ABOUT BDS
A professional undergraduate program, Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) gives training to students in the field of dentistry. This 5 year programme, equips students with knowledge and essential skills to diagnose, prevent and treat various dental issues. Once this course is completed, the student becomes eligible for the dental profession.
Aim of the course is, prepare students for in-depth understanding about dental sciences. The course prepares students to serve in healthcare, which focuses on oral health. In this programme there is a blend of theoretical learning and practical experiences.
To get hands-on experience, there would be a one year mandatory internship in a clinical setting. Students get trained in subjects such as anatomy, physiology, pathology, microbiology, and dental surgery, among others.
What is BDS?
The course structure of BDS is structured in different phases, providing knowledge and exposure for students of graduation. Below is the outline of course:
1st year
1st Year | Core
Core
Core | General Human Anatomy Including Embryology, Osteology and Histology
General Human Physiology, Biochemistry, Nutrition and Dietetics
Dental Anatomy and Dental Histology | This core subject helps students to understand the general anatomy of the human body. The subject emphasises the local areas of the face and neck as they are directly associated with dentistry. Students learn about medical genetics through this subject.
General physiology is of great importance for dentists. Students learn about the basics of cells, nerves, and blood in this subject. They also understand the functioning of nerves, muscles, and hormones in this subject.
The subject includes definitions and nomenclature in Dental Anatomy, Tooth numbering systems, differences between permanent and deciduous dentition, and definition of elevations and depressions on the tooth Different Traits |
2nd year
2nd Year | Core
Core
Core | General Pathology and Microbiology
Dental Pharmacology and Therapeutics
Dental Materials
| Students are introduced to Pathology and its different sections, The Cell in health, Normal cell structure, The Cellular functions; Cellular adaptations and intracellular accumulations
In this subject, students learn about general pharmacology, the effects of drugs on the autonomic Nervous System, Central Nervous and Cardiovascular and Renal System Antimicrobial drugs
Introduction to Dental Materials; Biocompatibility of Materials; Physical Properties; Mechanical properties; Hydrocolloid impression materials; Gypsum products |
3rd year
3rd Year | Core
Core
Core
| General Medicine
General Surgery
Oral Pathology and Microbiology
Prosthodontics and Crown and Bridge
| General medicine emphasises the need for medicines, the aim of giving medications, and understanding the symptoms and signs to provide the right medication. It also includes the methods of diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of various diseases.
Introduction to Surgery (History and Principles), Wounds; Inflammation, Aetiology, Pathology and Management; Carbuncle, Cellulitis, Abscess, Ludwig’s angina, Erysipelas; Tetanus; Gas Gangrene; Shock- Definition, Classification, Pathophysiology and Management
Developmental Disturbances of oral and paraoral structures; Developmental disturbances of hard tissues; Benign and Malignant tumours of the oral cavity; Bone and cartilage; Tumours of the salivary glands
Introduction to Complete Dentures: Components / Parts of a Complete Dentures Steps in the fabrication of Complete Dentures; Diagnosis and Treatment Planning. Clinical History taking; Mouth Preparation in Complete Denture; Pre-prosthetic surgery |
Final year (4th year)
4th Year | Core
Core
Elective | Orthodontics and Dental Orthopaedics
Periodontology
Public Health Dentistry | Definition, Historical Background, aims and Objectives of Orthodontics and Need for Orthodontics care; Morphologic Development of Craniofacial structures
Definition of Periodontology, Periodontics, Periodontia; Microstructural Anatomy and biology of periodontal tissues in detail, gingiva, junctional epithelium; Defensive mechanisms in the oral cavity; Classification of periodontal diseases
Introduction, Definition, History, Changing concepts, History of Public; Health in India Characteristic method and Technique; Clinical Dentistry and Public Health Dentistry, Survey, Biostatistics |
Admission Highlights of 2025
The admission process of BDS Course in 2025 is generally flowing in the academic year. The key highlight points of admission of 2025 :
- Online Application: All institutions mostly start with an online application process, students can fill out the necessary forms and submit their required documents.
- Entrance Exam: Admission of BDS programme is mostly based on the national level entrance examination that is NEET.
- Merit-Based Selection: Selection mostly depends on the candidate’s score in the entrance exam of NTA.
- Counseling: Once the entrance exam is completed counselling sessions would start, candidates can choose from the available colleges, basing the rank and preferences.
Keeping a track on official websites, helps students to track the latest updates regarding application details, entrance exam dates and admission procedure.
Medical tree helps students in smooth transition of this admission process, guidance would be provided to students regarding which college to choose from and how to proceed further with college admission.
