If you are here and are reading this article on the BDS course, it’s most probably because you are considering choosing dentistry as your career or have already decided to choose it and want to know more about the BDS course details. Whichever is the case, you will get all the information about the course here.

What is BDS ?

BDS is India’s most popular course for pursuing dental medicine and surgery. BDS full form is a bachelor’s in dental surgery, a comprehensive degree program. It offers career prospects in the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors and many other top-notch career opportunities.

BDS Course Highlights

Let’s take a look at all the BDS course highlights:

What is a BDS Course?

• BDS, or Bachelor of Dental Surgery, is an undergraduate program for students who want to pursue a career in dentistry.

• This five-year comprehensive course is split into four years of academic studies and one year of internship.

• During the BDS course, students are given hands-on training in various dental procedures, such as filling cavities, root canal treatment, extractions, dental surgery, and oral hygiene.

• Students are taught topics like oral medicine, anatomy, microbiology, biochemistry, orthodontics, periodontology, and much more during their four years of academic study. In the fifth year, they are required to finish their one-year internship training to gain practical experience. 

BDS Course Duration

The Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) program in India is a comprehensive 5-year course. Here’s how the timeline is structured:

Academic Study (4 Years)

Years 1-4: These initial years focus on theoretical knowledge and practical training in dental sciences. The curriculum includes essential subjects like Dental Anatomy, Oral Pathology, Prosthodontics, and Orthodontics.

Internship (1 Year)

Year 5: The final year consists of a compulsory rotating internship. During this time, students acquire practical experience across various dental specialties, such as Oral Surgery, Periodontics, and Pediatric Dentistry.

This framework guarantees students a well-rounded education, blending academic learning with hands-on skills.

BDS Admission Process

There is only one way to get admission to a BDS course: to clear the NEET exam. Based on the marks obtained in NEET, students can be admitted to their preferred college or university. But before you get admission, you need to follow the process.

Fulfill the Eligibility Criteria

• You must complete a 10+2 education with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology as compulsory subjects.
• Secure 50% marks in the 10+2 education.
• Candidate must be 17 years of age as of December of the year of admission.

Fill BDS Course Application

• After meeting the eligibility criteria, you need to apply to your preferred college and university.
• BDS admission application forms can be obtained offline or online from the respective institutes.
• You need to fill out the application form with all your details, including your education and other information requested in the form.

Enter in Entrance Exam

• To get admission to any college or university, you need to clear their entrance exam.
• The NEET entrance exam is one major exam conducted for admission to a BDS course. The better you rank in this exam, the greater your chances of getting selected in a top-notch institute.

Clear the Counselling Session

•  After you have cleared the entrance exam with flying colors, the final step is clearing the counseling session.
• During the counseling session for BDS course admission, you will be asked to present all your documents, like results and certificates.
• After verification of documents and a one-on-one interaction between the counselor and candidate, the admission process is finished.

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BDS Course Subjects and Syllabus

Different subjects are taught during the BDS course to teach students the theoretical part and give them knowledge of the human body and its relation to dentistry. Although the sequence or the name of the subject can differ depending on the university or college, the content remains the same.

Top Colleges for the BDS Course

Here is a list of the top colleges offering the BDS Course, the approximate BDS course fees are also listed. The below list of colleges has been extracted from Dental Council of India.

Colleges	Estimated Fees
Faculty of Dental Sciences, IMS BHU, Varanasi	INR 1 lakh
Maulana Azad Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi. Fees	INR 1 lakh–1.5 lakh
Faculty of Dental Sciences King George’s Medical University, Lucknow	INR 1.5 lakh–INR 2 lakh
Government Dental College and Hospital, Mumbai	INR 2 lakh–INR 2.5 lakh
Dr R Ahmed Dental College and Hospital, Kolkata	INR 1 lakh
Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Mangalore	INR 25 lakh–INR 30 lakh

Jobs After BDS Course in India

Dental clinics and hospitals hire BDS graduates because BDS graduates understand dentistry-related issues optimally. Earning a Master’s in Dental Surgery (MDS) allows one to become a lecturer.

Various career options for BDS graduates and BDS salaries are listed below.

Jobs	Average Salary (in INR)
Dental Surgeon	3 LPA
Dental Assistant	1.2 LPA
Oral Pathologist	5.7 LPA
Dental Hygienist	2.2 LPA
Dental Scientist	3 LPA

Source: Ambition Box

Dental Surgeon

Dental surgeons are highly trained professionals focusing on the medical sciences. They perform various operations, from simple routine cleaning to complex cosmetic and corrective surgery. Oral surgeons must complete their training before they can work independently.

To become a dental surgeon after doing a BDS course, you must also pass tough exams and evaluations to prove you have the skills to do your job successfully.

Dental Assistant

Dental assistants are young BDS graduates who work to provide additional help to surgeons by scheduling appointments and allowing patients to be treated swiftly. They also sterilize, disinfect, and arrange dental tools, help with dental procedures, and maintain patient records.

As a dental assistant, you will be in charge of regular administrative and upkeep duties at the clinic. You will also perform lab work as instructed by the dentist. Your primary task is to prepare patient rooms for visits and ensure the dentist can access all necessary equipment.

Oral Pathologist

An oral pathologist manages teeth, gums, jaw, mouth, neck, and head illnesses. They also recommend surgical treatments for issues found during examinations, including removing tumors or tumor cells. They examine medical records to identify patients’ risk factors for particular cancers or diseases. They frequently collaborate with dentists to find and address problems with oral health. They may also be involved in research on oral pathology or dental medicine.

Dental Hygienist

Another path to choose after completing your BDS course is becoming a dental hygienist. Dental hygienists are licensed oral health professionals who work alongside dentists to help patients maintain good oral hygiene and prevent dental problems. They are experts in performing routine dental cleanings, taking X-rays, applying fluoride treatments, and educating patients on proper dental care practices.

As a dental hygienist, you may assist dentists in more complex procedures, such as filling cavities or applying sealants. Dental hygienists play a crucial role in preventing tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health issues by promoting good dental hygiene habits and providing preventive care to patients.

Dental Scientist

If you are curious about the importance of oral hygiene and its role in human life, you should consider becoming a dental scientist after completing your BDS course. Dental scientists specialize in the study and research of oral health. They conduct experiments and clinical trials to discover new techniques and treatments for dental problems. Dental scientists may also work to improve existing dental procedures, materials, and technologies.

As a scientist, you get to collaborate with other healthcare professionals, such as dentists and dental hygienists, to develop effective solutions for dental patients. Your work can help advance dentistry and improve the overall oral health of the population. Dental scientists require extensive education and training in both scientific and dental principles to excel in their field.

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Create a Career in Dentistry with a BDS Course

Dentists and oral hygiene are some of the most reputed careers and important aspects of everyone’s life. If you want to make a career in this field of medicine, then the BDS course is your path. This five-year course teaches and trains you in every way a practitioner BDS graduate needs to be.

Conclusion

The Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) program is an in-depth curriculum aimed at providing students with the essential knowledge and skills for a thriving career in dentistry. It encompasses a range of subjects, including dental anatomy, oral pathology, and orthodontics, blending theoretical education with hands-on training. Graduates emerge ready to diagnose and address dental problems, conduct surgeries, and advocate for oral health. With a significant focus on clinical practice, the BDS program equips students to effectively tackle the challenges of the dental field and make meaningful contributions to public health.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)