BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery) Syllabus & Subjects 2024

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Mar 22, 2024 16:11PM IST

BDS Syllabus & Subjects Overview

BDS syllabus is designed to help students understand the basic fundamentals in the field of Dental Sciences. The important subjects in the BDS syllabus include Nutrition and Dietetics, General Human Physiology and Biochemistry, and General and Dental Pharmacology, both in theoretical and practical senses. The BDS syllabus structure is divided into 8 semesters of classroom instruction and a 1-year paid internship for hands-on learning.  

The BDS syllabus highlights the core and elective subjects of the course curriculum. The BDS syllabus is also inclusive of varied areas of specialities such as therapeutics, preclinical prosthodontics and crown and bridge, orthodontics, and dentofacial orthopaedics. The industry-focused learning opportunities offered by the well-structured BDS syllabus increase the scope of employment for BDS course graduates, enabling them to pursue careers in academia, research, dentistry, and government service. 

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BDS Year Wise Syllabus

Subjects like practicals, electives, and core are all included in the BDS syllabus. Exams by subject, practical exams, and internships are all part of the BDS curriculum. Theory papers, internal evaluations, viva voce, and practical exams are all included in the exam structure. BDS has a comprehensive four-year curriculum that covers both core and elective courses. A syllabus-free internship is offered to BDS students in their fifth year of study. The following is a detailed outline of the semester-wise BDS subjects:

First Year BDS Course Syllabus

The following table highlights the BDS syllabus for the first year:

                          Semester 1                            Semester 2
General Human Anatomy, Embryology & Histology Dental Materials 
General Human Physiology & Biochemistry, Nutrition and Dietetics Preclinical Prosthodontics and Crown and Bridge 
Dental Anatomy, Embryology, and Oral Histology 

Second Year BDS Course Syllabus

The following table outlines the BDS syllabus for the second year:

                      Semester 3                           Semester 4 
General Pathology & Microbiology Preclinical Prosthodontics and Crown and Bridge 
General & Dental Pharmacology, Therapeutics  Oral Pathology & Oral Microbiology 
Preclinical Conservative Dentistry 

Third Year BDS Course Syllabus

The following table highlights the BDS syllabus for the third year:

Semester 5Semester 6
General Medicine Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery 
General Surgery Oral Medicine & Radiology 
Oral Pathology & Microbiology Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopedics 
Conservative Dentistry & Endodontics Pediatric & Preventive Dentistry 

Fourth Year BDS Course Syllabus

The following table outlines the BDS syllabus for the fourth year:

Semester 7 Semester 8 
Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopedics Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery 
Oral Medicine & Radiology Prosthodontics & Crown and Bridge 
Pediatric & Preventive Dentistry Conservative Dentistry & Endodontics 
Periodontology 
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BDS Subjects

The following table shows a list of BDS subjects along with their detailed description:

Subject NameDescription
Public Health DentistryThe course presents the concepts, definitions, philosophical underpinnings, and characteristics of health and disease. definition and concepts of public health, public health administration, environmental health, and public health history dietary habits in dental diseases; Healthcare Distribution Network.
Prosthodontics And Crown & BridgeIn applied anatomy and physiology, students comprehend diagnosis and treatment planning for patients, Parts of a partial denture that can be removed, investigation and planning, preparing the mouth and casting master; Basics of dental hygiene, full and partial veneer crown preparation.
PeriodontologyPeriodontology, Periodontics, and Periodontia are defined in this foundational dental course. The scope of periodontics and a brief historical background Geriatric dentistry's consideration of periodontal structure alterations with age; Types of periodontal diseases: classification, gingival disorders, and epidemiology.
Paediatric & Preventive DentistryThe study of growth and development in paediatrics, the role of prenatal and postnatal variables in growth and development, Examining differences and anomalies, development of the teeth and related tissues, timeline for tooth emergence, the appropriate and inappropriate times for children to have their permanent and primary teeth extracted familiarity with both local and general anaesthesia.
Orthodontics & Dental OrthopaedicsThe topic covers the identification, evaluation, and management of orthodontic problems. It also covers the morphologic development of the craniofacial structures, the normal and abnormal functions of the stomatognathic system, the functional development of the dental arches and occultation, and malocclusion and its classification.
Human PhysiologyThe fundamentals of homeostasis are taught to students. feedback systems; blood and its constituents; Body temperature, muscle and nerve, respiratory system, excretory system, endocrinology, reproduction, and the central nervous system.
Human Anatomy, Embryology, Histology, and Medical GeneticsThe course covers the definition of anatomical terminology as well as a synopsis of the body's numerous systems. Regional anatomy of the head and neck, including the osteology of the head and neck's bones, is covered, with a focus on dentally significant subjects. Lumbar punctures, intramuscular and intravascular injection sites, and their regional anatomy are also covered.
General And Dental Pharmacology And TherapeuticsCandidates gain knowledge of the biochemical underpinnings of life processes that are pertinent to the human body and dentistry/medical practice through this topic. They are knowledgeable in the chemistry of bioorganic compounds; Enzyme and metabolic control; energy metabolism; macronutrients and digestion; and micronutrients.
BiochemistryThe biochemical underpinnings of life processes that are pertinent to the human system and dental/medical practice are taught to students in this course. They know how bioorganic compounds work chemically. Energy metabolism; enzyme and metabolic control; macronutrients and digestion; micronutrients.
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BDS Common Subjects for All Semesters

