Introduction: BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery) is a 5-years undergraduate program and the only approved professional dental course in India. Students become doctors after the BDS course. It is a compulsory course for students aspiring to work as dentists at government or private hospitals. BDS mainly focuses on training and introducing students to the dental sciences and surgeries. The 5-year program involves 4 years of classroom education and 1 year of compulsory rotating internship. 

The degree is regulated by the Dental Council of India (DCI). The various BDS Subject taught in the program include Dental Histology, Oral Pathology, Oral Surgery, etc. It is necessary for the students to register themselves in the Dental Council of India which regulates the BDS course so that they become eligible to practice their profession after the completion of their degree.  

In India, for admission to BDS courses, it is mandatory for students to qualify for a 10+2 exam or an equivalent degree with at least 85% from a recognized institute. There is generally only one entrance exam conducted all over India. The entrance exam is named National Eligibility Cum Entrance Test (NEET) and is held as a national level exam once a year. 

As per the current data, there are approximately more than 300 dental colleges in India which means in total there are 26,000 seats in both government as well as private colleges. In India, BDS course fees range between INR 1-8 lacs.

Why Study BDS Course?

• Career Opportunities: Bachelor of Dental Surgery degree graduates become licensed dentists and can practice dentistry in various settings such as private clinics, hospitals, community health centres, and even in research and academia. 
• Healthcare Profession: Dentistry is a vital component of the healthcare industry. As a dentist   professionals play a crucial role in maintaining oral health, preventing dental diseases, and improving the overall well-being of patients.
• Variety of Specializations: Within the Bachelor of Dental Surgery degree, there are various specializations like orthodontics, oral and maxillofacial surgery, periodontics, endodontics, prosthodontics, and more. BDS degree allows one to focus on areas that align with their interests and strengths.
• Continuous Learning: Bachelor of Dental Surgery degree is a field that constantly evolves due to advancements in technology, techniques, and research. This ensures that the learning journey will be ongoing, making the profession intellectually stimulating.
• Financial Reward: Dentists often enjoy competitive salaries, which can improve over time with experience and specialization. This financial stability can provide one with a comfortable lifestyle.

• Job Flexibility: Dentists have the flexibility to work as sole practitioners, join group practices, or even work in public health settings. This flexibility can allow one to find a work environment that suits their preferences and work-life balance.

What is the BDS Admission Process?

Here is everything that you need to know about BDS that includes BDS course fees, entrance exams, etc. 

• Admissions to BDS usually take place through the national level NEET exam conducted across the country.
• It has been made mandatory since 2016 that admissions to medical courses like MBBS, BDS, etc. require students to appear for NEET.
• In order to be eligible for the course, the student must attain a minimum of 50% in the 10+2 qualifying examination.
• The candidates are allowed to enter the admission process of the college only if they meet the eligibility criteria.
• Once the students clear the cut-off set for the exam, they can proceed with the counseling sessions for admission to the college.

What is the BDS Eligibility Criteria?

Being eligible for a course is a prerequisite for admission to a particular college and course. The basic eligibility criteria for admissions to BDS courses have been mentioned as follows:

• The aspiring candidate must have passed the 10+2 qualifying exam or an equivalent degree with a minimum of 50% aggregate from a recognized institute.
• They must have studied the subjects of Physics, Chemistry and Biology compulsorily in their 10+2.
• In almost every college offering this course, the admissions are based on the result of NEET. The student must clear the cut-off of the exam to be eligible for admission.
• If the students manage to qualify for the entrance, they need to appear for the counseling sessions organized by the colleges.
• There are generally three rounds of counseling sessions held.

BDS Entrance Exams

In India, admission to BDS courses is based on the national level NEET exam only. Presented before is some more information regarding the exam:

• Not many entrances are conducted for admission to BDS. The national level exam NEET is the only exam conducted for admission to BDS courses.
• NEET is a national-level exam conducted for admissions to undergraduate medical courses like MBBS, BDS, BAMS, BSC Nursing etc.
• Aspiring candidates need to register themselves on the official website and fill in their personal details.
• They must then fill out the online application form available over there. 
•  The admit cards will be sent to the students via email. The applicants are requested to appear for the exam on the prescribed date only.

