BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery)

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Mar 12, 2024 07:51AM IST

BDS Course Overview

BDS stands for Bachelor of Dental Surgery. BDS course is a five-year programme that educates students on becoming dental surgeons. The programme is managed by the Dental Council of India (DCI). The BDS Admission Process is conducted through the NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) entrance examination, the only entrance that acts as a gateway to the BDS programme. The average fee for BDS course fee ranges between INR 80,000 to INR 5 LPA, depending on the type of institution chosen. The BDS syllabus and subjects may vary from one institution to another, and it includes important topics such as Conservative Dentistry & Endodontics, Public Health Dentistry, Prosthodontics, Orthodontics, Pedodontics, etc.

BDS candidates have to attend offline/in-person classroom lectures during their course duration since distance education or online setup is not supported for BDS courses. The course curriculum includes a 4-year course structure, with a 1-year mandatory internship. Some of the top colleges for BDS course include IMS BHU, Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences, King George's Medical University, Government Dental College and Hospital, etc. Candidates may apply for BDS Job opportunities such as Dentists, lecturers, Researchers, Dentists in Indian Railways, Dental officers at Indian Defense Services (Army, Navy, Air Force), Territorial Army officers, etc., after completing their degree. The average BDS salary range varies from INR 2 LPA to INR 12 LPA on an average. 

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BDS Course Highlights

Here are the highlights for the BDS course for reference:

BDS Course Highlights

ParticularDetail
Course NameBDS
Full FormBachelor of Dental Surgery
Course LevelUndergraduate 
Course TypeDegree Programme
Course Duration5 Years (4 Years for Academic Education + 1 Year for Internship)
InternshipMandatory
Course ModeFull-Time/ Part-Time
Minimum Qualification Required10+2
Selection ProcessEntrance Exams
Course FeeINR 80,000 to INR 5 LPA 
Relevant Field Medical
Starting SalaryINR 2 LPA to INR 12 LPA 
Employment SectorsPrivate Clinics, Educational Institutions, Dental Clinics, Hospitals, Dental Products Manufactures, Pharmaceutical Companies
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Why Choose a BDS Degree?

Candidates may choose to pursue a BDS course to study the discipline of Dental Surgery, which is known for its vast scope in the field of medical sciences, and in terms of brighter career prospects. BDS course graduates may expect a salary of up to INR 50,000 per month, depending on their expertise, skillset, type of employment, job roles, and theoretical knowledge. Listed in the infographic below are the prime reasons for choosing a BDS course:

  • Decent Course Fee: The BDS course fee, as compared to other medical courses, is much less expensive and more accessible to candidates from all walks of life. A BDS degree is undoubtedly very affordable for all candidates to build a successful career in the field of dental surgery. 
  • Course Duration: BDS Course duration is 5 years, and therefore, students pursuing the degree are awarded their graduation significantly earlier than MBBS degrees. This enables the BDS graduates to explore job opportunities rather quickly than other medical graduates, and build up an impressive work experience over the years.
  • Easy Admission: Several accredited dental institutes with connected teaching hospitals offer BDS admissions to students wishing to pursue a career in dental surgery. The admission process for the same is rather straightforward. Students need to qualify for the entrance examination to be eligible for BDS course admission. 
  • Availability of Seats: The availability of seats for a BDS course admission is usually higher than other medical courses due to the low level of competition. Therefore, for students who secure the minimum required cut-off scores for admission, candidates easily grab a seat for pursuing a BDS course.
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What is the Difference Between BDS and MBBS?

Candidates often find themselves at a crossroads on whether to choose MBBS as a career or to pursue a BDS course. Here is the difference between MBBS and BDS for aspirants’ reference.

ParameterBDSMBBS
OverviewBDS course is a recognised dental course in India curated especially for students who want to practice dentistry as a profession.MBBS teaches students human anatomy, biochemistry, paediatrics, etc.
Average Course FeeINR 1-6 LPAINR 1-8 LPA
Duration5 years (4 years + 1 year internship).5.5 year (4.5 years + 1 year internship)
Average Initial SalaryINR 4 to 10 LPA (approx.)INR 4 to 10 LPA (approx.)
Top RecruitersDental Clinics, Hospitals, Educational Institutes, etc.Hospitals, Clinics, etc.
Job Opportunities Dentist, Lecturer, Dental Research Scientist, etc.Physician, Surgeon, etc.
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BDS Course Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria for the BDS course have been mentioned below:

  • All candidates must have completed their 10+2 or its equivalent from a recognised board.
  • All candidates must have the following as their core subjects in their 10+2: Chemistry, Biology & Physics.
  • All candidates must secure a minimum of 50% aggregate (for General category students) and 40% (for reserved category students) in their qualifying examination.
  • The lower age limit for candidates to be eligible for BDS course admission is 17 years, whereas, the upper age limit for the same is 25 years.

