BDS Course Duration
Saurav Anand
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August 17, 2022
The Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) program is a four-year bachelor's degree program with a year-long rotational internship that focuses on the research, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases, disorders, and conditions of the oral cavity. Following BDS, the career opportunities in the public and private sectors of several recognized firms in India and overseas are numerous, with fantastic bonuses.
Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) Course Duration
Besides MBBS, one of the most sought-after courses in the health sector is a Bachelor of Dental Surgery, abbreviated as BDS. Candidates interested in pursuing a career in dental surgery may learn everything, they need to know about BDS on this website. BDS is only an undergraduate-approved and recognized degree in India for having full knowledge and abilities in Dental Surgical & Training. The B.D.S. program is a five-year undergraduate program that includes four years of theory and one year of rotatory internship. The Dental Council of India regulates the BDS curriculum (DCI). Students must appear and qualify in the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) in order to be admitted to one of the nation's 313 government, private, and recognized institutes offering a total of 26,949 BDS seats. Because no other test will be accepted for BDS admission, interested students should read the article below for further information on eligibility, admission method, examinations, colleges, and other facts.
(BDS) Bachelor of Dental Surgery is divided into 5 years
Break up: 4 years of academics + 1 year of internship
BDS Course Highlights
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Course Level | Undergraduate |
| Degree | Bachelors |
| Full Form | Bachelor of Dental Science |
| Duration | 5 Years (BDS Break up: 4 years of academics + 1 year of internship) |
| Minimum age limit | 17 years |
| Minimum Percentage | It is open for students who have qualified Higher Secondary Examination with a minimum of 50% marks |
| Admission Process | Entrance Exam- National Eligibility Cum Entrance Test (NEET) |
| Average Fees Incurred | INR 50K - 4 LPA |
| Similar Options of Study | MBBS, BHMS, BAMS, BUMS |
| Average Salary Offered | INR 4-6 Lakh |
| Employment Roles | General Dentist, Associate Dentist, Paediatric Dentist, Dentistry Researcher, Assistant Researcher, Dental Hygienist, Dental Surgeon |
Eligibility Criteria for BDS Courses 2022
Candidates who want to get admission to a BDS course have to qualify for the entrance test. The National Testing Agency releases an online application form. Candidates have to fill out the form by the given deadline and appear for the NEET exam for admission to the undergraduate dental program. The exam is held once a year in computer-based mode. Scoring the minimum cutoff is one of the criteria to participate in NEET counseling. Seats are allocated on the basis of rank, choice filled by the candidate, availability of seats, and reservation criteria.
Candidates have to fulfill certain requirements to get admission to BDS courses offered by institutes/colleges. Some of the eligibility criteria are as follows:
- Candidates should have passed 10+2 in subjects such as Chemistry, Physics, and Biology
- They must have scored at least 50 percent marks in the 12th standard
- Must not be less than 17 years old
- Qualifying for NEET is compulsory
| Parameters | Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Indian nationals-Resident Indians (NRIs)Overseas Citizen of India (OCI)Persons of Indian Origin (PIO)Foreign Nationals (for 15% quota All India Quota only). The norms for state admissions will be different. |
| Qualifying Exam | Candidates have to pass a recognized Higher/Senior Secondary Examination or the Indian School Certificate Examination equivalent to 10+2 Higher/Senior Secondary Examination after a period of 12 years studyNIOS candidates are eligible for now subject to the matter subjudice in the court. Students from Foreign/International Boards are eligible if their qualified exam meets the equivalency determined by the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) as per regulations of the Dental Council of India and the concerned University. |
| Subjects to be studied in the qualifying exam | Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology (including practical tests in these subjects) AND Mathematics or any other elective subject with English as prescribed by the NCERT. Note: Candidates who have studied Biology/Biotechnology as an additional subject can also apply to the judgment of the Supreme court where the matter is subjudice. |
| Required Pass Percentage in 10+2 or equivalent | Unreserved candidates and OCI, NRI, and foreign candidates must have secured at least 50% in their qualifying exam in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology/ Biotechnology. Candidates belonging to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes or Other Backward Classes (OBC)must have secured 40%PwD candidates must have secured 45% in their qualifying exams. |
| Age Limit | Candidates must have completed 17 years at the time of admission or before December 31 of the year of admission. The upper age limit criteria have been removed subject to the judgment pending in the Supreme Court. |
