BDS Explained: Full Form, Course, Admission, Top Colleges, Scope, and more

‘She laughs at everything you say. Why? Because she has fine teeth.’ – Benjamin Franklin
Do not underestimate the power of a dentist and his art of giving you a perfect smile you can flaunt anytime. Do you want to become the next dental expert? If you want to pursue a career where you are passionate about healthcare and provide hands-on precision, a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) could be your best shot. Dentistry as a degree is one of the most fulfilling and impactful careers in the present industry and is one of the most respected and prestigious fields in medicine. So if you are interested in pursuing a BDS course, we have the perfect guide for you. With this blog, let’s explore the BDS course, different career options such as full form, colleges, courses, ranking, and syllabus here.

What is the Full Form of BDS?

BDS stands for Bachelor of Dental Surgery. It is a five-year degree course that trains you to become a dentist. This medical course requires full-time classes only with hands-on training. It aims to prepare you for the role of a dental surgeon; you would be able to diagnose, treat, and prevent various oral health issues.

The BDS course covers dental anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pharmacology, oral pathology, microbiology, dental materials, and clinical dentistry. The BDS course is fully equipped to train you to perform dental surgery in future.

How Did BDS Gain Significance?

There are many reasons why BDS has always been a respected profession. It has become extremely popular these days, given how many professional perks it offers. Some of the few reasons why BDS gained significance are:

• Dentists play a vital role in promoting oral hygiene and preventing dental diseases.

• Innovations like digital imaging and laser dentistry have expanded the scope of dental practice and made it accessible.

• The demand for skilled dental professionals is rising worldwide due to population growth.

• BDS graduates provide high-quality care, attracting patients from around the world.

About The Courses And Subjects

• You’ll study the Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) for 5 years.

• The course is split into ten semesters.

• You’ll learn dental anatomy, oral pathology, and clinical dentistry.

• Expect a mix of theory and hands-on training.

• You’ll work on patient care, dental procedures, and case studies.

• Key subjects include Dental Anatomy, Oral Pathology, and Dental Materials Science.

• Graduates are well-prepared for careers in dentistry.

Specialisations and Courses You Study in BDS

BDS comes along with opportunities and a handful of skills. The BDS undergraduate programme has different specialisations and courses covered within the 5 years programme. Some of the common courses are:

• Orthodontics: Specialises in correcting teeth and jaw alignment issues.

• Endodontics: Focuses on treating dental pulp and root canal-related problems.

• Oral Surgery: Concentrates on surgical procedures related to the mouth, jaws, and face.

• Periodontics: Deals with gum diseases and related treatments.

• Prosthodontics: Focuses on replacing missing teeth with artificial ones.

• Paediatric Dentistry: Specialises in dental care for children.

• Implant Dentistry: It focuses on dental implants and related surgeries.

• Oral Medicine and Radiology: Involves diagnosing and managing oral diseases using radiographic techniques.

Core Subjects in BDS

Once you select the BDS programme, you will be covering some of the important core subjects which are common among different universities and colleges; some of the core subjects are:

1. Anatomy: You will study dental anatomy and physiology, which covers the human body structures with a focus on the oral cavity, head, and neck.

2. Physiology: You will concentrate on how different body systems operate, especially mouth-related ones as well as ways that oral health care may affect them.

3. Biochemistry: The understanding of dental materials depends heavily on the knowledge of biochemical processes occurring in living beings.

4. Oral Pathology: Oral pathology is where you study the nature, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases in the oral and maxillofacial regions, which is essential for diagnosing and managing oral conditions.

5. Microbiology: In Microbiology, the focus is placed on microorganisms and their roles in oral health and disease, thereby giving insights into infection control as well as treatment protocols.

6. Pharmacology: Pharmacology is about studying drugs and how they affect your body, including such.

7. Dental Materials: This is all about materials used in teeth care, such as fillings, casts and drills.

8. Oral Medicine and Radiology: This will show you how to treat mouth problems by taking pictures of them with X-rays, as well as giving people medicine if they need it when visiting dentists.

Admission Process for BDS Programmes

The admission process for the BDS programme could be complicated to understand however, we have prepared an easy step-wise guide for the admission process:

The admission process for Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) programmes in India follows a structured procedure to select eligible candidates for pursuing a career in dentistry.

Here’s an overview of the admission process:

Eligibility Criteria:

You should be able to apply for the mandatory NEET Entrance Exam, the eligibility criteria is:

• You must have passed Class 12 in the Science stream with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (PCB) subjects from a recognised board.

• You need a minimum aggregate of 50% marks in Class 12.

• You must qualify for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET-UG) to be considered for admission to BDS programs.

Application Process:

1. You need to register and fill out the NEET UG application form online on the official NTA website by the specified deadline.

2. You should carefully select the colleges where you wish to apply for BDS admission, considering factors like ranking, reputation, location, and facilities.

3. Appear for the counselling process and for document verification.

4. After completing the application form, make sure to pay the requisite application fee online through the provided payment gateway.

NEET UG Exam

• NEET UG is a pen-and-paper-based exam consisting of multiple-choice questions

• You should download your NEET UG admit card from the official website of NTA using your registration credentials. You must carry a printed copy of your admit card and a valid photo ID proof to the exam centre.

• Remember that electronic devices, study materials, and calculators are prohibited inside the examination hall.

Must Read: The Ultimate Guide to Acing the NEET Exam

Result and Counselling:

If you qualify based on your NEET UG scores, you become eligible to participate in counselling necessary for seat allotment. Seats in BDS colleges are allotted based on your NEET UG ranks, preferences, category, and seat availability.

Want to go for an MBA after BDS ? Check here to know why it can be a great decision for your career.

Top Institutes for BDS Programmes in India

Here are some of the top BDA colleges in India and their fees in INR:

Entrance Exams for BDS

Here is the list of the top entrance exams and their expected dates:

How to Find the Right BDS College?

If you are confused  between so many choices and you want to know how to pick the right college here is your guide:

1. Identify your career aspirations in dentistry and choose colleges that offer programmes that would match your interest.

2. Make sure to research tuition fees and make a budget. Research tuition fees, scholarships, and financial aid options to ensure affordability.

3. Look for colleges that have good reviews, recognition, and NAAC scores.

4. Check the college’s placement track record and industry connections for job opportunities.

5. Go for colleges that offer plenty of hands-on clinical experience and internships.

6. Research the demand for dentists in different specialisations and regions to make an informed decision.

Career Options after BDS and Their Salary

The number of options after a BDS is endless. You can opt for different career paths or continue with a master’s in dental surgery. Here are some of the top career opportunities with salaries.

Logging Out

BDS is one of the most secure professions for students who wish to work in healthcare. BDS or Bachelor of Dental Surgery, is a 5-year undergraduate programme that one pursues after achieving the cut-off marks for an academic year in the NEET UG exam. BDS has become popular due to the demand for dental durian in the job market, clinics and hospitals. You would have a layer of options and opportunities after you complete the BDS course. The course would enhance your practical and theoretical skills in the field. So, if you want to become the next top dental doctor with a private clinic or work in a hospital, this is the right course for you. Get your seat now!