• If the student manages to clear the cut off set up for the exam they may proceed to the counseling sessions held for admissions to a college. 
•  Since 2016, it has been made mandatory that admissions to courses like MBBS, BDS, BAMS, and any other medical course will take place only through the national level exam NEET.
• The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) is a national-level exam for admissions in undergraduate medical courses like MBBS, BDS, etc.
• BDS admissions are entirely done through NEET in every institute be it a government college or a private college. 
• Being one of the most competitive exams conducted in India, NEET is necessary enough for admissions to recognised dental colleges in the country.

FIRST YEAR

Subjects

• General Human Anatomy including Embryology & Histology
• General Human Physiology & Biochemistry, Nutrition & Dietetics
• Dental Anatomy , Embryology & Oral Histology
• Dental Materials
• Pre-clinical Prosthodontics & Crown

SECOND YEAR

Subjects

• General Pathology & Microbiology
• General & Dental Pharmacology & Therapeutic
• Dental Materials
• Pre-Clinical Conservative Dentistry
• Pre-clinical Prosthodontics & Crown & Bridge
• Oral Pathology & Oral Microbiology

THIRD YEAR

Subjects

• General MEDICINE
• General Surgery
• Oral Pathology & Oral Microbiology
• Conservative Dentistry & Endodontics
• Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
• Oral Medicine & Radiology
• Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopaedics
• Paediatric & Preventive Dentistry
• Periodontology & ORAL IMPLANTOLOGY

• Prosthodontics & Crown & Bridge

FORTH YEAR

Subjects

• Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopaedics
• Oral Medicine & Radiology
• Paediatric & Preventive Dentistry
• Periodontology
• Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
• Prosthodontics & Crown & Bridge
• Conservative Dentistry & Endodontics
• Public Health Dentistry

BDS Salary in India

Graduates with a degree of BDS have a wide variety of opportunities before them in terms of career and job prospects. They can choose to be dentists, researchers, lecturers, etc. at government or private hospitals or can even open their own dental clinic. However, not all graduates jump to do jobs and earn money. Some of them opt for higher studies in the field of dental sciences.

Since in India, BDS is the only and compulsory course for practising dentistry, most students usually find employment within 1 year of graduation. Some even pursue higher studies like MDS.

Therefore, in the job sector the students can have employment opportunities in the following areas:

• Government Sector: Students may find lucrative job opportunities in the Defence Services of India like Army/ Navy/ Air Force, Dentist in Indian Railways, state government jobs as Dental Surgeons. However, jobs in these areas are available on the basis of eligibility, experience as well as vacant.
• Private Sector: The students can find worthy jobs in private hospitals or dental institutions, etc. Those who are not willing to do these jobs can open their own clinics to practise their skills of the profession.
• Dentistry Research: Students who feel like enhancing their academic background by continuing with the higher studies can even opt for research in the dental science field.
• Dentist in Gulf Countries: Students who are not satisfied with their jobs in India try to go to gulf countries wherein there are huge demands of dentists and they even offer an increased salary.

Top Recruiters:

What is the BDS Future Scope?

BDS Future Scope?

Students expect a rise in employment opportunities in the near future. The reason being that there has been a fast increase in the number of dental patients as well as doctors and the government aims at providing better job opportunities to dentists by increasing the employment opportunities. 

• It has been noted that in India there are more dentists than the required number. This issue can be resolved if the availability of dentists in rural and urban areas is made equal. 
• This is because many dentists are practising their skills in the urban areas so if some of them are sent to the rural areas to provide their services there will be an equal availability of dentists in both the regions.
• This transfer of areas will also result in increased employment opportunities and equal employment distribution in the public or government sector as well. 
• It is expected that the employment rate is going to increase in the coming years.
• Due to these issues in India, nowadays some students prefer to find employment in Gulf countries due to the huge requirements and an increased salary along with additional perks provided to them compared to what is given in India. 

Students who are willing to opt for higher studies can go for the following :

• Master of Dental Surgery ( MDS)
• Master of Public Health (MPH)
• Master in Health Administration
• MBA in Healthcare Management
• MBA in Hospitality Management

CONCLUSION:

A Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) degree can be a rewarding career choice for those who want to make a difference in people’s lives and are passionate about oral health. A BDS degree provides students with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience to become competent dental professionals.