Required Skill Set for BDS Courses

BDS professionals are directly responsible for taking care of an individual’s dental issues. It is a challenging profession and therefore, one must be ready to tackle challenges head-on. Here are some of the skills a BDS graduate must possess:

Skills Required for BDS Course
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BDS Course Entrance Exam

Admission to BDS Course is strictly conducted through the NEET UG entrance exam. Every year, thousands of candidates appear for the NEET entrance exam for admission to several medical courses. The National Testing Agency (NTA) conducts the NEET UG entrance exam and is responsible for conveying all the important guidelines to the aspirants through notifications published on their official website. A detailed insight into the important NEET Exam details has been mentioned below in the table for reference:

Particulars Details 
Examination NameNEET UG (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test)
Conducting Body National Testing Agency (NTA)
Core Subjects Physics, Chemistry and Biology 
Exam Pattern180 questions from each Physics, Chemistry, Biology (Botany) and Biology (Zoology) section
Exam Duration 3 hours 20 minutes 
Exam Syllabus Same as 10+2 (PCB Stream)
Total Marks720
Exam DateMay 5, 2024
Result DateJune 14, 2024
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List of Popular BDS Specialisations

Bachelor of Dental Surgery is an undergraduate degree program governed by the Dental Council of India (DCI). The course educates about the various concepts and topics included in the theoretical knowledge of dental surgery, as well as provides practical experience of the same through the one-year rotatory internship program. Once the students complete the bachelor’s programme, they can opt for further studies or pursue a career: 

List of Popular BDS Specialisations
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BDS Course Admission Process in India

All the necessary information regarding the BDS course admission process is mentioned in the infographic below and explained further:

BDS Course Admission Process in India

  • BDS course admission is conducted through the NEET UG entrance exam, which is held every year for medical course admissions across the country. 
  • Many private institutes also conduct direct admissions of candidates to BDS courses.
  • The application process for the NEET examination is held in online mode only. Candidates are required to visit the official website of NTA and fill out the application form along with uploading all the necessary documents. 
  • Once the application form is submitted, candidates are required to pay the requisite amount to confirm their registration. 
  • All applicants can opt for their desired institution for admission to BDS courses at the time of registration.
  • The seat allotment process of BDS admission is conducted NEET, based on the All-India Quota and State-Level Quota divisions.
  • Finally, all shortlisted candidates will be eligible to participate in counselling, followed by final admission to their respective allotted institutions.
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BDS Course Fees in India

BDS course fee varies from one institution to another, depending on the type of institute and location. While government institutes have a decent admission fee to be submitted by the students pursuing BDS courses, private institutions on the other hand have a relatively higher requisite amount for the same. The type of college one chooses is a determinant of what the BDS course fees will be. Based on the preference, BDS course fees can range anywhere between INR 80,000 to INR 25,00,000.

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BDS Course Syllabus/Subjects

An in-depth grasp of the many fundamental functions related to dentistry, oral health, and oral surgery is provided by the BDS course. Depending on how various colleges have their academic structures, the subjects covered in the BDS syllabus may vary. The following is a brief list of the BDS course syllabus and subjects:

  • Preclinical Prosthodontics and Crown & Bridge
  • Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopedics
  • Oral Pathology & Oral Microbiology
  • Oral Pathology & Microbiology
  • General Surgery
  • Oral Medicine and Radiology
  • General Human Anatomy including Embryology and Histology
  • General and Dental Pharmacology and Therapeutics
  • Dental Materials

BDS Subjects and Lecture Hours

According to the Dental Council of India, the BDS programme must be completed in four academic years, requiring 240 teaching days annually as well as a year-long paid rotating internship at an accredited dental school with a licence. The subjects for this course and lecture durations can differ depending on the respective educational institution. Nonetheless, the following provides a broad summary of the average BDS course topics along with an estimate of the number of lecture hours that are covered. Remember that these are estimates that may change depending on the particular programme design of the college. As indicated in the table below, candidates enrolled in the fifth year of the BDS programme are required to finish their theoretical study in four disciplines for six months, or 160 lecture hours.