| NIOS candidates | Candidates who have passed 10+2 from Open School or as private candidates are eligible subject to the ruling of the court as the matter is subjudice. |
| Percentile obtained in NEET UG | Candidates belonging to the general category must have to obtain a minimum of 50th percentile. For SC/ST/OBC candidates, the minimum marks shall be at the 40th percentile. In respect of candidates with locomotor disability of lower amendments, the minimum marks shall be at 45th percentile.” |
| State Admissions | While the eligibility for NEET applies to all the BDS admissions, domicile and residency regulations in addition to other eligibility criteria will be applicable as per the regulations of the respective states. Admissions will be on the basis of the State Merit List announced by each state. |
BDS Admission Process
As NEET is India's sole dental entrance test, no exam is held in the country to provide undergraduate dentistry admission. As a result, admission to the BDS program will be based only on NEET 2020 scores. In order to pursue a BDS degree, applicants must take and pass the National Eligibility Entrance Test. The admission process for the BDS degree includes completing the NEET application form, receiving an admit card, taking the test, receiving the results, and counseling. Candidates must complete the NEET BDS application form and pay the appropriate fee before the deadlines. Candidates who have successfully enrolled will be granted an admission card for a BDS degree, which must be shown at the test center for verification.
Authorities will disclose the results of the NEET BDS test according to their timetable. The BDS results will be available online in the form of a scorecard. By signing in with the requisite credentials, aspirants may get the BDS result-cum-scorecard. Only those who meet the BDS threshold will be regarded as qualified and eligible for the counseling procedure. Qualified applicants must engage in the counseling procedure by enrolling themselves in order to be granted BDS admission within the deadlines.
Who Should Go After BDS?
BDS is an undergraduate medical degree program for those who want to work in dentistry. Students who want to work in medical science, namely dentistry, should complete this course. The BDS program lasts five years.
When can you do BDS?
Typically, after finishing their 10+2 degree, candidates prepare for the NEET or state-level standard admission exams in order to be qualified for a program at one of the top institutions.
How Should You Prepare for the NEET Exams?
The National Eligibility Admission Test (NEET) is the only entrance test for students wishing to pursue a career in the medical industry. NEET is held every year, with over 10 lakh students taking part, making it one of the most difficult tests in India.
- Latest Curriculum: Check the official NEET website for the most up-to-date syllabus and exam format, and study accordingly.
- Time Management: Create a study schedule and start sticking to it.
- Previous Year Question Paper: Solve the previous year's question paper to see what sort of questions will be asked in the test and whether you will be able to finish it on time.
- Keep Up to Date: Read daily newspapers and articles to stay up to speed on global events.
- Mock test: Take as many mock exams as you can to ensure that you are well prepared and confident on exam day.
- NEET material is the most important, thus select the finest NEET material accessibly.
BDS Advantages
Bachelor of Dental Surgery is an abbreviation for Bachelor of Dental Surgery. It is a bachelor's degree program in the subject of oral healthcare. It focuses on teeth extraction, fillings, scaling, and smile design through the tooth alignment process, which entails placing braces on an individual's upper and lower tooth surfaces for a period of time. Many people suffer from excruciating agony as a result of wisdom teeth, and these people visit dental clinics to have them extracted. BDS graduates with the necessary qualification also provide anesthetic to soothe the patient and minimize acute pain during tooth extraction. Bachelor of Dental Surgery graduates is typically given the option to work in dental clinics and undertake all of these jobs. They might work full-time at a hospital or run their own dentistry practice. BDS graduates can pursue a variety of jobs, including dental technician, prosthodontist, dental hygienist, dental consultant, and many others.
How to Get into a Top BDS College?
The Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) program is a five-year undergraduate program. In India, the only accredited professional dental course is the BDS. There are many institutions that provide BDS, however in order to get into top colleges, one must follow all of the rules set by the colleges. The following are some crucial eligibility requirements that every college looks for:
- A solid academic background with good 10 + 2 marks is required.
- To get into the college of one's choosing, one must perform well in the admission exams and pass the cut-off.
- After passing the cut-off criteria, one needs to attend therapy sessions, which are normally done in three rounds.
- Before applying to any institution, consider its placement ratio, tuition structure, and teaching styles to see whether it meets your needs.