BDS subjects are very vast and have different concepts such as Prosthodontics, Pedodontics, Conservative Dentistry, and Endodontics. Some of the common subjects in BDS for all semesters are given below:

BDS SubjectsTopics Covered
Microbiology
  • Virology
  • Systematic Bacteriology
  • Parasitology
  • Mycology
  • Immunology
General Surgery
  • Ulcers
  • Tumors
  • Sinus
  • Shock And
  • Principles of Operative Surgery
  • Inflammation
  • Hemorrhage
  • Gangrene
  • Fistulae
  • Diseases of the Lymphatic System
  • Cysts
General Pharmacology
  • Drugs Acting on Blood
  • Central Nervous System
  • Cardiovascular Drugs
  • Autonomic Nervous System
  • Autacoids
General Pathology
  • Wound Healing
  • Nutritional Disorders
  • Infections & Infestations
  • General Aspects of Neoplasia
  • Cell Injury

Dental Anatomy

Embryology

and Oral

Histology

  • Tooth Morphology
  • Temporomandibular Joint
  • Occlusion
  • Morphology of Permanent Teeth
  • Chronology of Deciduous and Permanent Teeth
Biochemistry
  • Vitamins
  • Minerals
  • Enzymes & Metabolic Regulation
  • Digestion & Metabolism of Macronutrients
  • Chemistry of Biogenic Molecules
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BDS Optional Subjects

The following table shows a list of optional BDS subjects along with their detailed description:

Particulars Details
Oral ImplantologyIt covers ideas such as dental implants, different facets of implantology, and identifying and managing associated problems.
Forensic odontologyOverview of Forensic Dentistry, Synopsis of toxicology and Forensic Medicine, Changes upon Postmortem and the Cause of Death The basis for dental identification; toxicological manifestations in teeth and oral tissues techniques used after death, compiling and interpreting dental records.
EthicsStandards of behaviour Contractual obligations and privacy charging fees and splitting costs; Prescription medication, excessive patient investigation, malpractice and carelessness; Research ethics: human experimentation; animal and experimental research/humanness.
Behavioural SciencesThe course aids in improving patients' compliance behaviours, clarifying stress, teaching basic counselling techniques, and building an awareness of the behavioural aspects of dentistry. It also assists in diagnosing and treating minor psychological issues that may arise when providing dental care.
Aesthetic DentistryThe topics covered in this elective include parts of dentistry that are aesthetic, procedures that improve the overall appearance of the face and smile, and chemical processes like beaching that improve visual qualities.
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BDS Lab Subjects

The following is a discussion of the year-wise BDS lab subjects.

ParticularDescription
First Year
  • Recording of blood pressure
  • Microscopic study of the tooth germ, dentin, periodontal ligament, enamel, cementum, pulp
  • Enumeration of red & white blood cells
  • Demonstration of Staining Techniques
Second Year
  • Processing of complete dentures
  • Preparation of temporary and permanent denture bases
  • Pharmacotherapeutics
  • Drug-induced Clinical Conditions
Third Year
  • Examination of the orofacial region
  • Interpretation of Intra-oral radiographs
  • Management of orofacial pathologies
  • Preparation and study of ground sections of carious teeth
Fourth Year
  • Applications of Soft tissue Lasers and Electrocautery
  • Demonstration to the patients about different oral hygiene aids
  • Follow-up procedures, post-operative care, and supervision
  • Methods of using various scaling and surgical instruments
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Specialisations Offered in BDS

Dentists have the option to enrol in an MDS course after completing their BDS course of study. At the postgraduate level, dentists can choose from a variety of specialisations. The following table enlists the same:

Specialisation NameSubjects CoveredDescription
Paediatric Dentistry
  • Preventive Pedodontics
  • Nutrition and Dietetics
  • Growth & Development
  • Applied Anatomy & genetics
Paediatric dentistry focuses on treating and preventing oral and dental conditions that may arise in young patients.
Periodontology
  • Physiology
  • Pathology
  • Etiopathogenesis
  • Biochemistry
  • Applied Anatomy
The field of periodontology is concerned with the maintenance and development of teeth as well as the condition of the oral mucosal membrane.
Prosthodontics and Crown & Bridge
  • Tooth Replacements
  • Tooth and tissue defects
  • Esthetic/Smile Designing
  • Complete Dentures
The dental speciality of prosthodontics and crowns and bridges involves replacing natural teeth and surrounding tissues with either permanent or removable artificial ones to restore and maintain oral function, health, safety, and aesthetics.
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Syllabus for BDS Distance Programs

The Bachelor of Dental Surgery, or BDS, programme is exclusively offered as a regular full-time academic programme. For the BDS course, there are no online, remote, part-time, or distance learning options available. Thus, the BDS distance programs syllabus is not possible to obtain.

