BDS Full Form - Bachelor of Dental Surgery

14 February,2024  |  By Brainwonders

What is the full form of BDS?

The full form of BDS is a Bachelor of Dental Surgery. BDS is India’s only authorized and recognized highly qualified dental course. A five-year undergraduate education empowers students to enter the noble profession of dental science and surgery.

BDS is an essential undergraduate dental program for students aspiring to become licensed dentists in government hospitals, colleges, or the private sector. It ranks among the most sought-after courses for biology students following the MBBS course.

Throughout the BDS program, students undergo a mandatory one-year paid internship integrated into the rotating curriculum. This internship allows students to engage in 2-3 rotations across various departments. The curriculum covers subjects such as Dental Histology, Oral Surgery, Oral Pathology, Public Health Dentistry, and Emergency Medicine, among others, enabling students to acquire skills and knowledge essential for dental practice.

Eligibility criteria

• To be eligible for admission, candidates must successfully pass a recognized Higher/Senior Secondary Examination or the Indian School Certificate Examination equivalent to 10+2. The required subjects include Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology.
• Mathematics or any other elective subject, with English, as the NCERT prescribes.
• NIOS candidates are currently eligible, subject to the matter being sub judice in the court.
• Students from Foreign/International Boards are eligible if their qualifying exam meets the equivalency determined by the Association of Indian Universities (AIU), following the regulations of the Dental Council of India and the concerned University.
• For Unreserved candidates, OCI, NRI, and foreign candidates, a minimum of 50 percent in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology/Biotechnology are required in the qualifying exam.
• Candidates belonging to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, or Other Backward Classes (OBC) must have secured a minimum of 40 percent.
• PwD candidates need to achieve a minimum of 45 percent in their qualifying exams.
• Moreover, candidates must have completed 17 years of age at the time of admission or before December 31 of the admission year.

List of top BDS colleges

More than 300 dental colleges across India offer approximately 26,000 seats in private and government universities.

1. Manipal College of Dental Science, Manipal
2. Faculty of Dental Sciences IMS BHU Varanasi
3. Faculty of Dental Sciences King George’s Medical University, Lucknow
4. Nair Hospital Dental College, Mumbai
5. Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences, New Delhi

Entrance examination for BDS course

There are not many BDS entrance tests, as admission generally takes place based on obtained NEET(National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) results.

Admission Procedure for BDS Courses

• Class XII scores should be more than 85 per cent, as these are also considered when admitting to a dental college.
• There should be advanced subject knowledge, particularly in science, so you can easily score well on the NEET exam.
• Candidates should clear the cut-off score by different prestigious colleges to proceed with their admission procedure through counselling at their selected college.
• The NEET counselling session will consist of 3 rounds, so you should be ready for those sessions.

Career Opportunity after BDS course

Employment opportunities after the BDS course are listed below

• Students can work in the private and government sector
• Students can also research in the field of dental science.

BDS Highlights

Particular	Value
Name of Degree	Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS)
Level	Undergraduate
Course Duration	Four years
Semester / Yearly	Semester
Admission Process	Entrance test followed by counselling by the authorities.
Eligibility Criteria	Should have completed 10+2 in PCB from a recognised institute/board
Course Fees	Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 1,200,000
Top Recruiters	Dental Clinics, Government hospitals, Dental Institutions, Pharmaceutical Companies, Dental Products Manufactures, Private Practice
Types of Careers	Dental Technician, Prosthodontist, Dental Hygienist, Dental Consultant, Dentist

BDS Fees Structure

The fees for BDS programs vary based on the medical college or university where students choose to enroll. Prior to admission, students should review the fee structure for Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) in the respective college. The BDS fees in both private and government colleges typically range from Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 1,200,000 lakhs.

Why Choose BDS?

Embarking on a journey in BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery) presents students with rewarding career prospects. Graduates in BDS play a crucial role in delivering essential dental care, contributing to people's oral health. This field provides a stable career with diverse opportunities in both the private and public sectors. BDS graduates may explore roles in academia, serving as professors or lecturers in medical colleges.

BDS graduates, equipped with necessary certifications, administer anesthesia to alleviate patient discomfort during tooth extractions. Typically, individuals with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery degree have the chance to work in dental clinics, where they undertake various tasks. They may choose to work full-time in a hospital setting or establish their private dental clinics. Beyond traditional roles, BDS graduates can explore diverse career paths, including positions such as dental technician, prosthodontist, dental hygienist, dental consultant, and various other roles.

BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery) Syllabus/Subjects

Candidates may review the syllabus outlined for the BDS degree, which they need to cover during the course. The table below outlines the BDS subjects categorized by each academic year.

1st Year	2nd Year	3rd Year	4th Year
General Human Anatomy including Embryology and Histology	General Pathology and Microbiology	General Medicine	Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopaedics
General Human Physiology and Biochemistry, Nutrition and Dietetics	General and Dental Pharmacology and Therapeutics	General Surgery	Oral Medicine & Radiology
Dental Anatomy Embryology and Oral Histology	Dental Materials	Oral Pathology and Oral Microbiology	Paediatric & Preventive Dentistry
Dental Materials	Preclinical Conservative Dentistry	Conservative dentistry and Endodontics	Periodontology
Pre-clinical Prosthodontics and Crown & Bridge	Pre-clinical Prosthodontics and Crown & Bridge	Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery	Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
-	Oral Pathology & Oral Microbiology	Oral Medicine and Radiology	Prosthodontics and Crown & Bridge
-	-	Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopaedics	Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics
-	-	Paediatric & Preventive Dentistry Periodontology	Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics
-	-	Prosthodontics and Crown & Bridge	Public Health Dentistry

Upon successfully completing the examination, every candidate must undergo a mandatory one-year rotating internship program, encompassing all departments, with the specified duration outlined for each department as indicated below:

BDS internships department and period of posting:

Department	Period of Posting
Oral Medicine & Radiology	1 month
Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery	1 and a half month
Prosthodontics	1 and a half month
Periodontics	1 month
Conservative Dentist	1 month
Pedodontics	1 month
Oral Pathology & Microbiology	15 days
Orthodontics	1 month
Community Dentist/Rural Service	3 months
Elective	15 days
Total	12 months

A student failing to successfully complete the BDS course in all subjects within a span of nine years, including the mandatory one-year rotatory paid internship from the date of admission, will be disqualified from the BDS course.

