course. Let’s have a look.

SemesterSubject Covered
One YearGeneral Anatomy, including Embryology and Histology
General Human Physiology and Biochemistry
Dental Anatomy, Embryology and Oral Histology
Two yearsGeneral Pathology and Microbiology
General and Dental Pharmacology and Therapeutics
Dental Materials
Pre-Clinical Conservative Dentistry
Pre-Clinical Prosthodontics & Crown & Bridge
Three yearsGeneral Medicine
General Surgery
Oral Pathology and Oral Microbiology
Four yearsOral Medicine and Radiology
Paediatric and Preventive Dentistry
Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopaedics
Periodontology
Prosthodontics and Crown and Bridge
Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Public Health Dentistry

BDS Internship (Main aims of the Dental Internship)

  • Improve dental knowledge of intern.
  • Improve clinical skills.
  • Develop confidence in their skills and abilities. Improve communication skills.
  • Develop professionalism skills.
  • Develop scientific research skills.
  • Enhance community and volunteer dental projects.

BDS Fees Structure

BDS fees vary depending on the medical college or university in which students take admission. Before enrolling in any particular BDS college, students should check the Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) fees structure. BDS fee in both the private and government colleges is Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 1,200,000 lakhs.

 Skills Required for BDS Degree

Candidates who want to pursue a BDS degree programme must possess certain skills. After earning BDS degree programme, student need the following skill sets to advance in the career:

Communication SkillsPhysical Strength
PatienceEmpathy
Critical ThinkingAttention to Detail

BDS Cut off

Bachelor of Dental Surgery or BDS cut-off is required to determine the student's merit for admission in the BDS degree programme in various medical colleges in India. For BDS degree programmes, NEET cut off is the main criteria that every medical college accepts for the BDS admission process. BDS cutoff is based on the number of students appearing for the NEET examination, previous year’s cutoff, NEET question paper.

BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery) Syllabus/Subjects

Candidates can go through the below-mentioned syllabus of BDS degree, which an aspirant has to go through while completing the degree. In the table below, we have mentioned BDS subjects year-wise.

1st year2nd year
General Human Anatomy including Embryology and HistologyGeneral Pathology and Microbiology
General Human Physiology and Biochemistry, Nutrition and DieteticsGeneral and Dental Pharmacology and Therapeutics
Dental Anatomy Embryology and Oral HistologyDental Materials
Dental MaterialsPreclinical Conservative Dentistry
Pre-clinical Prosthodontics and Crown & BridgePre-clinical Prosthodontics and Crown & Bridge
-Oral Pathology & Oral Microbiology
3rd year4th year
General MedicineOrthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopaedics
General SurgeryOral Medicine & Radiology
Oral Pathology and Oral MicrobiologyPaediatric & Preventive Dentistry
Conservative dentistry and EndodonticsPeriodontology
Oral & Maxillofacial SurgeryOral & Maxillofacial Surgery
Oral Medicine and RadiologyProsthodontics and Crown & Bridge
Orthodontics & Dentofacial OrthopaedicsConservative Dentistry and Endodontics
Paediatric & Preventive Dentistry
Periodontology
Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics
Prosthodontics and Crown & BridgePublic Health Dentistry

After passing the examination, all candidates are required to do a one-year mandatory rotating internship programme in all the departments for the duration indicated against each department as given below:

BDS internships department and period of posting:

DepartmentPeriod of Posting
Oral Medicine & Radiology1 month
Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery1 and a half month
Prosthodontics1 and a half month
Periodontics1 month
Conservative Dentist1 month
Pedodontics1 month
Oral Pathology & Microbiology15 days
Orthodontics1 month
Community Dentist/Rural Service3 months
Elective15 days
Total12 months

Note: Any student who does not clear the BDS course in all the subjects within a period of nine years, including a year mandatory rotatory paid internship from the date of admission shall be disquallified from BDS course.

Also Read:

  • BAMS (Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery)
  • BHMS (Bachelor of Homeopathic Medicine and Surgery)
  • BUMS (Bachelor of Unani Medicine and Surgery)

BDS Specialisations

BDS specialisations available for the dentists to choose the area in which they would like to mark their career. They have a choice of nine specialisations to choose from while pursuing their masters as given below.

Oral Medicine, Diagnosis, and RadiologyProsthodontics
Oral and Maxillofacial SurgeryPeriodontal Surgery and Oral Implantology
Oral Pathology and MicrobiologyPedodontics
Conservative Dentistry and EndodonticsPublic Health Dentistry

What after BDS?