Top Colleges for BDS:- Courses Fees 2022
| Top BDS Colleges | Fees |
|---|---|
| Faculty of Dental Sciences, IMS BHU, Varanasi | 1 L |
| Maulana Azad Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi | 1 to 1.5 L |
| Faculty of Dental Sciences King George's Medical University, Lucknow | 1.5 to 2 L |
| Government Dental College and Hospital, Mumbai | 2 to 2.5 L |
| Dr R Ahmed Dental College and Hospital, Kolkata | 1 L |
| Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Mangalore | 25 to 30 L |
Top Government BDS Colleges
There are roughly 300 government colleges in India that provide BDS programs. These institutions are affordable to students with minimal financial means. Government institutions also have cheaper and more inexpensive BDS prices than private colleges. The following is a list of some of the top government colleges:
Sl.No. | Name of the Colleges |
|---|---|
| 1 | IMS BHU, Banaras |
| 2 | King George Medical University, Lucknow |
| 3 | GDCH, Ahemdabad |
| 4 | MAIDS, Delhi |
| 5 | CSJMU, Kanpur |
| 6 | JMI, Delhi |
| 7 | RIMS, Ranchi |
| 8 | KUHS, Thrissur |
| 9 | Dr. NTR University of Health Sciences, Vijayawada |
| 10 | Nair Hospital Dental College, Mumbai |
Top BDS Private Colleges
Many prestigious private colleges in India offer BDS programs. The prices for BDS private colleges are often more than those for government colleges since the amenities promised are superior. The colleges that provide BDS are listed below:
BDS Course Duration
BDS is a five-year program designed to provide students with information and practical abilities in dental care and hygiene. Because there is no specialty in the BDS program, students must study all of the disciplines. Some of the most important courses are listed below:
- General Pathology
- Microbiology
- General and Dental Pharmacology
- Dental Therapeutics
- Preclinical Conservative Dentistry
- Oral Pathology
- Oral Microbiology
Syllabus for Bachelor of Dental Science (BDS)
- BDS Bachelor of Dental Surgery is divided into 5 years.
- Break up: 4 years of academics + 1 year of internship
1st year
- Anatomy
- Physiology + Biochemistry
- Dental Anatomy + Dental Histology
2nd year
- Pharmacology
- Microbiology + Pathology
- Dental material
Total 4 subjects. But 3 papers of 70 marks each.
3rd year
- General Medicine
- General Surgery
- Oral Pathology
Final year (4th year)
- Oral Medicine and radiology
- Oral and maxillofacial Surgery
- Prosthodontics
- Periodontics
- Public health and community dentistry
- Conservative and endodontics
- Pedodontics
- Orthodontics
- Human Physiology
- Materials used in Dentistry
- Human Oral Anatomy, Physiology, Histology, and Tooth Morphology
- Oral Pathology and Oral Microbiology
- Orthodontics
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
BDS subjects and lecture hours
| Subject | Lecture Hours |
|---|---|
| Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery | 30 |
| Conservative Dentistry & Endodontics | 50 |
| Prosthodontics and Crown & Bridge | 50 |
| Public Health Dentistry | 30 |
| Total | 160 |
Rotatory internship for BDS
Following successful completion of the test, all applicants will be permitted to participate in a one-year required rotating internship program in all departments for the length listed against each department below:
Department of BDS internships and posting period
| Department | Posting Period |
|---|---|
| Oral Medicine & Radiology | 1 Month |
| Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery | 1.5 Month |
| Prosthodontics | 1.5 Month |
| Periodontics | 1 Month |
| Conservative Dentist | 1 Month |
| Pedodontics | 1 Month |
| Oral Pathology & Microbiology | 15 days |
| Orthodontics | 1 Month |
| Community Dentist/Rural Service | 3 Months |
| Elective | 15 days |
| Total | 12 months |
BDS Year-wise Salary
Dental graduates' salaries are determined by their caliber and experience. Aspirants might earn a good living in both the commercial and public sectors. The income after graduation based on experience is given below.
