Bachelor of Dental Surgery [BDS] is an undergraduate course in the field of dentistry. This course helps an aspirant to become a dentist.

The duration of Bachelor of Dental Surgery [BDS] ranges from 3 years to 5 years. The variation in duration is down to necessity of an internship or a lack thereof. The course can be pursued either in full time mode or in part time mode through correspondence. India has about 300 dental colleges which offer BDS course.

The eligibility for this undergraduate course is scoring a minimum of 50% in senior secondary examination with Physics, Chemistry, Biology and English. The average tuition fee of Bachelor of Dental Surgery [BDS] ranges from INR 50,000 to INR 12 lakhs. A candidate needs to take an entrance test to take admission in Bachelor of Dental Surgery [BDS]. AIPMT is one of the most popular entrance test for BDS aspirants.

There is a rising demand for dental surgery graduates in areas like research institutes, private practice, dental product manufacturers, dental clinics, hospital, pharmaceutical companies, educational institutes and dental equipment manufacturer. . It is the most sought after course in medical stream after MBBS. Career opportunities after BDS include clinical practice as a dentist, higher education i.e. pursuing MDS, teaching or research or government doctor. There is a vast scope for dental surgeons in India and abroad.

Duration

The duration of Bachelor of Dental Surgery [BDS] varies from university to university. It ranges from 3 years to 5 years depending upon which mode a student takes up. This course is divided in two semesters. It can be pursue either full time or part time. The mode opted will decide the duration of the course.

What is Bachelor of Dental Surgery [BDS]?

Bachelor of Dental Surgery [BDS] is focused on training students with knowledge and skills related to general dental practices to treat, prevent and diagnose oral diseases. Some colleges offer internships as a part of the course. However, it is mandatory for every student passing the final BDS examination to undergo a paid rotating internship for a year in a dental college. This course teaches the students various treatments such as Oral Medicine and Radiology, Dental Materials, Surgical Procedures, Pedodontics, Oral Pathology, Dental Anatomy and Oral Histology and Community Dentistry. This course is available both full time and part time as per the choice of student.

Who Should Opt for Bachelor of Dental Surgery [BDS]?

Students who aim to serve the society can fulfill their dream by pursuing Bachelor of Dental Surgery [BDS]. The candidates having good physical stamina are fit for this course. The aspirants having an interest in making a career in dentistry are made for this course. This course requires the type of students who have a strong mind and can cope with the obnoxious smell and sight during physical examination. Having patience and calm mind are minimum requirements for someone to be trained as a surgeon.

Where to Study?

The top colleges offering Bachelor of Dental Surgery [BDS] are:

• Maulana Azad Medical College
• Seth G.S. Medical College
• College of Dental Surgery
• University of Mumbai
• University of Delhi
• Shree Guru Gobind Singh Tricentenary University
• Manipal University
• Goa University
• Sumandeep Vidyapeeth University
• Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences

Academic Options after Bachelor of Dental Surgery [BDS]

Students can go for further studies enhancing their CV by pursuing post graduation in dentistry. Dental surgery graduates can pursue Master of Dental Surgery to gain specializations such as operative dentistry, prosthodontics, oral medicine and radiology, periodontology and oral implantology, oral and maxillofacial surgery, conservative, endodontics and aesthetic dentistry.

Bachelor of Dental Surgery [BDS] graduates can take lateral entry into third year of MBBS. 

Candidates shall meet the following eligibility criteria prescribed by the Dental Council of India.

1. Have passed the qualifying exam as under
   • Higher secondary examination or the Indian School Leaving certificate Examination which is equivalent to 10+2 higher secondary examination after a period of 12 years study, the last two years of study comprising of Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Mathematics or any other elective subjects with English at a level not less than the core course for English as prescribed by the National Council for Educational Research and Training after the introduction of the 10+2+3 years educational structure as recommended by the National Committee on Education.

or

• • The intermediate examination in science of an Indian University/ Board/ or other recognized examining body with Physics, Chemistry and Biology which shall include a practical test in these subjects and also English as a compulsory subject.