In today's world, where oral health is one of the primary concerns for everyone, the scope of BDS in India and abroad is very high. People like to visit the dentist for their oral checkup in a month or two. The scope of a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) in India is very vast and increasing at a rapid speed day by day. It depends on the respective aspirant’s skills, knowledge, calibers, and the place they are practicing.

MDS is not just the only option that is open for students. Dentists can also pursue a management course like MHA (Masters in Hospital Administration) or MPH (Masters in Public Health). This will allow them to step into the management side of health organisations or hospital chains. BDS course is very career-oriented and serves society with its application. BDS graduates can easily earn a handsome salary by working in both private or government organisations.

Other Popular Medical Degrees

  • M.CH (Master of Chirurgiae)
  • MD (Doctor of Medicine)

Careers Opportunities after BDS

A plethora of career options are available after the BDS degree programme. Career as a dentist is the most sought after career option available after BDS course. However, that in itself has choices of where for whom, and as what. An important point is that students must register with the Dental Council of India to be able to practice as a dentist. Some of the career options are mentioned below:

Dentist: Dentists are doctors who diagnose and treat teeth diseases and oral cavities. Dentists recognise and then treat the diseases of teeth, gum, other oral diseases and make dentures. They guide the patients by providing information on how to maintain healthy teeth and gums and how to take care of oral hygiene.

Lecturer: Lecturers in the medicl colleges are senior doctors who have completed their MD degree and have work experience. Mostly the doctors attached to the Govt hospitals also work as consulting professors to the students at the attached colleges. However, teaching is an option for dentists who have an inclination for it, after gaining some experience working as a dentist.

Top Recruiters

Some of the top recruiters that hire BDS graduates are mentioned below:

  • All India Institute of Medical Sciences
  • Apollo Group
  • Indian Nursing Council
  • Fortis Hospitals
  • Manipal Group
  • Medica

Salary after BDS Degree

The salary of dental graduates depends upon their caliber and experience. Aspirants can earn a handsome salary both in the private and government sector. Below, we have mentioned the salary after BDS degree:

Job ProfilesAverage Salary
DentistRs. 3 LPA
LecturerRs. 6 LPA

Employment Areas

BDS graduates can join hospitals, other healthcare facilities, and universities. Students who have pursued BDS or Bachelor of Dental Surgery, can also practise individually. Some of the employment areas after graduating from BDS are mentioned below

  • Dental Clinics
  • Government hospitals
  • Dental Institutions
  • Pharmaceutical Companies
  • Dental Products Manufactures
  • Private Practice

Top Private BDS Colleges in India

In India there are a number of private BDS colleges. Private university education is significantly more expensive than public university education. Some of the greatest private BDS colleges and also BDS fees are discussed below:

CollegesFees
ABSMIDS MangaloreRs. 20.07 Lakhs
ACDS Secunderabad-
ADC AhmedabadRs. 12.56 Lakhs
BDCH Davangere-
BIDSH Patna-
CDCRI RajnandgaonRs. 9.30 Lakhs
CDSRC Ahmedabad-
CIDS CoorgRs. 3.83 Lakhs
HCDSH Hazaribagh-
IDS JammuRs. 13.80 Lakhs

Top Government BDS Colleges in India

Attending a government-run college is less expensive than attending a private college. These colleges are well-known for their high academic standards throughout India. The following are some of the best government BDS colleges and also BDS fees:

CollegesFees
AKU Patna-
GDC RaipurRs. 1.04 Lakhs
GDCH AhmedabadRs. 1.00 Lakhs
GDCH JamnagarRs. 1.02 Lakhs
GDCH NagpurRs. 3.70 Lakhs
Government Dental College KozhikodeRs. 1.65 Lakhs
HNGU Patan-
IMS BHURs. 1.49 Lakhs
JMI New DelhiRs. 1.55 Lakhs
KGMU LucknowRs. 3.00 Lakhs

Browse Medical Colleges by Cities

Medical Colleges in BangaloreMedical Colleges in Jaipur
Medical Colleges in ChennaiMedical Colleges in Delhi
Medical Colleges in KolkataMedical Colleges in Mumbai
Medical Colleges in BhopalMedical Colleges in Coimbatore
Medical Colleges in PuneMedical Colleges in Hyderabad

Browse Medical Colleges by States

Medical Colleges in Uttar PradeshMedical Colleges in Kerala
Medical Colleges in Tamil NaduMedical Colleges in Madhya Pradesh
Medical Colleges in MaharashtraMedical Colleges in Gujarat
Medical Colleges in DelhiMedical Colleges in Punjab
Medical Colleges in KarnatakaMedical Colleges in Andhra Pradesh

Admission Process.

