BDS (Bachelor Of Dental Surgery)
Duration: 5 Years (4 Years Academic + 1 Year Compulsory Internship)
Eligibility: 12th pass (Science stream — Physics, Chemistry, Biology)
Course Type: Undergraduate Degree (Medical/Dental)
Field: Dentistry, Oral Health, Surgery, Prosthodontics, Orthodontics, Preventive & Cosmetic Dentistry
Objective
To train students in dental sciences, oral health, and surgery, enabling them to diagnose, prevent, and treat dental and oral diseases.
BDS equips graduates with knowledge in clinical dentistry, oral surgery, orthodontics, prosthodontics, and cosmetic procedures, preparing them for practice as licensed dentists.
Eligibility & Admission
Eligibility Criteria
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Completed 10+2 with PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) from a recognized board
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Minimum 50% aggregate in PCB subjects (varies by institute)
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Minimum age: 17 years at admission
Admission Process
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Entrance Exam Based:
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NEET-UG (mandatory for BDS admission across India)
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Counseling & Seat Allotment: State/Central counseling based on NEET rank
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Direct Admission: In some private dental colleges, based on merit & seat availability
Curriculum & Subjects
Pre-Clinical & Basic Sciences (Years 1–2)
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Anatomy
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Physiology & Biochemistry
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Dental Anatomy & Oral Histology
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Pathology & Microbiology
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Pharmacology
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General Medicine & General Surgery
Clinical & Dental Subjects (Years 3–4)
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Oral Pathology & Microbiology
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Prosthodontics (Dental Prostheses, Implants)
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Conservative Dentistry & Endodontics (Fillings, Root Canal)
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Orthodontics (Braces, Teeth Alignment)
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Pedodontics (Child Dentistry)
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Periodontics (Gum Diseases)
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Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
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Public Health Dentistry
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Oral Medicine & Radiology
Practical Training
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Hands-on clinical practice in dental hospitals
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Performing extractions, fillings, and minor oral surgeries
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Internship with rotations across dental specialties
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Community dental health programs
Skills You Develop
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Diagnosis & treatment of oral diseases
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Dental surgery & cosmetic dentistry techniques
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Patient care & communication
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Precision, hand-eye coordination, and manual dexterity
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Knowledge of prosthodontics & orthodontics
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Public health awareness & preventive dental care
Career Pathways
Clinical Practice
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Dentist in Government/Private Hospitals
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Private Dental Clinic / Own Practice
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Dental Surgeon / Oral Pathologist
Other Areas
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Lecturer/Professor in Dental Colleges
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Research in Oral Health & Dentistry
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Dental Consultant for Hospitals/Corporates
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Cosmetic & Aesthetic Dentistry
Future Opportunities & Higher Studies
Postgraduate Opportunities (MDS Specializations)
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Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
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Orthodontics
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Prosthodontics & Implantology
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Periodontics
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Pedodontics (Pediatric Dentistry)
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Conservative Dentistry & Endodontics
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Oral Pathology & Microbiology
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Public Health Dentistry
Competitive Exams
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NEET MDS (for postgraduate specialization)
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UPSC/State PSC (for government dentist posts)
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Foreign Licensing Exams: NBDE (USA), ADC (Australia), ORE (UK), NDEB (Canada)
International Opportunities
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High demand in countries with dental professional shortages (USA, Canada, UK, Australia, Middle East)
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Research & academic positions in global universities
Salary & Top Recruiters
Salary Range
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Entry-Level: ₹4–8 LPA
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Mid-Level (3–5 yrs): ₹10–20 LPA
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Senior-Level (10+ yrs): ₹25–50+ LPA (own practice, senior consultant)
Top Recruiters
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AIIMS, Government Dental Colleges & Hospitals
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Apollo Hospitals, Fortis Healthcare, Manipal Hospitals
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Army Dental Corps, Indian Railways (government sectors)
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Private Dental Chains (Clove Dental, Axiss Dental, Partha Dental)
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International Dental Clinics & Research Institutes
Who Should Choose BDS?
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Students passionate about dentistry, oral care, and surgery
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Those who want to become doctors but prefer dental specialization over MBBS
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Individuals with patience, attention to detail, and good manual skills
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Students aspiring for careers in cosmetic dentistry, orthodontics, or oral surgery
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Those planning to set up their own dental practice in the future