| Experience (in years) | Salary scale (Average) |
|---|---|
| 0-6 years | 3 to 4 lakh per annum |
| 6-12 years | 6 to 9 lakh per annum |
| 12-20 years | 10 to 12 lakh per annum |
Specialized Fields Following BDS
After earning a Bachelor of Dental Surgery, one can pursue a variety of specialty specialties (BDS). Some of the most popular majors among students are:
- Periodontology
- Oral Pathology & Microbiology
- Paedodontics & Preventive Dentistry
- Oral Medicine & Radiology
- Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
- Conservative Dentistry & Endodontics
- Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopedics
- Prosthodontics, Crown & Bridge
- Public health Dentistry
BDS Future Scope
In today's society, when oral health is one of everyone's key concerns, the scope of BDS in India and overseas is quite vast. People like to go to the dentist every month or two for an oral checkup. In India, the scope of the Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) is quite broad and expanding at a quick pace. It is determined by the aspirant's talents, knowledge, and calibers, as well as the location where they practice. The BDS program is particularly career-oriented, and its implementation benefits society. BDS graduates may easily make a good living by working in both the commercial and public sectors. Some of the job opportunities available after graduation from BDS are listed below.
- Dental Clinics
- Government hospitals
- Dental Institutions
- Pharmaceutical Companies
- Dental Products Manufactures
- Private Practice
Opportunities for Employment Following BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery)
After BDS, students have a variety of job options. The most apparent option would be to work as a dentist. However, there are options for where, for whom, and as what. To practice as a dentist in India, students must first register with the Dental Council of India. The following are some career options:
- Consultant- Working as a consultant with established hospitals is another alternative if starting one's own practice is not attractive. In this case, one would be like an employee who is expected to take on patients who come to the hospital for dental problems.
- Teaching: In general, freshmen are not hired to teach. The position demands competent doctors who can answer questions and teach effectively. The majority of doctors associated to government hospitals also serve as consulting lecturers for students at the affiliated institutions. However, for dentists who are interested in teaching, it is possible to do so after acquiring some experience as a dentist.
- Establish a private practice: This is a typical choice for many dentists who have passed and enrolled with the Dental Council of India. This will necessitate some capital as well as a suitable place. It will also take time for dentists to establish themselves.
- Government Job - Most government hospitals, agencies, and PSUs require physicians, including dentists. As a result, students might apply for these opportunities in order to secure a job.
- Options Overseas: To work abroad or as a dentist, one must first examine the country's requirements and meet them before beginning work.
- Further Study: Another option is to get a Masters in Dental Surgery. The specialties provided allow dentist to pick the field in which they want to make a name for themselves. While obtaining their master's degree, they have a choice of nine specialties, which are shown below-
- Oral Medicine, Diagnosis, and Radiology
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
- Oral Pathology and Microbiology
- Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics
- Orthodontics
- Prosthodontics
- Periodontal Surgery and Oral Implantology
- Pedodontics
- Public Health Dentistry
BDS Bridge Courses
The bridge program from BDS to MBBS prepares dental graduates to function as general practitioners in India's hospitals, clinics, and organizations. After finishing their education, graduates must spend at least three years in rural regions. The Indian Dental Council recommends a three-year curriculum with two key goals.
- To begin, the bridge course assists BDS graduates who are still seeking full-time employment.
- Second, this revolutionary curriculum enables dental students to change occupations after receiving a degree.
- Candidates must have above-average marks in their degree program to enroll in a BDS-to-MBBS bridging course since cumulative grades emphasize admittance.
BDS vs MBBS
There are other courses available in the medical industry, but the two most popular among people is MBBS and BDS. These are the most closely linked medical programs, yet they differ in certain ways. By referring to the table below, one can determine which field is of interest to them and pick accordingly:
| Course | BDS | MBBS CMBBS |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | BDS is the only certified and recognized dental course in India students take up this course to practice dentistry as their profession. | MBBS is done by students who want to be future doctors, it teaches and provides knowledge of fields such as anatomy, paediatrics, biochemistry, etc. |
| Duration | 5 years (4 years + 1 year of rational internship). | 5.5 years (4.5 years + 1 year of rational internship) |
| Average Course Fee | INR 1 - 6 LPA | INR 1 - 8 LPA |
| Job Opportunities | Dental Research Scientist, Dentist, Lecturer, etc. | Surgeon, Physician, etc. |
| Top Recruiters | Dental Clinics, Hospitals, Educational Institutes, etc. | Clinics, Hospitals, etc. |
| Average Initial Salary | INR 4-10 LPA [Source: Glassdoor] | INR 4 - 10 LPA [Source: Glassdoor] |
Skills That Make You the Best BDS Graduate
BDS graduates must have particular skills in their course curriculum in order to perform well in interviews and land a better job with a good wage package. The following are some of the abilities expected by BDS graduates-
- Ability to think and reason
- Customer Service Abilities
- Communication abilities
- Problem-Solving Capabilities
- Interpersonal abilities
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Is NEET necessary for BDS?