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BDS Syllabus Projects

Students pursuing a Bachelor of Dental Science course are required to work on and submit several course projects throughout their course duration. BDS Syllabus defines these course project topics for students to glance through. Project topics such as Regenerative endodontics, tooth enamel regeneration, Forensic dentistry, etc. are some of the popular BDS syllabus project topics. Thus, some of the popular projects topics under the BDS syllabus are given below:

  • Dental Anxiety, Smoking, and Alcohol Use in Dental Patients
  • Implementation of Dental Coverage
  • To determine the effect of tumor microenvironment stiffness on osteosarcoma growth.
  • To investigate the physiological or behavioral contributions to dental pain perception in dental patients.
  • To understand how dentists feel about educating their patients.
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BDS Entrance Exam Syllabus

Students seeking admission to BDS courses must sit for the NEET-UG exam. The National entrance-cum-eligibility test, or NEET-UG, is an exam that is administered nationally in India to candidates seeking admission to medical, dentistry, and Ayurveda schools. The NEET-UG exam lasts three hours and consists of 180 questions. There are four sections of the test, one for each of the following subjects: Botany, Physics, Chemistry, and Zoology. There are two subsections in each part; section A comprises 35 questions, while section B contains 15 questions. The following table briefly shows the entrance exam syllabus for BDS.

Van de Graaff generatorSolid StateReproduction
properties and uses of hydrogenPolymersPhysiology
Newton’s law of cooling and Stefan’s lawmagnetic field linesMagnetic Effects of Current and Magnetism
KinematicsIsotopesIsotones
IsobarsHydrocarbonsHuman Physiology
Heat engines and refrigeratorsGravitationGenetics and Evolution
Ecology and EnvironmentEcology and EnvironmentDual Nature of Matter and Radiation
Cyanides and IsocyanidesChemistry in Everyday LifeChemical Kinetics
Biology and Human WelfareAtomic number-
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BDS Important Books

It is important to note that in order to complete the BDS syllabus, all students must have the idea of the important books to follow. Here are some best books for BDS syllabus, which are recommended by medical professionals, to ace the course curriculum:

Textbook Title Author Name 
Textbook of Biochemistry for Medical Students-
Textbook of Human HistologyInderbir Singh
PhysiologyGuyton and Hall 
Human EmbryologyInderbir Singh
Handbook of General AnatomyBD Chaurasia
Essentials of Medical PhysiologySembulingam
Oral Histology & Embryology Orban
Dental Histology-
Dental Anatomy, Physiology and OcclusionWheeler
BiochemistryU Satyanarayan & U Chakrapani 
Anatomy BD Chaurasia Volume 3
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BDS Course Structure

The BDS course curriculum is divided into four sections: foundation, core, electives, and projects. General Pathology, Microbiology, General and Dental Pharmacology, Preclinical Conservative Dentistry, General Human Anatomy, and other topics are included in the course curriculum. The following are some of the BDS course specifics:

  • Seminars 
  • Internships 
  • Project Submission 
  • Viva
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BDS Syllabus: Teaching Methodology

BDS course syllabus includes various teaching methods and techniques necessary for the students to seek a deeper understanding and knowledge about the course, through hands-on learning experience. Some of the various teaching methodologies and techniques adopted in the BDS syllabus curriculum are given below:

  • Group Projects
  • Case Methodology
  • Workshop
  • Lectures
  • Live Demonstrations
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FAQs about Bachelor of Dental Surgery Syllabus

What are the best colleges for BDS?

The best colleges for pursuing BDS in India are Manipal College of Dental Sciences, SRM Dental College, Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences, and Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences. 

What is the average course fee for this program?

The average course fee for this program is INR 2-2.5 LPA. 

 

Is there a summer internship for this BDS program?

In BDS course, the last year is solely meant for students to take part in internships in different departments of dental hospitals.

What is the average placement package for BDS?

The average placement package for BDS is INR 14.75 LPA. 

What are the entrance examinations required for admission to the BDS course?

To gain admission into this course, the aspirant must prepare to take the NEET examination which is held by the National Testing Agency. 

What are the subjects in BDS 1st year?

Human Anatomy, Human Physiology, Dental Anatomy, Dental Materials, Embryology and Histology are the subjects which are taught to the students in the 1st year of the course. 

Is BDS good for the future?

For students wishing to pursue a career in dentistry and become dental surgeons, this course is the best for them to know everything related to the topic of dentistry. The last year of internship in this course helps them to learn more about the practical aspects of the course.

Can I do BDS without NEET?

No, one cannot do BDS without taking the NEET examinations. 

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