  • The national level NEET exam, conducted throughout the nation, is typically the admission process to BDS programmes. Since 2016, students must take the NEET exam to be admitted to medical programmes, including MBBS, BDS, etc.
  • The student’s performance on the qualifying 10+2 exam must be at least 50% to qualify for the degree.
  • Only applicants who meet the requirements can participate in the college’s admissions process.
  • The counselling sessions for college admission can begin if the students pass the exam’s cut-off score.
  • Seats will be allotted to candidates based on rank, filled choices and available seats.

What Is The BDS Eligibility Criteria?

 Being Eligible For A Course Is A Prerequisite For Admission To A Particular College And Course. The Basic Eligibility Criteria For Admissions To BDS Courses Have Been Mentioned As Follows:

  • The Aspiring Candidate Must Have Passed The 10+2 Qualifying Exam Or An Equivalent Degree With A Minimum Of 50% Aggregate From A Recognised Institute.
  • They Must Have Studied The Subjects Of Physics, Chemistry And Biology Compulsorily In Their 10+2.
  • In Almost Every College Offering This Course, The Admissions Are Based On The Result Of NEET. The Student Must Clear The Cut-off Of The Exam To Be Eligible For Admission.
  • If The Students Manage To Qualify For The Entrance, They Need To Appear For The Counseling Sessions Organised By The Colleges.
  • There Are Generally Three Rounds Of Counseling Sessions Held.

Entrance Exams For Bachelor Of Dental Surgery

There Are Many Entrance Exams For The BDS Course Students Should Attend. Therefore, Attending The Entrance Exams Is An Essential Criterion In Some Colleges Or Universities. A Good Merit Score From The 10+2 Classes With Physics, Chemistry, And Biology As Essential Subjects To Ensure Admission For The Course. Some Of The Very Best And Mandatory BDS Entrance Exams Are As Follows:

  • NEET
  • KCET
  • KEAM
  • AP EAMCET

A Quick Glance At The Bachelor Of Dental Surgery Entrance Exams:-

The BDS Course Eligibility For The Entrance Exams Depends Entirely On The Conducting Body Which Conducts The Exam. The BDS Degree Course Entrance Exams Include Questions Related To Reasoning And Knowledge, Chemistry, Physics, And Biology Questions And Quantitative Reasoning, General Knowledge And Current Affairs To Analyze The Aspirants' Knowledge Abilities. The Test Includes:

  • The Entrance Exams Include Various Objective And Multiple-choice Type Questions.
  • The Exam Is Conducted Both Online And Offline, And The Duration Is 180 Minutes.
  • The Entrance Exam Assesses The Student's Ability In The Medical Sector, How Well The Students Are Aware Of The Global Medical Systems, Etc.

How to Prepare?

Here are some tips on how to prepare for a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) course:

  1. Take the necessary pre-requisites. Most dental schools require students to have taken certain courses in high school or college, such as biology, chemistry, and physics. Make sure you have taken all of the required courses before you apply to dental school.
  2. Get good grades. Dental schools are very competitive, so it is important to get good grades in your pre-requisite courses. This will show the admissions committee that you are capable of handling the rigors of a dental school education.
  3. Take the Dental Admissions Test (DAT). The DAT is a standardized test that is required for admission to most dental schools. It measures your skills in reading comprehension, perceptual ability, quantitative reasoning, and biology.
  4. Get involved in extracurricular activities. Dental schools look for well-rounded students, so it is important to get involved in extracurricular activities. This could include volunteering, participating in student government, or playing sports.
  5. Shadow a dentist. One of the best ways to learn more about dentistry is to shadow a dentist. This will give you a chance to see what a dentist does on a day-to-day basis and to ask questions about the profession.
  6. Apply to multiple dental schools. Dental school admissions are very competitive, so it is important to apply to multiple schools. This will increase your chances of being accepted to a dental school.