Ans. BDS is considered one of the most popular career choices among medical aspirants. The one gateway for BDS Admissions in India is through the NEET exam. Therefore, it is mandatory for the candidates to qualify for the same.
Q2. Is MBBS required for a dentist?
Ans. To become a dentist, students have to pursue a Bachelor of Dental Surgery ( BDS Degree) or Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery courses ( MBBS Degree) in Dentistry. There has been a good demand for dentists not only in India but also abroad.
Q3. Is BDS a 5-year course?
Ans. BDS ( Bachelor of Dental Surgery) is a 5-year undergraduate program in India. It is the most popular course sought after MBBS ( Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery).
Q4. BDS ( Bachelor of Dental Surgery) is a 5-year undergraduate program in India. It is the most popular course sought after MBBS ( Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery)
Ans. The BDS is a 5-year (4 years academic education + 1-year mandatory internship) UG degree program. This course can be pursued through full-time and part-time courses. The BDS is one of the most sought courses after 12th in the medical field. There are many reputed universities in India that are offering the BDS course.
Q5. Can BDS do surgery?
Ans. Yes, you can do it by doing a postgraduate in oral surgery and then super specialization in cosmetic surgery.
Q6. Can I get BDS with 170 marks in NEET?
Ans. You have just qualified the cutoff for the general category which is the 50 percentile. So you can get into colleges but its hard for you to get into any top colleges of BDS.
Q7. Is a BDS course graduate eligible to become a doctor?
Ans. Yes, a graduate of the BDS course is eligible to practice dentistry as a certified doctor
Q8. Is BDS equivalent to MBBS?
Ans. The BDS course is focused on the dental aspect of human anatomy along with the rehabilitation and treatment of the same. It confers on the graduate the title of Doctor just like MBBS. While it doesn't have the same respect or job opportunities as an MBBS, BDS is better than an MBBS without specializations.
Q9. Is BDS a good career option?
Ans. Yes, BDS is a very prospective career option with a large number of potential job opportunities in a large number of hospitals, dental clinics, and nursing homes
Q10. What would be the average initial salary after BDS?
Ans. The BDS salary in India ranges from INR 3.05 LPA and some additional benefits such as bonuses and incentives.
Q11. What would be the average course fee for BDS?
Ans. The average course fee for BDS courses is around INR 50,000 to 2 LPA.
Q12. Which is better: BDS or BAMS?
Ans. Compared to BAMS, BDS has a wider range of applications. When you first start working in dentistry, you may be paid between INR 15,000 to 25,000 PA, but with time and experience, you may be paid between INR 45,000 to INR 65,000 PA. Unlike BAMS, it boasts a 100% job placement rate.
Q13. How many marks are required in NEET for BDS?
Ans. The cutoff marks depend on various factors like the category of the candidate, sanctioned seats, the performance of candidates in the exam. Also, the cutoff varies from one year to another.
Q14. What is the scope of BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery)?
Ans. In today's world, where oral health is one of the primary concerns for everyone, the scope of BDS in India and abroad is very high.
Q15. Is 20000 a good rank in NEET?
Ans. A NEET rank of up to 20,000 is considered to be good in terms of getting admission to government medical colleges, based on last year's NEET cutoffs.
Q16. Can I become a doctor without NEET?
Ans. It is mandatory to give NEET to become a doctor. You must qualify NEET exam even for private medical colleges. Since Health Ministry has scrapped all other exams like AIIMS and JIPMER as well, not NEET is the only entrance exam and you need at least qualifying marks to get admission in MBBS anywhere in India.
Q17. Can I leave BDS after 1 year?
Ans. you can drop one year and prepare in a better and managed way for MBBS college but if you still choose to pursue BDS course then for sure you can leave the course and college after 1 year and join MBBS college but before leaving you must pay the complete fees as per mentioned by the bond details. Hope it helps!