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BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery): Course, Admission, Fees, Subjects, Entrance Exams, Jobs, Scope

BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery): Course, Admission, Fees, Subjects, Entrance Exams, Jobs, Scope

Edited By Ankita Sinha | Updated on Jun 06, 2024 09:33 AM IST | #B.D.S.

BDS or Bachelor of Dental Surgery is a professional undergraduate degree in dentistry. BDS degree duration is five years, of which four years will be for theory, while one year will be for a rotatory internship. In 2024, there are 28,088 BDS seats available in more than 320 government, private, and deemed universities in India.

Candidates can apply for the course after completing their 10+2 in Science stream from a recognised board of India. BDS curriculum is regulated by the Dental Council of India (DCI). Candidates who wish to advance their careers in healthcare and dental surgery can get all BDS course details from this article.

What is BDS Full Form?

BDS full form is Bachelor of Dental Surgery, it is a five-year undergraduate programme. Candidates who want to pursue a career as a Dental surgeon can opt for this course. Students should have PCB in their 10+2 to be eligible for the degree programme. Many higher education institutes offer BDS courses. In this article, we will be discussing the BDS subjects year-wise.

Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) - Highlights

Particular

Value

Name of Degree

Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS)

Level

Undergraduate

Course Duration

Five 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 Fee

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 Course Duration and Fees

The BDS course duration is five years, which is divided into four years of theory and one year of rotatory internship programme. BDS fees vary depending on the medical college or university in which students take admission. Before enrolling in any particular BDS college, students should check the Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) fees structure. BDS fee in both the private and government colleges is Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 1,200,000 lakhs.

Why Choose BDS?

Pursuing BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery) offers students rewarding career opportunities. BDS graduates provide medical assistance on people’s oral health, by offering them essential dental care. This course offer a stable career with wide opportunities in the private and government or public sector. Graduates can also join the academics as a professor or lecturer in the medical colleges.

BDS graduates with the required certification perform anaesthesia to calm the patient and avoid extreme pain while the extraction of the tooth. Graduates of Bachelor of Dental Surgery usually get the opportunity to work in dental clinics and perform all such tasks. They can work full-time in a hospital or can practice in their personal dental clinics. BDS graduates can opt for numerous careers such as dental technician, prosthodontist, dental hygienist, dental consultant and numerous other roles.

BDS Eligibility Criteria

Aspiring applicants must meet the eligibility criteria for the admission in BDS course. They need to be aware of the basic BDS eligibility criteria required for pursuing a bachelor's degree in bachelor of dental surgery, including the course understanding. These are the necessary eligibility requirements that the students must follow to obtain admission to the degree programme. The eligibility criteria for as per NEET are given below.

  • Candidates have to pass a recognised Higher/Senior Secondary Examination or the Indian School Certificate Examination equivalent to 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology.
  • Students from Foreign/International Boards are eligible if their qualified exam meets the equivalency determined by the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) as per regulations of the Dental Council of India and the concerned University.
  • Unreserved candidates and OCI, NRI, and foreign candidates must have secured at least 50 per cent in their qualifying exam in Physics, Chemistry and Biology/ Biotechnology.
  • Candidates belonging to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes or Other Backward Classes (OBC) must have secured 40 per cent
  • PwD candidates must have secured 45 per cent in their qualifying exams.
  • Candidates must have completed 17 years at the time of admission or before December 31 of the year of admission.

Skills Required for BDS Degree

Candidates who want to pursue a BDS degree programme must possess certain skills. After earning BDS degree programme, student need the following skill sets to advance in the career:

  • Empathy
  • Patience
  • Critical Thinking
  • Physical Strength
  • Attention to Detail
  • Communication Skills

BDS Application Process

NEET is the only entrance examination that offer admission to the BDS course in the country. Admission to this degree will be done only on the basis of NEET scores. In order to pursue a BDS degree, aspirants are required to appear and qualify for the National Eligibility Entrance Test. The admission process for the BDS degree comprises filling out the application form for NEET, followed by admit card, conducting the exam, results, and counselling.

