Degree Course Type 

Bachelors

Entry Level Qualification 

Class 10+2

Degree Course Duration 

5 Year

Course Fields 

Dental

Degree Course Entrance Exam 

NEET UG

Average Course Fee 

50000 - 1200000

Average Salary Offered 

600000 - 11200000

Course Details 

BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery) is a UG course that candidates study for five years. During this time period, aspirants learn topics and concepts for four years while one year is dedicated to rotatory internship. The Dental Council of India (DCI) is the official body governing the course. Once aspirants clear the bachelor’s program, they can opt for further studies or pursue a career.

Here are some of the specializations offered post-BDS studies:

1. Dental Mechanic

2. Surgery

3. Prosthodontics

4. Conservative Dentistry

5. Periodontics

Course Highlights 

 Here are Major Highlights of the Course:

About Course 

BDS full from Bachelor of Dental Surgery, is a 5-year course that helps candidates become dental surgeons. It comprises 4 years of classroom education and 1 year of mandatory rotating internship. Aspirants have to successfully complete the class 12 exam or hold an equivalent degree with at least 85% from a well-known, recognized institute. The programme covers various aspects of dental problems, dentures, and surgery in the same fields. BDS or Bachelor of Dental Surgery is the most popular medical course after MBBS. Candidates who successfully complete this course are awarded the title of ‘Dr’ and can practice dentistry once they have acquired the license. To secure admission into the BDS course, aspirants have to clear the National Eligibility cum Entrance Exam (NEET). This is the only entrance that acts as a gateway to the Bachelor of Dental Surgery program.​​​​​​​

Why Choose Course And Required Skills 

​​​​​​​Specialised Fields After BDS Course

1.Public health Dentistry

2. Oral Medicine & Radiology

3. Paedodontics & Preventive Dentistry

4. Oral Pathology & Microbiology

5. Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery

6. Periodontology

7. Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopaedics

8. Prosthodontics, Crown& bridge

9. Conservative Dentistry & Endodontics

Skills Needed to Become a BDS Professional

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

1. Empathy towards the patients

2. Ability to work under pressure

3. Possessing insights and knowledge

4. Excellent communication skills

5. Quick decision-making

6. Attention to detail

7. Business awareness

8. Dexterity

Eligibility  

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

Minimum Qualification Required for BDS: 10+2 (Chemistry, Biology & Physics)

Minimum Marks Required for BDS (Aggregate): 50% (for General category students) and 40% (for reserved category students)

Minimum Age Required for BDS: 17 years

Upper Age Limit for BDS: 25 Years

Entrance Exams Details 

Entrance exams are responsible for granting candidates admission to national as well as state-level colleges. These tests are mostly MCQ-based to assess aspirants’ logical thinking and subject understanding. Similarly, to secure admission into the BDS course, aspirants have to clear the NEET UG exam. It is held every year across India. 

NEET UG is the biggest medical exam where lakhs of students appear to compete for AIQ seats. Based on the marks secured, the final merit list is curated. Those aspirants who clear the minimum cut-off criteria are allowed to appear for counseling rounds and secure admission to the college of their dreams.

Degree Course Syllabus 

Year I

Year II

Year III

Year IV

Top Colleges 

Following are some of the top colleges offering Dental courses: Guru Nanak Institute of Dental Science & Research (Kolkata), S.D.M. College of Dental Sciences & Hospital (Dharwad), Pt. Bhagwat Dayal Sharma Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences (Rohtak), Amrita School of Nursing (Kochi), Shri. Yashwantrao Chavan Memorial Medical and Rural Development Foundation's Dental College & Hospital (Ahmednagar), etc.

Course Fees 

BDS course varies from one college to another. While the government institutes admission fee is on the lower side, private institutions charge higher 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 50,000 to 12,00,000 LPA.

Top Recruiters And Salary 

Graduates also have the option to start their own 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. 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.

Course Scope And Career Options 

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

Admission Process 

The admission process for the BDS course is through the NEET UG entrance exam. Candidates have to register online and appear for the test. Every year, NTA and MCC conduct this entrance test for all students. The syllabus of the NEET UG exam is 10+2 - PCMB. Aspirants must study all the concepts in-depth if they wish to secure higher marks. The test is held for 3 hours and 20 minutes. The total mark is 720 where 180 questions are asked under Physics, Chemistry, Biology (Botany), and Biology (Zoology) sections. Those who clear this entrance test are able to secure admission in the BDS course at a renowned university/ college.