BDS Specialisations

Dentists have the opportunity to specialize in various areas to shape their careers in the field of BDS. There are nine specializations available for them to choose from while pursuing their master's degree, as outlined below.

Oral Medicine, Diagnosis, and Radiology	Prosthodontics
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery	Periodontal Surgery and Oral Implantology
Oral Pathology and Microbiology	Pedodontics
Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics	Public Health Dentistry

What after BDS?

In the contemporary world, where oral health stands as a paramount concern for individuals, the scope of BDS, both in India and abroad, is significantly extensive. Regular dental checkups have become a norm, with people seeking oral health care every month or two. The scope of pursuing a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) in India is expansive and continues to grow rapidly. The opportunities available depend on the aspirant's skills, knowledge, capabilities, and the location of their practice.

MDS is not the sole option available to students. Dentists also have the opportunity to pursue management courses such as MHA (Masters in Hospital Administration) or MPH (Masters in Public Health). This enables them to venture into the managerial aspects of healthcare organizations or hospital chains. The BDS course is highly career-oriented and contributes significantly to societal well-being through its practical applications. Graduates with a BDS degree can secure lucrative salaries by working in either private or government organizations.

Careers Opportunities after BDS

Numerous career options unfold after completing the BDS degree program. Becoming a dentist is the most sought-after career path after completing the BDS course, offering various choices in terms of location, specialization, and role. It's crucial for students to register with the Dental Council of India to practice as dentists. Some of the career options include:

Dentist: Dentists, recognized as doctors, specialize in diagnosing and treating conditions related to teeth and oral cavities. They identify and address diseases affecting teeth, gums, and other oral structures, as well as create dentures. Additionally, dentists offer guidance to patients, providing information on maintaining optimal oral health, preserving healthy teeth and gums, and practicing effective oral hygiene.

Lecturer: Lecturers in medical colleges are typically seasoned doctors who have attained their MD degree and possess considerable work experience. Many doctors affiliated with government hospitals also take on roles as consulting professors for students in associated colleges. Teaching becomes a viable option for dentists with an inclination for it, especially after gaining experience in the field of dentistry.

Salary after BDS Degree

The salary of dental graduates is contingent on their skill set and experience. Aspirants can command a substantial salary in both the private and government sectors. Below, we have outlined the salary expectations after completing a BDS degree:

Job Profiles	Average Salary
Dentist	Rs. 3 LPA
Lecturer	Rs. 6 LPA

Employment Areas

BDS graduates have various employment opportunities in hospitals, healthcare facilities, and universities. Those who have pursued BDS or Bachelor of Dental Surgery can also establish independent practices. Some of the employment areas for BDS graduates include:

• Dental Clinics
• Government hospitals
• Dental Institutions
• Pharmaceutical Companies
• Dental Products Manufactures
• Private Practice

Top Private BDS Colleges in India

In India, there are several private BDS colleges, and it's important to note that private university education tends to be more expensive compared to public university education. Here are some of the prominent private BDS colleges along with their associated fees:

Colleges	Fees
ABSMIDS Mangalore	Rs. 20.07 Lakhs
ACDS Secunderabad	-
ADC Ahmedabad	Rs. 12.56 Lakhs
BDCH Davangere	-
BIDSH Patna	-
CDCRI Rajnandgaon	Rs. 9.30 Lakhs
CDSRC Ahmedabad	-
CIDS Coorg	Rs. 3.83 Lakhs
HCDSH Hazaribagh	-
IDS Jammu	Rs. 13.80 Lakhs

Top Government BDS Colleges in India

Attending a government-run college is generally more cost-effective than attending a private college. Government colleges are renowned for their high academic standards across India. Below are some of the top government BDS colleges along with their associated fees:

Colleges	Fees
AKU Patna	-
GDC Raipur	Rs. 1.04 Lakhs
GDCH Ahmedabad	Rs. 1.00 Lakhs
GDCH Jamnagar	Rs. 1.02 Lakhs
GDCH Nagpur	Rs. 3.70 Lakhs
Government Dental College Kozhikode	Rs. 1.65 Lakhs
HNGU Patan	-
IMS BHU	Rs. 1.49 Lakhs
JMI New Delhi	Rs. 1.55 Lakhs
KGMU Lucknow	Rs. 3.00 Lakhs

CONCLUSION

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Frequently Asked Question (FAQs)

1. Is it necessary to clear NEET for BDS?

Ans: Yes, admission to the BDS course is exclusively open to candidates who have qualified in the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), in addition to the MBBS course. It's important to note that the qualifying percentile and marks may vary for different categories.

2. Who regulates BDS education in India?

Ans: The curriculum of BDS is regulated by the Dental Council of India.

3. What is the BDS subjects 1st year?

Ans: In  the 1st year of BDS, the subjects include: General Human Physiology and Biochemistry Nutrition and Dietetics Dental Anatomy Embryology and Oral Histology Dental Materials Pre-clinical Prosthodontics and Crown & Bridge