  • Candidates are required to fill out the NEET BDS application form by paying the requisite amount within the due dates.
  • Registered candidates will be issued the admit card for a BDS degree, which needs to be carried at the exam center for verification purposes.
  • The result of BDS will be released in online mode in the form of a scorecard.
  • Aspirants can download the BDS result-cum-scorecard by logging in using the required credentials.
  • Aspirants who will secure the BDS cutoff will only be considered qualified and eligible for the counselling process.
  • Qualified candidates are required to participate in the counselling process by registering themselves for successful granting of BDS admission within the due dates.

Top BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery) Exam

NEET is the entrance examination that is required for admission to the BDS course programmes. NEET is the national level entrance examination for the MBBS and BDS degrees in India.

Exam Name

Level

Conducting Body

Exam Schedule

NEET

National

National Testing Agency

NEET Exam Schedule

BDS Cut Off

Bachelor of Dental Surgery or BDS cut-off is required to determine the student's merit for admission in the BDS degree programme in various medical colleges in India. For BDS degree programmes, NEET cut off is the main criteria that every medical college accepts for the BDS admission process. BDS cutoff is based on the number of students appearing for the NEET examination, previous year’s cutoff, NEET question paper.

BDS Syllabus/Subjects

Candidates can go through the below-mentioned syllabus of BDS degree, which an aspirant has to go through while completing the degree. In the table below, we have mentioned BDS subjects year-wise. In the tables below, we have mentioned the syllabus of Sri Siddhartha Academy of Higher Education.

1st year
2nd year
General Human Anatomy including Embryology and Histology

General Pathology and Microbiology

General Human Physiology and Biochemistry, Nutrition and Dietetics

General and Dental Pharmacology and Therapeutics

Dental Anatomy Embryology and Oral Histology

Dental Materials

Dental Materials

Preclinical Conservative Dentistry

Pre-clinical Prosthodontics and Crown & Bridge

Pre-clinical Prosthodontics and Crown & Bridge

-

Oral Pathology & Oral Microbiology

3rd year
4th year
General Medicine

Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopaedics

General Surgery

Oral Medicine & Radiology

Oral Pathology and Oral Microbiology

Paediatric & Preventive Dentistry

Conservative dentistry and EndodonticsPeriodontology
Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery

Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery

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

After passing the examination, all candidates are required to do a one-year mandatory rotating internship programme in all the departments for the duration indicated against each department as given 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

Note: Any student who does not clear the BDS course in all the subjects within a period of nine years, including a year mandatory rotatory paid internship from the date of admission shall be disquallified from BDS course.

BDS Specialisations

BDS specialisations available for the dentists to choose the area in which they would like to mark their career. They have a choice of nine specialisations to choose from while pursuing their masters as given below.

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

What after BDS?

In today's world, where oral health is one of the primary concerns for everyone, the scope of BDS in India and abroad is very high. People like to visit the dentist for their oral checkup in a month or two. The scope of this course in India is vast and increasing at a rapid speed day by day. It depends on the respective aspirant’s skills, knowledge, calibers, and the place they are practicing.

MDS is not just the only option that is open for students. Dentists can also pursue a management course like MHA (Masters in Hospital Administration) or MPH (Masters in Public Health). This will allow them to step into the management side of health organisations or hospital chains. BDS course is very career-oriented and serves society with its application. BDS graduates can easily earn a handsome salary by working in both private or government organisations.

Careers Opportunities after BDS

A plethora of career options are available after the BDS degree programme. Career as a dentist is the most sought after career option available after BDS course. However, that in itself has choices of where for whom, and as what. An important point is that students must register with the Dental Council of India to be able to practice as a dentist. Some of the career options are mentioned below:

Dentist: Dentists are doctors who diagnose and treat teeth diseases and oral cavities. Dentists recognise and then treat the diseases of teeth, gum, other oral diseases and make dentures. They guide the patients by providing information on how to maintain healthy teeth and gums and how to take care of oral hygiene.

Lecturer: Lecturers in the medicl colleges are senior doctors who have completed their MD degree and have work experience. Mostly the doctors attached to the Govt hospitals also work as consulting professors to the students at the attached colleges. However, teaching is an option for dentists who have an inclination for it, after gaining some experience working as a dentist.