BDS Admission 2025-26 Eligibility Criteria
Depending on the country and institution, the admission eligibility criteria would be different for BDS. However, a general overview of the common BDS eligibility in many colleges.
The admission eligibility criteria for BDS Course :
- Educational Qualification:
- 10+2 is the minimum qualification . One should pass class 12 with PCB subjects i.e Physics, Chemistry, Biology. There is relaxation for reserved categories, that would be a minimum percentage of 40-45%
2. Age Limit:
- 17 years is the minimum age for admission in this course.
- 25 years is the upper limit for admission in this course. Relaxation is there for candidates who belong to reserved categories.
3. Entrance Exam:
- Qualifying entrance exams is mandatory. Candidates can either clear NEET i.e National Eligibility cum Entrance Test.
By meeting all these eligibility criterias, students can apply for BDS courses in various colleges across India or Abroad.
Fees Structure
The structure of fees can vary depending on the institution, location that the candidate is applying to. Government, private and deemed to be universities have different course fees structures.
Generally they can be categorized as mentioned below, the Fees of BDS :
1. Government Colleges:
- Tuition Fees: Approximately 50,000/year would be the fees for various government colleges.
- Other Charges: Annually the amount can vary from 5-10 thousand for additional charges which would include Examination fees, Library fees and any other charges.
2. Private Colleges:
- Tuition Fees: The fees of private colleges are generally on the higher side, the range may vary from 2 lakhs to 3 lakhs per year approximately.
- Other Charges: Similar to government colleges, there would be additional costs for examinations or laboratories, which can vary in between 50 thousand.
The fees may tend to increase over the years. For exact fees one has to check over respective institutions or colleges before applying for them
Required Documents for BDS Admission
- NEET Admit Card/Scorecard : Your scorecard from the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET)
- 10th-12th marksheets : Your marksheets from your 10th and 12th grade
- Birth Certificate : Proof of your date of birth
- Identity Proof : An Aadhaar card, PAN card, driving license, or passport
- Domicile Certificate : If applicable, a certificate for state quota admissions
- Migration Certificate : If you’re from a board that’s not recognized by the dental college
- Medical Fitness : If required by the college
- Passport-size photo : Eight passport-size photographs that match the ones you used in your application form
- Gap Certificate (If applicable )
Government/Central Universities for BDS
- IMS BHU dental, Varanasi, UP
- RUHS College of Dental Science, Jaipur
- Nair Hospital Dental College, Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Government Dental College and Research Institute, Bangalore, Karnataka
- Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Dental sciences, Imphal, Manipur
- Faculty of Dental science, Lucknow, UP
Deemed Colleges
- MM College of Dental sciences and Research, Haryana
- Santosh Dental College and Hospital Ghaziabad, NCR Delhi, UP
- Yenepoya Dental College, Mangalore, Karnataka
- Dr. DY Patil Dental College, Pune, Maharashtra
- VMS Dental College, Salem, Tamil Nadu
There are many more Universities, under which students can enroll themselves.
BDS Colleges in Delhi
- Maulana Azad Dental College, DU
- Jamia Millia Islamia Dental College, Under HAMDARD – Deemed College
BDS Colleges in Haryana
Pt. B.D Sharma, PGIDS, Rothak ( Government College)
Private colleges
- Manav Rachna Dental College
- Yamuna Institute of Dental College
- SGT Dental College
- Sudha Rustagi College of Dental Sciences
There are many more Universities, under which students can enroll themselves. Medical tree helps you by providing a handpicked list of colleges. This helps the students in choosing the right college. Students will receive guidance from expert counsellors. The counselors have in -depth understanding regarding cut off, eligibility and other college related information.
Career Opportunities After the BDS Course
There are a wide range of opportunities that are available to explore once the students completed their course in BDS.
Some of the popular career options include:
There are wide range of career
- Postgraduate Studies
Many graduates choose to continue their education with a Master of Dental Surgery (MDS) or other specialized programs. This can increase their clinical knowledge and lead to advanced practice roles. - Self-Employment
Starting a private dental practice is a popular choice. It offers independence and the potential for high income but requires initial investment and business skills. - Private Sector Employment
Working in dental clinics or hospitals is common. It provides practical experience and a steady income while building professional networks. - Government Jobs
Many countries have secure positions in public health sectors, such as government hospitals or health departments. These often come with benefits like pensions and job security. - Teaching and Academics
Graduates can join dental colleges as faculty members. This allows them to share their knowledge and prepare for further qualifications.
- Postgraduate Studies
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