The Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) is a nationally recognized undergraduate program in India designed for students aspiring to become dental professionals. Spanning five years, the program includes four years of academic study followed by a one-year compulsory rotating internship. Regulated by the Dental Council of India (DCI), BDS is the only professional dental course in the country that leads to recognition as a certified dental doctor upon completion.
Admission Process
Admission to the BDS program requires candidates to qualify the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), which is held once annually at the national level. This exam is the sole entrance test for BDS admission in India. After clearing NEET and meeting the required cutoff marks, students must participate in centralized counseling sessions, typically conducted in three rounds, to secure seats in dental colleges.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for BDS admission, applicants must:
- Complete 10 2 (or equivalent) from a recognized board.
- Secure a minimum of 85% marks.
- Study Physics, Chemistry, and Biology as compulsory subjects.
Subjects and Curriculum
The BDS curriculum covers various dental and medical subjects including:
- Dental Histology
- Oral Pathology
- Oral Surgery
- Prosthodontics
- Periodontics
- Pedodontics
On successful completion, graduates must register with the Dental Council of India (DCI) to legally practice dentistry in India.
Career Opportunities After BDS
Graduates of the BDS program have a range of career and academic paths available:
- Postgraduate Studies: Students may pursue a Master of Dental Surgery (MDS) to specialize in specific areas of dentistry.
- Doctoral Programs: Those interested in research can enroll in Ph.D. programs in dental sciences.
- Teaching Career: BDS and MDS graduates can join dental colleges as lecturers, and advance through roles such as readers, professors, department heads, and deans.
- Clinical Practice: Opportunities include working as a dentist or dental surgeon in private or government hospitals, or starting an independent dental clinic.
Popular Job Roles for BDS Graduates
- General Dentist
- Dental Surgeon
- Oral and Maxillofacial Pathologist
- Prosthodontist
- Pedodontist
- Periodontist
- Oral Surgeon