Top Recruiters

Some of the top recruiters that hire BDS graduates are mentioned below:

  • All India Institute of Medical Sciences
  • Apollo Group
  • Indian Nursing Council
  • Fortis Hospitals
  • Manipal Group
  • Medica

Salary after BDS Degree

The salary of dental graduates depends upon their caliber and experience. Aspirants can earn a handsome salary both in the private and government sector. Below, we have mentioned the salary after BDS degree:

Job Profiles

Average Salary

Dentist

Rs. 3 LPA

Lecturer

Rs. 6 LPA

Employment Areas

BDS graduates can join hospitals, other healthcare facilities, and universities. Students who have pursued BDS or Bachelor of Dental Surgery, can also practise individually. Some of the employment areas after graduating from BDS are mentioned below

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

Top Private BDS Colleges in India with Fees

In India there are a number of private BDS colleges. Private university education is significantly more expensive than public university education. Some of the greatest private BDS colleges and also BDS fees are discussed below:

Top Government BDS Colleges in India with Fees

Attending a government-run college is less expensive than attending a private college. These colleges are well-known for their high academic standards throughout India. The following are some of the best government BDS colleges and also BDS fees:

BDS is a popular undergraduate degree in dental which provides knowledge on dental anatomy, embryology and oral histology and dental materials. After completing four years of studying, candidates need to complete one year of a rotatory internship programme.

Frequently Asked Question (FAQs)

1. Is it necessary to clear NEET for BDS?

Yes, only NEET qualified candidates will be considered for admission to the BDS course, apart from the MBBS course. Please note that the qualifying percentile and marks will be different for different categories.

2. How many marks are required in NEET for BDS?

The cutoff marks depend on various factors like the category of the candidate, sanctioned seats, the performance of candidates in the exam. Also, the cutoff varies from one year to another.

3. Who regulates BDS education in India?

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

4. What is the scope of BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery)?

In today's world, where oral health is one of the primary concerns for everyone, the scope of BDS in India and abroad is very high.

5. What is BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery)?

BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery) is an undergraduate course for five years duration. Under this degree duration, four years will be for theory and one year will be for a rotatory internship. Dental Council of India (DCI) regulates Dental education in the country.

6. What is the BDS subjects 1st year?

The BDS subjects in 1st year are General Human Physiology and Biochemistry, Nutrition and Dietetics, Dental Anatomy Embryology and Oral Histology, Dental Materials, Pre-clinical Prosthodontics and Crown & Bridge.

7. What is BDS Full form?

BDS full form is Bachelor of Dental Surgery. BDS is a four-year undergraduate program. Candidates who want to pursue a career as Dental surgeon can take the BDS course.

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Questions related to B.D.S.

Have a question related to B.D.S. ?

Hello student

Congratulations on your NEET 2024 score! With a rank of 71659 and a score of 605 marks in the GEN category with no reservation, your chances of getting a government BDS seat are possible, but it depends on various factors:


1. *Cutoff ranks*: Last year's cutoff ranks for government BDS seats varied across India, ranging from 30,000 to 1,50,000.

2. *Seat matrix*: The number of BDS seats available in government colleges and their distribution across states.

3. *State-wise counseling*: Counseling processes and seat allotment vary across states.

4. *Category-wise cutoffs*: GEN category cutoffs might be higher than reserved categories.


Based on previous years' trends, here are some possible scenarios:


- *Kerala*: You might get a government BDS seat in Kerala, as their cutoff ranks have been around 70,000-80,000 in previous years.

- *Tamil Nadu*: You have a chance in Tamil Nadu, where cutoff ranks have been around 60,000-70,000.

- *Other states*: In states like Maharashtra, Gujarat, or Rajasthan, the competition is higher, and cutoff ranks might be lower (around 40,000-50,000).


To increase your chances:


1. *Participate in state-wise counseling*: Register for counseling in multiple states to explore opportunities.

2. *Check seat matrices*: Look for states with a higher number of BDS seats in government colleges.

3. *Stay updated*: Monitor counseling schedules, cutoffs, and seat allotment lists regularly.


Remember, these are general insights based on previous years' trends. The actual cutoffs and seat allotment may vary. Best of luck!

Hello student

The NEET cut-off score for BDS in Andhra Pradesh is expected to range from 720 to 164 for unreserved students . Here are some key points to consider:

- *Cut-off scores vary by category*: The cut-off score will vary for different categories, such as UR-PH, SC/ST/OBC, SC/OBC-PH, and ST-PH .