Here are some additional tips that may help you prepare for a BDS course:

  • Develop good study habits. Dental school is a demanding program, so it is important to develop good study habits. This includes finding a quiet place to study, setting aside time to study each day, and taking breaks when you need them.
  • Be organized. Dental school can be overwhelming, so it is important to be organized. This includes keeping track of your assignments, due dates, and class materials.
  • Ask for help when you need it. Don't be afraid to ask for help from your professors, classmates, or a tutor if you are struggling with a concept or assignment.
  • Stay positive. Dental school can be challenging, but it is also an incredibly rewarding experience. Stay positive and focused on your goals, and you will be successful.

Why Study BDS?

Since NEET Is The Only Entrance Conducted For Admission To BDS Courses In India, It Requires The Candidates To Put In A Lot Of Hard Work To Crack It Off. Every Year, More Than 10 Lac Students Appear For The Exam Which Makes It One Of The Most Competitive Examinations Conducted In India. Given Below Are Certain Tips Which Might Help The Students To Prepare Well For The Exam:

  • Beware Of The Latest Exam Pattern And Syllabus For The Exam Which Is Usually Available On The Official Website. This Will Help You Not Get Confused And Stay On The Right Track.
  • Make A Study Plan And Include All The Topics That Are Mentioned In The Syllabus. This Will Help You In Knowing How Much You Have Covered And How Much More You Have To.
  • Make A Proper Time Table And Follow It Strictly. This Will Help You To Finish Your Syllabus Well On Time.
  • Buy The Best Study Material For NEET Which Covers All Important Topics. Also, Be Thorough With Your NCERT Books As Questions Might Come From There As Well.
  • Read Newspapers Daily To Stay Updated About The Happenings Around You.
  • Prepare Notes Of What You Have Studied. This Will Help You To Revise Well In The Last Minute.
  • Sit For Mock Tests And Follow The Time Limits Strictly. This Will Give You An Idea Of The Actual Exam Situation.

What Is The BDS Future Scope? 

Students Expect A Rise In Employment Opportunities In The Near Future. The Reason Being That There Has Been A Fast Increase In The Number Of Dental Patients As Well As Doctors And The Government Aims At Providing Better Job Opportunities To Dentists By Increasing The Employment Opportunities. 

Students Who Are Willing To Opt For Higher Studies Can Go For The Following :

  • Master Of Dental Surgery ( MDS)
  • Master Of Public Health (MPH)
  • Master In Health Administration
  • MBA In Healthcare Management
  • MBA In Hospitality Management

Admission Process.

  • The national level NEET exam, conducted throughout the nation, is typically the admission process to BDS programmes. Since 2016, students must take the NEET exam to be admitted to medical programmes, including MBBS, BDS, etc.
  • The student’s performance on the qualifying 10+2 exam must be at least 50% to qualify for the degree.
  • Only applicants who meet the requirements can participate in the college’s admissions process.
  • The counselling sessions for college admission can begin if the students pass the exam’s cut-off score.
  • Seats will be allotted to candidates based on rank, filled choices and available seats.

What Is The BDS Eligibility Criteria?

 Being Eligible For A Course Is A Prerequisite For Admission To A Particular College And Course. The Basic Eligibility Criteria For Admissions To BDS Courses Have Been Mentioned As Follows:

  • The Aspiring Candidate Must Have Passed The 10+2 Qualifying Exam Or An Equivalent Degree With A Minimum Of 50% Aggregate From A Recognised Institute.
  • They Must Have Studied The Subjects Of Physics, Chemistry And Biology Compulsorily In Their 10+2.
  • In Almost Every College Offering This Course, The Admissions Are Based On The Result Of NEET. The Student Must Clear The Cut-off Of The Exam To Be Eligible For Admission.
  • If The Students Manage To Qualify For The Entrance, They Need To Appear For The Counseling Sessions Organised By The Colleges.
  • There Are Generally Three Rounds Of Counseling Sessions Held.

