×
Are you considering a career in dental medicine? Pursuing a BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery) is a popular and rewarding choice for students passionate about oral health and dental care. This comprehensive guide provides all the essential details you need about the BDS course — including eligibility, admission process, curriculum, duration, and career prospects.
To be eligible for the BDS course, a candidate must have:
– Completed 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology as core subjects.
– Secured a minimum of 50% marks in the qualifying examination.
– Cleared the NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA).
Admission is based solely on NEET rank.
Admission to the BDS course is conducted through centralized counseling based on NEET scores. Candidates participate in All India Quota (AIQ) or State Quota counseling to secure seats in government or private dental colleges.
Counseling typically takes place between July and September each year. Seat allotments are merit-based and reservation policies apply.
The BDS course focuses on the study of dental structures, oral diseases, and their treatments. The curriculum is designed to develop both theoretical knowledge and clinical skills.
The course includes the following phases:
– Anatomy
– Physiology
– Biochemistry
– Dental Anatomy and Oral Histology
These subjects provide foundational knowledge of the human body and dental structures.
– Pharmacology
– Pathology
– Microbiology
– General and Dental Materials
Students learn about drug actions, disease mechanisms, and the materials used in dentistry.
– Oral Surgery
– Oral Medicine and Radiology
– Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics
– Periodontics
– Orthodontics
– Prosthodontics
– Pedodontics (Child Dentistry)
– Public Health Dentistry
Hands-on training is a major part of this phase. Students work in clinics, treat patients under supervision, and gain real-world exposure.
The final year of the BDS course includes a 1-year compulsory rotating internship, where students perform supervised dental procedures, interact with patients, and apply clinical knowledge in real-time settings.
The BDS course duration is 5 years:
– 4 years of academic learning
– 1 year of mandatory internship
Fee Structure:
– Government colleges: ₹20,000 to ₹1 lakh per year (approx.)
– Private colleges: ₹2 lakh to ₹7 lakh per year (varies by institution and location)
After completing BDS, graduates can pursue various career paths such as:
– Practicing as a Dentist in clinics/hospitals
– Opening their own dental clinic
– Working in government health services (via UPSC/State PSC exams)
– Pursuing MDS (Master of Dental Surgery) for specialization
– Careers in research, academics, and dental product companies
– Working with NGOs or in rural dental outreach programs