Subject NameLecture Duration (in hours)
Conservative Dentistry & Endodontics50
Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery30
Prosthodontics and Crown & Bridge50
Public Health Dentistry30
Total160

BDS Rotatory Internship

After completing the final BDS exam, each candidate will need to complete a one-year paid rotating internship. The BDS degree is awarded after passing the exams and completing a paid internship for a year. It is important to remember that students will be ejected from the programme if they fail to obtain the BDS in all disciplines within nine years of enrolling, including a required one-year rotatory paid internship. Candidates can refer to the following table, which highlights the BDS internships department and the posting period:

Department NamePosting Period (in Months)
Community Dentist/Rural Service3
Conservative Dentist1
Elective0.5
Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery1.5
Oral Medicine & Radiology1
Oral Pathology & Microbiology0.5
Orthodontics1
Pedodontics1
Periodontics1
Prosthodontics1.5
Total1 year
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Top Private BDS Colleges in India

There are about 119 private BDS colleges in India. Some of the top private BDS colleges have been mentioned below in the table, along with their NIRF Rankings 2023:

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Top Government BDS Colleges in India

There are a total of about 15 top government BDS colleges in India. Some of them have been mentioned below in the table, along with their NIRF Rankings 2023:

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Top BDS Colleges Offering Direct Admission in India

Direct admission to top BDS colleges in India is possible through management quota after a student has qualified for the NEET UG entrance exam conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). The following is a list of popular colleges offering direct admission to BDS courses:

  • Sri Hasanamba Dental College & Hospital, Hassan
  • Sharavathi Dental College & Hospital, Shimoga
  • Sharad Pawar Dental College & Hospital, Wardha
  • SDM College of Dental Sciences & Hospital, Dharwad
  • School of Dental Sciences, KIMS, Karad
  • Saraswati Danwantri Dental College & Hospital, Parbhani
  • S J M Dental College & Hospital, Chitradurga
  • Mahatma Gandhi Vidya Mandir’s Dental College & Hospital, Nashik
  • Mahatma Gandhi Missions Dental College & Hospital, Navi Mumbai
  • Maharashtra Institute of Dental Sciences & Research, Latur
  • M.A. Rangoonwala College of Dental Sciences, Pune
  • Dayanand Sagar College of Dental Sciences, Bangalore
  • D A Pandu Memorial R V Dental College, Bangalore
  • Coorg Institute of Dental Sciences, Virajpat
  • College of Dental Sciences, Davangere
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Career Options After BDS Course

The medical field has expanded in the past decade such that there are various job opportunities in the private sector as well. Most good colleges offer placement opportunities in private hospitals and dental healthcare centres. Dentists are also hired in government hospitals and other government departments based on the entrance exam. Aspiring candidates can apply for these courses after completing their graduation, however, jobs are also available after pursuing an MDS. The following is a discussion about the top employment areas and job profiles that students can explore.

Top Job Profiles for BDS Course Graduates

The following table highlights a few popular BDS jobs:

Employment Areas
  • Private Practice 
  • Hospitals
  • Dental Products Manufacturers
  • Dental Clinics
  • Pharmaceutical Companies
  • Dental Equipment Manufacturers
  • Educational Institutes
  • Research Institutes 
Job Profiles/ Types
  • Private Practitioner
  • Dental Lab Technician/ Ceramist
  • Medical Representative/ Sales Representative
  • Dental Surgeon
  • Professor
  • Oral Pathologist
  • Public Health Specialist
  • Dental Assistant
  • Consultant
  • Dental Hygienist

Salary After BDS

Graduates also have the option to start their dental clinic to treat patients. With enough capital and proper research, a dental clinic can help you earn decent money. After pursuing MDS the chances of earning a better salary are high as an MDS usually takes 4-6 LPA. Salaries can also vary from city to city as medical expenses and dental charges in metro cities are more than in small cities and towns. The following table outlines BDS salary for some popular job profiles:

Job ProfilesAverage Salary (in INR)  
Researcher5 LPA
Lecturer5.7 LPA
Dentist in Indian Railways7 LPA
DentistLPA
Dental officer in Defense Services14.6 LPA

Top BDS Recruiters in India

The need for high-quality, convenient medical services has resulted in an expansion of the healthcare paradigm due to the rise in diseases. Experts in the medical industry who possess extensive expertise are always in demand. BDS graduates have the option of finding employment in the public or private sectors.

Professionals with a BDS degree can choose to work for state governments, the Indian Railway, or the Defence Service. In the private sector, dental practices, hospitals, pharmaceutical businesses, and manufacturers of dental products readily hire professionals who have completed BDS courses. Listed below are some top BDS recruiters in India:

  • ACE Surgical
  • Straumann
  • Dentsply Sirona
  • Envista
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Courses After BDS Degree

Some of the popular courses to pursue post completing BDS are mentioned below in the table:

Course TitleCourse TypeCourse Duration
Master of Dental Surgery in Endodontics and Conservative DentistryPostgraduate2 Years
Master of Dental Surgery in Pediatric DentistryPostgraduate2 Years
Master of Dental Surgery in Radiology and Oral MedicinePostgraduate2 Years
Master of Dental Surgery in PedodonticsPostgraduate2 Years
Master of Dental Surgery in ProsthodonticsPostgraduate2 Years
Master of Dental Surgery in OrthoticsPostgraduate2 Years
Master of Dental Surgery in Public Health DentistryPostgraduate2 Years
Doctor of Philosophy in Conservative Dentistry and EndodonticsDoctorate3 Years
Doctor of Philosophy in ProsthodonticDoctorate3 Years
Doctor of Philosophy in Pedodontics and Preventive DentistryDoctorate3 Years
Doctor of Philosophy in Public Health DentistryDoctorate3 Years
MBA in Hospital Management MBA2 Years
MBA in Public HealthMBA2 Years
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FAQs about BDS

How many marks are required in the NEET exam to get admission to a government college for a Bachelor of Dental Surgery degree?

According to 2022 NEET results, at least 450 marks are required for admission to any government college for pursuing a Bachelor of Dental Surgery degree.

What are the career options after B.Des?

After completing B.Des, graduates get different career options in various design fields. Some common career paths include Graphic Designer, Product Designer, Fashion Designer, Interior Designer, UX/UI Designer, Industrial Designer, Textile Designer, Exhibition Designer, Design Manager and Design Consultant. 

What are some of the best reference books for Bachelor of Dental Surgery students?

There are many reference books that are available in the market for students of Bachelor of Dental Surgery degree. Some of the suggested reference books are listed below:

  • Bachelor of Dental Surgery Highlights
  • Killey and Kay’s – Outline of Oral Surgery
  • Malamed for local anaesthesia
  • Monheims for local anaesthesia

How can I score top marks in the Bachelor of Dental Surgery course?

With the correct preparation strategy, you can easily score top marks in your degree course. Some of the preparation strategies are listed below

  • Self-discipline and self-motivation
  • Give equal focus on all the subjects
  • Prepare a timetable and religiously follow it
  • Take small breaks whenever required

How many study hours are required for a Bachelor of Dental Surgery degree?

The total number of study hours required by a student completely depends on their capabilities and preparation. Ideally, a student of Bachelor of Dental Surgery should study at least three to five hours every day. 

What are some of the best colleges abroad to study for a Bachelor of Dental Surgery degree?

There are many popular colleges in foreign countries that offer Bachelor of Dental Surgery degrees to their students. Some of the popular choices are

  • Texas A & M University
  • University of Alberta
  • McGill University
  • The University of Melbourne
  • Teesside University

Is a Bachelor of Dental Surgery degree equivalent to an MBBS degree?

Yes, both an MBBS degree and a Bachelor of Dental Surgery degree are equivalent. Both are undergraduate degrees in medical science. MBBS degree is the study of the general idea of medicine and a Bachelor of Dental Surgery is the study of dental issues. 

Can a Bachelor of Dental Surgery perform surgeries?

Yes, professional graduates with Bachelor of Dental Surgery degrees are eligible to perform surgeries. They are given proper training sessions on performing surgeries.

What are some government colleges that offer a Bachelor of Dental Surgery degree?

Some of the government colleges that offer Bachelor of Dental Surgery are listed below

  • North Bengal Dental College and Hospital
  • Guru Nanak Institute of Dental Science and Research
  • Burdwan Dental College and Hospital

Is a BDS graduate referred to as a doctor?

Yes, after completing BDS, candidates are given the title of doctor and allowed to practice dentistry.

What are some core subjects under a Bachelor of Dental Surgery degree?

Several topics related to oral health and surgery are taught to the students with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery degree. Some of the core subjects are

  • Biochemistry
  • Operative Dentistry
  • Dental Anatomy & Histology
  • Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

What are some skills required in order to study for a Bachelor of Dental Surgery degree?

Some skills that are required in order to study Bachelor of Dental Surgery degree are

  • Attention to detail
  • Ability to work under pressure
  • Great communication skill
  • Ability to handle emergency situations

What is BDS?

A BDS course is a 5-year programme that mainly focuses on training and introducing students about dental sciences and surgeries.

Who regulates BDS course education in India?

The curriculum of the BDS couse is set and managed by the Dental Council of India.

Should I opt for BDS course?

Surely, candidates should enroll for the BDS course. It is one of the top medical courses chosen by students in India.

What is the minimum eligibility criteria required for BDS?

Aspiring students should have passed the 10+2 qualifying exam with a minimum of 50% aggregate from a recognized institute. One must have studied Physics, Chemistry, and Biology compulsorily in their 10+2.

Where can we pursue DDS?

Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) can be pursued abroad in countries such as the US and Canada. Aspirants need to clear exams like NBED, NDEB, etc. to secure admission.

What is the main entrance exam required for BDS?

To secure admission to BDS courses, candidates must compulsorily appear for the NEET entrance test.

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