Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS)

BDS, or Bachelor of Dental Surgery, is a 5-year undergraduate program designed for students who want to pursue a career in Dental Sciences. The course includes a one-year internship during the final year, which involves rotating through various areas. Over the five years, students are taught a range of subjects, such as oral pathology, dental hygiene, dental histology, and public health dentistry. 

After completing the course, students will have the knowledge and skills needed to practice dentistry professionally. They can work as dentists in either government or private facilities. The course is structured in a way that allows students to gain practical experience and learn the intricacies of the field.

To be eligible for the BDS course, you need to fulfill the following criteria: 

• Completed 10+2 or equivalent examination with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology as main subjects. 
• Secured at least 50% marks in the qualifying examination (minimum marks may vary for different colleges). 
• Appeared and qualified in the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) conducted by National Testing Agency (NTA). 
• Meet the age criteria of a minimum of 17 years at the time of admission. 
• Some colleges may have additional requirements, such as the minimum score in English. It is important to check the specific admission criteria of the colleges you are interested in. 

The BDS course in India spans a duration of 5 years, including theory and practical training. Along with academic coursework, students must also complete a one-year mandatory rotatory internship in a recognized dental hospital or clinic.

The average course fees of BDS range around INR 50K – 4 LPA.

Typically, students interested in pursuing a career in dentistry should consider doing a BDS. This includes students who have a strong interest in oral health and the treatment of dental problems.

Bachelor of Dental Surgery or BDS is becoming a popular course among students in India. Here are some reasons: 

• Increased demand for dental care: With increased awareness about oral hygiene, more people are seeking dental care. To become a dentist in India, one must have a BDS degree, as it is mandatory to practice dentistry after completing the course. 
• Better employment opportunities: Due to the growing demand for dental care, the government is aiming to provide more job opportunities for dentists. This means that students who complete a BDS degree can expect better career prospects. 
• Paid internships: During their internships, BDS students can earn a good amount of money ranging from INR 15,000 to INR 40,000 (approx.), depending on their level of expertise and experience. 
• Global opportunities: BDS graduates can practice their skills in countries like the US and Canada, where they can earn a higher income compared to what they would earn in India. However, they need to clear exams like NBDE or NDEB to practice in these countries.

BDS admission in India is done through the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), which is a national-level exam. The process includes filling out the NEET application form and paying the registration fee before the due date. After the NEET exam is conducted, the authorities will release the results. Only qualified candidates who have secured the BDS cutoff will be eligible for the counseling process.

To get admission to the BDS course, students need to appear for the BDS entrance exam – National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET).  

Students have to fill out an online application form provided by the National Testing Agency (NTA) before the deadline and appear for the exam, which is conducted once a year in a computer-based mode.  

To be eligible for NEET counseling, students must score the minimum cutoff mark. The seats are allocated based on the candidate’s rank, the choices they have filled, the availability of seats, and the reservation criteria. 

Other Entrance exams for BDS in India: Kerala Engineering Architecture Medical (KEAM)

The BDS course is designed to cover a range of theoretical and practical medical and dental aspects. The syllabus is structured to make sure that students receive a comprehensive education in the course. Here are some of the key subjects that are covered in the BDS course: 

• First year: Dental Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Dental Histology 
• Second year: Microbiology, Pharmacology, Oral Pathology, Dental Materials 
• Third year: General Surgery, General Medicine, Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology 
• Fourth year: Oral Medicine & Surgery, Public Health & Dentistry, Periodontics 

After passing the examination, all candidates will be required to complete a one-year mandatory rotating Internship in all departments for the duration specified for each department: 

• Oral Medicine & Radiology 
• Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery 
• Prosthodontics 
• Periodontics 
• Conservative Dentist 
• Pedodontics 
• Oral Pathology & Microbiology 
• Orthodontics 
• Community Dentist/ Rural Service 

If you want to have a successful career in the future, it’s essential to have a good understanding of both the practical and theoretical aspects of BDS. This knowledge can be gained through the course curriculum. To help you find the best BDS colleges, we have provided colleges with a fee structure.  

Top 10 Government BDS Colleges: 

Top 10 Private BDS Colleges: 

The demand for oral healthcare is growing rapidly in India and around the world. This has led to a high demand for dental professionals with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) degree. With the right skills and knowledge, BDS graduates can enjoy a wide range of career opportunities in both private and government organizations. 

However, there is an issue of an uneven distribution of dentists in India. More dentists are practicing in urban areas, which leaves a shortage of dentists in rural areas. To address this problem, the government aims to increase employment opportunities for dentists in both rural and urban areas. 

In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of dental patients and doctors in India. This has led to a rise in employment opportunities for BDS graduates. However, due to the uneven distribution of dentists, some students choose to seek employment in Gulf countries where there is a high demand for dental professionals and higher salaries. 

Overall, the BDS course is career-oriented and has a positive impact on society. The employment opportunities for BDS graduates are expected to increase in the coming years as the demand for oral healthcare continues to rise.  

There are plenty of career options to choose from after completing a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS), depending on one’s interest and specialization. 

• Orthodontists: Orthodontists specialize in correcting irregularities in teeth using dental appliances such as braces, retainers, and aligners. They study dental records, examine medical histories, and design treatment plans for their patients. 
• Oral Surgeons: They perform surgeries related to the mouth, jaw, and face. They are responsible for correcting facial deformities, performing complicated extractions, and treating tumors and other abnormal growths in the gums and jaws. 
• Periodontists: They are specialized dentists who diagnose and treat periodontal diseases such as gums and tissues that support teeth. They also perform cosmetic periodontal procedures to improve the appearance of teeth and gums. 
• Endodontists: They specialize in treating diseases of the dental pulp, which includes blood vessels and nerves. They study tooth pulp and treat root canals. 
• Pedodontists: They specialize in children’s dental treatment and care. They help children maintain good oral health habits and treat dental problems specific to children, such as cavities and tooth decay. 
• Prosthodontists: They construct oral prostheses to replace missing teeth and repair the structure of the jaw and mouth. They correct acquired and natural deformities of the jaw and mouth to maintain a healthy oral functions such as chewing and speaking.

Being a dentist can offer significant financial benefits and job security, in addition to being a highly respected profession. The starting salary for a dentist is typically around Rs.7,00,000, but with experience, it can increase to a range of Rs.10,00,000 to Rs.15,00,000 per year.  

Pursuing a master's in dental surgery (MDS) can also lead to better earning potential, with an average salary of 4 to 6 lakh per annum. It’s worth noting that salaries may vary based on location, as medical and dental expenses tend to be higher in metropolitan areas compared to smaller cities and towns.