- *Cut-off scores vary by institution*: The cut-off score will also vary for different institutions and colleges ¹.

- *Number of seats available*: There are 1440 BDS seats available in Andhra Pradesh .

- *Counseling process*: The counseling process will be conducted by Dr. YSR University of Health Sciences, Vijayawada ¹.

- *Eligibility criteria*: Candidates must be a domicile of Andhra Pradesh and should have qualified for the NEET 2024 with an appropriate score ¹.

- *Previous year's cut-off trends*: Candidates can check the previous year's cut-off trends to get an idea of the minimum score required to get admission to their desired institution .

At this score it is difficult for you to get any government college due to high competition but you might get some good private colleges.

Dont get disheartened just go for counselling process dont give up you may get good colleges in mop up round many candidates get good colleges in last rounds.also you can use this predictor link to lnow the name of colleges which you may get according to your marks.

https://medicine.careers360.com/neet-college-predictor?utm_source=neet_cp&utm_medium=GoogleAds&utm_campaign=neetugcp0305&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwsuSzBhCLARIsAIcdLm4StOrkWXdjz3YttaSKfj3Jk2JFSTDY--vAly2dowLReEKlfntOiFIaAi8mEALw_wcB


Hello,

As a BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery) graduate with 2 years of experience, you may have some eligibility considerations for IIT JAM and CSIR-NET. Here’s an overview of each and their relevance to your background:

IIT JAM (Joint Admission Test for M.Sc.)

  • Eligibility:

    • Educational Qualification: Typically, IIT JAM is designed for students with a background in science subjects like Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology. It is primarily for admission to M.Sc. programs and other post-graduate programs in science at IITs and other participating institutions.
    • Graduation Degree: A BDS degree, being a professional degree in the field of dentistry, generally does not align with the typical science-based eligibility criteria for IIT JAM.
  • Relevance:

    • Given that IIT JAM focuses on science disciplines and your background is in dentistry, it might not be the most relevant option for you.

CSIR-NET (Council of Scientific and Industrial Research - National Eligibility Test)

  • Eligibility:

    • Educational Qualification: CSIR-NET is aimed at candidates with a background in science for eligibility in junior research fellowships (JRF) and lectureship positions. Common fields include Life Sciences, Chemical Sciences, Earth Sciences, Mathematical Sciences, and Physical Sciences.
    • Graduation Degree: A BDS degree is not typically listed among the standard qualifications for CSIR-NET. However, if you have a strong interest in life sciences or a related field and have pursued additional qualifications or research in that area, it could be worth exploring.
  • Relevance:

    • While CSIR-NET primarily targets candidates with degrees in traditional science disciplines, if you have a keen interest in life sciences or related research areas, you might consider it. Additional coursework or research experience in relevant areas would be beneficial.

Which is Better for You?

  • CSIR-NET might be more relevant if you are interested in research or academic positions in scientific fields and have additional qualifications or research experience in a relevant area. If you’re considering a shift to a research or academic career in science, CSIR-NET could be a viable option.

  • IIT JAM would generally be less applicable given your background, as it is focused on science graduates and is more suited to those pursuing M.Sc. programs in scientific disciplines.


Hope it helps you!

Hello student

*Chances of Getting a Government BDS Seat with 422 Marks*


- *Less Chance*: With 422 marks, you have less chance to get a government MBBS seat, but you can easily get government BDS seats if you belong to the unreserved category .

- *Difficult*: Getting a government college is a bit difficult as the cutoff for the general category goes really high .

- *Possible*: If you are an SC/ST candidate, then you can easily get a government medical seat through the state level quota for 422 marks .

- *Government Dental Colleges*: The NEET BDS cut off for government dental colleges in India varies from 85% state quota seats .

- *Expected Cutoff*: The expected cutoff scores range from 720 to 136 for general category candidates, while reserved categories are between 135 and 110 .

- *NEET Counselling*: NEET Counselling 2024 involves both the 15% All India Quota (AIQ) and 85% state quota seats .

- *Seat Matrix*: The total seats available through the NEET exam are broad and diverse, including 101,188 for MBBS, 52,720 for AYUSH, 27,868 for BDS, 487 for BSc nursing, 603 for BVSc, along with 200 seats for JIPMER and 1,205 for AIIMS .

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