Bachelor of Dental Surgery is a professional degree awarded to an undergraduate to become a dentist in India. It is the second most popular medical course after MBBS in India. A BDS program deals in diagnosing, preventing, and treating oral and dental diseases. Unlike most of the medical programs, a degree in BDS fosters a balance between personal and work life. With rising awareness about dental health and cosmetic dentistry, the scope and earning potential in this field are expanding rapidly. BDS also opens the door to global opportunities after clearing licensing exams abroad.
Who Should Study BDS?
Interested In Healthcare And Medicine But Prefer A Specialized Field
Enjoy Precision Work And Hands-On Treatments
Have Strong Communication Skills To Interact With Patients
Want A Stable Career With High Earning Potential
Prefer A Work-Life Balance Compared To MBBS Doctors
Aspire To Start Their Own Clinic Or Work Abroad
Eligibility for BDS in India
Age
17+ Years
Education
10+2 with (PCB)
Exam
Qualify NEET-UG
Score
50% General & 40% reserved
Curriculum of BDS in India
BDS Duration
Academic Study: 4.5 years
Mandatory Internship: 1 Year
BDS Phases
Pre-Clinical Phase – Years I & II
Para-Clinical & Pre-Clinical – Year III
Clinical Phase/ Internship – Years IV
Syllabus of BDS in India
Pre-Clinical Phase
General Human Physiology & Biochemistry
General & Dental Pharmacology & Therapeutics
Pre-Clinical Prosthodontics & Crown & Bridge
Community & Preventive Dentistry (Introduction)
Pre-Clinical Conservative Dentistry & Endodontics
Embryology & Histology
Dental Anatomy
Dental Materials
General Human Anatomy
Embryology & Oral Histology
General Pathology & Microbiology
Practical Training
Tooth Carving & Wax Modeling
Pre-Clinical Exercises In Cavity Preparation & Prosthodontics
Introduction To Microbiology & Pathology Laboratory Techniques
Para-Clinical & Initial Clinical Phase
General Medicine
Oral Medicine & Radiology
General Surgery
Community & Preventive Dentistry (Advanced)
Oral Pathology & Microbiology
Practical Training
Dental Radiology Techniques & Diagnosis
Clinical Case Discussions In Medicine & Surgery
Introduction To Patient Handling & Diagnosis
Clinical Phase
Oral Medicine & Radiology
Prosthodontics & Crown & Bridge
Pedodontics & Preventive Dentistry
Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopaedics
Public Health Dentistry
Conservative Dentistry & Endodontics
Periodontology
Practical Training
Direct Patient Care In All Specialties
Performing Extractions, Restorations, RCTs, And Minor Oral Surgeries
Comprehensive Treatment Planning & Case Presentations
Top Reasons to Study BDS in India
Increasing Awareness Of Oral Health Boosts Demand For Dentists
Freshers Earn ₹3-6 LPA; Experienced Dentists Can Earn ₹10-25+ LPA
Practice Abroad After Clearing Licensing Exams
No Emergency Shifts Like MBBS Doctors
Open Your Own Clinic And Be Your Own Boss
Expanding Cosmetic Dentistry Field – High Demand For Braces, Smile Makeovers, And Implants
Expanding Cosmetic Dentistry Field
Documents Needed to Study BDS in India
10th & 12th Mark Sheets
Passport-size Photographs.
NEET Scorecard
Birth Certificate
Identity Proof - Aadhar Card, Passport, etc
Caste Certificate (if applicable)
Career Options After BDS in India
Clinical Practice
Work In Hospitals Or Start A Private Clinic
Higher Studies (MDS)
Specialize In Orthodontics, Periodontics, Prosthodontics, etc
Government Jobs
Opportunities In Army, Railways, And Public Hospitals
Teaching & Research
Join Dental Colleges As A Lecturer Or Researcher
Cosmetic Dentistry
High-Income Field Specializing In Aesthetic Procedures
BDS is one of the most well-known and recognised dental degrees. The BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery) is India’s only educational and professional dental surgery program.
It is the equivalent to the MBBS and bears the “Dr” suffix. It is the second choice of students after the MBBS course in the medical education field. Students in this course learn about dentures, dental problems, and surgery.
It is also a good career-oriented degree program, with numerous opportunities in the hospital, pharmaceutical, and medical device manufacturing industries. The BDS degree is awarded to a person who plays an important role in the treatment of dental problems.
The dentist prevents diagnoses and cures all dental and related diseases. The only accredited body for dental programs is the Dental Council of India.
This course is now in high demand among students entering the medical field after completing their 12th grade.
Why Bachelor of Dental Surgery ?
After earning a doctorate in dentistry, there are numerous opportunities for jobs and further education. It is a professional field that guarantees 100% job placement. A BDS graduate may pursue postgraduate studies leading to the domain MDS (Master of Dental Surgery).
BDS students have a bright future in academia, research, and government departments. A Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) is one of the most promising medical career options after high school.
It is a well-designed undergraduate program that is roughly equivalent to the MBBS in terms of medical education.
BDS graduates can also pursue a teaching career. Those interested in teaching can find employment at any of the top dental colleges. They are eligible to become professors or HODs, and they can even be promoted to Dean.
One can open a dental clinic or work as a dentist in public or private hospitals.
The BDS program is career-oriented and also serves society through its application. BDS graduates can easily earn a high salary working in both government and private organizations.
Course Duration
The undergraduate dental program leading to the BDS degree will last four academic years, with 240 teaching days per academic year and a one-year rotating internship at MRDC. The internship is required, and the BDS degree will be awarded upon completion of the one-year internship.
Eligibility criteria
Candidates who wish to enrol in a BDS program must pass an entrance exam. The National Testing Agency makes an online application form available. For admission to an undergraduate dental program, candidates must complete the application form by the deadline and take the NEET exam.
The exam is given once a year on a computer. One of the criteria for participating in NEET counseling is meeting the minimum cutoff. Seats are assigned based on rank, candidate choice, availability of seats, and reservation criteria.
To be admitted to BDS courses offered by institutes/colleges, candidates must meet certain requirements.
The following are some of the eligibility requirements:
Candidates must have a 10+2 diploma in subjects such as Chemistry, Physics, and Biology.
Must have received at least 50% in their 12th grade.
Yes. Apart from semi-government, and private colleges, there are government colleges that offer admission for the BDS program. Seat allocation is done through central and state-level counseling.
Yes, some state governments, private trusts, and colleges offer scholarships based on merit, reservation categories, or financial need. At DEC Abroad, we guide students in applying for available options.