Entrance Exams For Bachelor Of Dental Surgery

There Are Many Entrance Exams For The BDS Course Students Should Attend. Therefore, Attending The Entrance Exams Is An Essential Criterion In Some Colleges Or Universities. A Good Merit Score From The 10+2 Classes With Physics, Chemistry, And Biology As Essential Subjects To Ensure Admission For The Course. Some Of The Very Best And Mandatory BDS Entrance Exams Are As Follows:

  • NEET
  • KCET
  • KEAM
  • AP EAMCET

A Quick Glance At The Bachelor Of Dental Surgery Entrance Exams:-

The BDS Course Eligibility For The Entrance Exams Depends Entirely On The Conducting Body Which Conducts The Exam. The BDS Degree Course Entrance Exams Include Questions Related To Reasoning And Knowledge, Chemistry, Physics, And Biology Questions And Quantitative Reasoning, General Knowledge And Current Affairs To Analyze The Aspirants' Knowledge Abilities. The Test Includes:

  • The Entrance Exams Include Various Objective And Multiple-choice Type Questions.
  • The Exam Is Conducted Both Online And Offline, And The Duration Is 180 Minutes.
  • The Entrance Exam Assesses The Student's Ability In The Medical Sector, How Well The Students Are Aware Of The Global Medical Systems, Etc.

How to Prepare?

Here are some tips on how to prepare for a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) course:

  1. Take the necessary pre-requisites. Most dental schools require students to have taken certain courses in high school or college, such as biology, chemistry, and physics. Make sure you have taken all of the required courses before you apply to dental school.
  2. Get good grades. Dental schools are very competitive, so it is important to get good grades in your pre-requisite courses. This will show the admissions committee that you are capable of handling the rigors of a dental school education.
  3. Take the Dental Admissions Test (DAT). The DAT is a standardized test that is required for admission to most dental schools. It measures your skills in reading comprehension, perceptual ability, quantitative reasoning, and biology.
  4. Get involved in extracurricular activities. Dental schools look for well-rounded students, so it is important to get involved in extracurricular activities. This could include volunteering, participating in student government, or playing sports.
  5. Shadow a dentist. One of the best ways to learn more about dentistry is to shadow a dentist. This will give you a chance to see what a dentist does on a day-to-day basis and to ask questions about the profession.
  6. Apply to multiple dental schools. Dental school admissions are very competitive, so it is important to apply to multiple schools. This will increase your chances of being accepted to a dental school.

Here are some additional tips that may help you prepare for a BDS course:

  • Develop good study habits. Dental school is a demanding program, so it is important to develop good study habits. This includes finding a quiet place to study, setting aside time to study each day, and taking breaks when you need them.
  • Be organized. Dental school can be overwhelming, so it is important to be organized. This includes keeping track of your assignments, due dates, and class materials.
  • Ask for help when you need it. Don't be afraid to ask for help from your professors, classmates, or a tutor if you are struggling with a concept or assignment.
  • Stay positive. Dental school can be challenging, but it is also an incredibly rewarding experience. Stay positive and focused on your goals, and you will be successful.

Why Study BDS?

Since NEET Is The Only Entrance Conducted For Admission To BDS Courses In India, It Requires The Candidates To Put In A Lot Of Hard Work To Crack It Off. Every Year, More Than 10 Lac Students Appear For The Exam Which Makes It One Of The Most Competitive Examinations Conducted In India. Given Below Are Certain Tips Which Might Help The Students To Prepare Well For The Exam:

  • Beware Of The Latest Exam Pattern And Syllabus For The Exam Which Is Usually Available On The Official Website. This Will Help You Not Get Confused And Stay On The Right Track.
  • Make A Study Plan And Include All The Topics That Are Mentioned In The Syllabus. This Will Help You In Knowing How Much You Have Covered And How Much More You Have To.
  • Make A Proper Time Table And Follow It Strictly. This Will Help You To Finish Your Syllabus Well On Time.
  • Buy The Best Study Material For NEET Which Covers All Important Topics. Also, Be Thorough With Your NCERT Books As Questions Might Come From There As Well.
  • Read Newspapers Daily To Stay Updated About The Happenings Around You.
  • Prepare Notes Of What You Have Studied. This Will Help You To Revise Well In The Last Minute.
  • Sit For Mock Tests And Follow The Time Limits Strictly. This Will Give You An Idea Of The Actual Exam Situation.

What Is The BDS Future Scope? 

Students Expect A Rise In Employment Opportunities In The Near Future. The Reason Being That There Has Been A Fast Increase In The Number Of Dental Patients As Well As Doctors And The Government Aims At Providing Better Job Opportunities To Dentists By Increasing The Employment Opportunities. 

Students Who Are Willing To Opt For Higher Studies Can Go For The Following :

  • Master Of Dental Surgery ( MDS)
  • Master Of Public Health (MPH)
  • Master In Health Administration
  • MBA In Healthcare Management
  • MBA In Hospitality Management