BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery) is the only professional dental course recognized in India and hence enjoys as much demand as Medical courses. This undergraduate program trains and introduces students to the dental sciences and surgeries. The BDS degree course is regulated by the Dental Council of India (DCI) and requires students to register themselves in the DCI to practice their profession after completing their degree.
As you might have guessed by now, the BDS course is also plagued by more candidates than available seats – as is the norm for courses that lead to high-paying jobs in our country. You might be wondering what makes this course so great and where you can find all information about BDS course in India.
In this blog, we discuss the BDS course duration, curriculum, scope, eligibility and admission, and much more in detail, so you can find out all the BDS course information you might need by yourself.
Overview
Before we take a deeper dive into the very nitty-gritty of BDS course details, check out the table below to get an overview of the course.
| Course Name | BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery) |
| Level | Undergraduate |
| Duration | 4+1 years |
| Mode of Examination | Semester System |
| Eligibility Criteria | 10+2 or equivalent with 50% or more marks and PCB |
| Admission Process | NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) |
| Average Course Fee | INR 1 – 6 LPA |
| Average Initial Salary | INR 4 – 10 LPA |
| Common Job Roles | Dentist, Dental Hygienist, Lecturer, Dental Researcher, etc. |
BDS Course Duration
The BDS degree duration is 5 years, which includes 4 years of classroom education and 1 year of compulsory rotating internship. The internship period allows students to gain practical experience in various dental specialities under the supervision of senior dentists. Since the internship is paid too, it also helps students to develop their skills and confidence as dental practitioners.
Also Read: What are the Requirements for BDS Admission?
BDS Course Curriculum
The BDS course curriculum covers various subjects related to dental anatomy, physiology, pathology, microbiology, pharmacology, oral medicine, oral surgery, prosthodontics, orthodontics, periodontics, pedodontics, community dentistry, etc. It also includes chapters on forensic, basic and advanced life support as per the new proposal by the DCI.
While the exact syllabus BDS details vary from one dental college to another, the curriculum follows the general pattern shown in the table below:
| Year I | Covers pre-clinical subjects such as general anatomy, general physiology, biochemistry, dental anatomy and histology. |
| Year II | Covers para-clinical subjects such as general pathology, general microbiology, pharmacology, dental materials, pre-clinical prosthodontics and pre-clinical conservative dentistry. |
| Year III | Covers clinical subjects such as oral pathology, oral medicine and radiology, general medicine, general surgery, pedodontics, orthodontics and dentofacial orthopaedics. |
| Year IV | Covers clinical subjects such as conservative dentistry and endodontics, oral and maxillofacial surgery, prosthodontics and crown and bridge, periodontology and public health dentistry. |
BDS Course Admission
For BDS admission to colleges like DJ College of Dental Sciences and Research, candidates must have passed Class 12 in the Science stream with PCB (Physics, Chemistry and Biology) subjects with at least 50% from a recognised institute. They must also qualify for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), which is a national-level exam conducted once a year for admission to medical courses like MBBS, BDS, etc. NEET is mandatory for admission to both government and private dental colleges in India.
Of course, there is a relaxation in minimum marks for BDS course eligibility for candidates belonging to the reserved categories, which may also differ from one college to another.
BDS Course Fees
BDS course fees vary depending on the type of college, location and quota. The average fees range between INR 1-8 lakhs for government colleges and INR 6-9 lakhs for private colleges. Some colleges may also charge additional fees for hostel, mess, library, etc. The fees may also vary depending on the category of reservation such as SC /ST /OBC /EWS /PwD.
BDS: Scope and Salary
The BDS course has a vast scope as there is a high demand for qualified and skilled dentists in India and abroad. Dentists can work in various settings such as government or private hospitals, clinics, dental colleges, research institutes, defence services, etc. They can also start their private practice or join a group practice with other dentists. Dentists can also pursue higher studies such as MDS (Master of Dental Surgery), PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) or PG Diploma in various dental specialities.
The salary after getting a BDS dental degree depends on various factors such as experience, qualification, location, type of employer, etc. While the average initial salary of a BDS graduate ranges between INR 4 – 10 lakhs per annum, with experience and specialisation, it can increase up to INR 15 – 20 lakhs per annum or more. BDS course graduates can also earn extra income by doing part-time or freelance work.
Also Read: Why Should You Get an MDS Degree After a BDS?
Conclusion
All in all, it can be said that the BDS course offers a comprehensive education in dental sciences and surgeries along with practical exposure through internship. The great thing about BDS course is that it can be a rewarding career option for students who are interested in dentistry and want to serve society by improving oral health.
The BDS course also opens up various opportunities for employment or higher studies in India and abroad.
FAQs
- What is the minimum age that I can apply for BDS?
The minimum required eligible age to apply for a BDS program in India is 17 years of age.
- After BDS which course is better?
After completing your BDS, if you want to go for higher education, the better course for most people would be an MDS (Master of Dental Surgery), which would allow you to specialise in an area of dentistry.
- For BDS NEET is required?
Yes, it is absolutely necessary to clear the NEET to get admission to a BDS course in any dental college in India.
- How many seats are available for BDS in DJ College of Dental Sciences and Research?
There are 100 seats available for BDS admission at DJ College of Dental Sciences and Research.
