Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) is a professional undergraduate degree program in the field of dentistry. It is designed to prepare students to become skilled dentists who can diagnose and treat oral health issues. The program typically spans five years, including a year of internship, and combines theoretical knowledge with practical training.
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· Age Limit: Generally, candidates should be at least 17 years old as of December 31 of the admission year.
· Educational Background: Candidates must have completed their Higher Secondary (10+2) education or its equivalent from a recognized board.
· Subjects Required: The mandatory subjects are Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. English is also a compulsory subject.
· Minimum Marks: Most institutions require a minimum of 50% marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology combined. For reserved categories, this requirement may be relaxed (usually by 5%).
· Some institutions may require a medical fitness certificate to ensure candidates are physically capable of handling the demands of the profession.
The admission process for BDS courses in India typically involves the following steps:
1. Entrance Examination: Most institutions require candidates to clear an entrance exam, which may be conducted at the national or state level.
2. Application Process: Candidates need to apply for the entrance exam and also directly to colleges if required.
3. Counseling and Seat Allocation: Based on entrance exam scores, candidates are called for counseling sessions where they can choose their preferred college.
4. Document Verification: Successful candidates must provide necessary documents for verification.
5. Fee Payment and Admission Confirmation: Once the seat is confirmed, candidates need to pay the admission fee to secure their place.
Several entrance exams are conducted for BDS admissions:
· National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET): NEET is the most common entrance exam for BDS admissions across India. It is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). The exam tests candidates’ knowledge in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
· State-Level Entrance Exams: Some states conduct their own entrance exams for BDS admissions. Examples include MH CET (Maharashtra), KCET (Karnataka), and AP EAMCET (Andhra Pradesh).
· Eligibility: Open to Indian citizens, including NRIs and OCI candidates.
· Exam Pattern: NEET consists of 200 multiple-choice questions (50 each in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology) with a duration of 3 hours.
· Scoring: Each correct answer gives 4 marks, and 1 mark is deducted for each incorrect answer.
The BDS program is typically a five-year course divided into:
· Pre-Clinical Phase: The first two years cover subjects like Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, and Dental Materials.
· Para-Clinical Phase: The next one and a half years focus on subjects like Microbiology, Pathology, and Pharmacology.
· Clinical Phase: The final one and a half years are dedicated to clinical practice, including patient care, diagnosis, and treatment in various dental specialties.
First Year:
· General Anatomy including Embryology and Histology
· General Human Physiology and Biochemistry
· Dental Anatomy, Embryology, and Oral Histology
Second Year:
· General Pathology and Microbiology
· General and Oral Pharmacology and Therapeutics
· Preclinical Conservative Dentistry and Preclinical Prosthodontics
Third Year:
· Oral Medicine and Radiology
· Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
· Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics
· Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry
Final Year:
· Prosthodontics and Crown & Bridge
· Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics
· Periodontology
· Community Dentistry
· Clinical Work and Internships
· The fee for government BDS colleges is generally lower compared to private colleges. It ranges from INR 10,000 to INR 50,000 per annum.
· The fee in private dental colleges can be significantly higher, ranging from INR 2 lakhs to INR 5 lakhs per annum.
· There may be additional costs for uniforms, books, dental kits, and other essentials.
· Application Start Date: Typically in the first week of December
· Application End Date: Usually in the first week of January
· Exam Date: Typically in the first or second week of May
· Result Declaration: Usually in June
· Counseling dates for various states and institutions are announced after the NEET results are declared.
· Private Practice: Many BDS graduates set up their own clinics or join established practices.
· Government Jobs: Opportunities in government hospitals and health departments.
· Academic and Research Roles: Teaching positions in dental colleges or research roles in dental research institutions.
· After completing the BDS program, graduates can pursue post-graduate studies (MDS) in various dental specialties like Oral Surgery, Orthodontics, Periodontics, and Pedodontics.
· Graduates can pursue further studies or practice in countries like the USA, UK, Canada, and Australia, subject to additional exams and certifications.
1. All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Delhi
· Seats: Varies, typically around 50
· Fee: INR 10,000 — INR 15,000 per annum
1. Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences, Delhi
· Seats: 100
· Fee: INR 15,000 per annum
1. Government Dental College, Mumbai
· Seats: 100
· Fee: INR 30,000 per annum
1. Government Dental College, Bangalore
· Seats: 100
· Fee: INR 25,000 per annum
1. Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Manipal
· Seats: 100
· Fee: INR 2.5 lakhs per annum
1. Sri Ramachandra Dental College, Chennai
· Seats: 100
· Fee: INR 2.5 lakhs per annum
1. Dr. D.Y. Patil Dental College, Pune
· Seats: 100
· Fee: INR 3 lakhs per annum
1. Bharati Vidyapeeth Dental College, Pune
· Seats: 100
· Fee: INR 2 lakhs per annum
Note: The number of seats and fees may vary. It is advisable to check the official websites of the respective colleges for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Securing admission to a BDS program involves meeting specific eligibility criteria, clearing entrance exams, and navigating through a detailed admission process. With the right preparation and understanding of the requirements, candidates can effectively plan their pathway into this rewarding profession. The scope for dentists in India and globally offers a promising career with opportunities for specialization and growth.
Q. Is NEET required for BDS?
Yes, NEET (National Eligibility and Entrance Test) is a requirement for admission into BDS programmes in India. It is the primary entrance test for dental courses.
Q. What is the qualification of BDS?
To qualify for a BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery) degree in India, you usually need to complete 10+2 education with Physics, Chemistry and Biology, and pass the NEET entrance exam.
Q. Can I apply for BDS after 12th?
Yes, you can apply for BDS after completing class 12th, provided you have studied Physics, Chemistry and Biology and cleared NEET.
Q. Is MBBS necessary for BDS?
No, it is not necessary to have a MBBS degree to get a BDS degree. The BDS degree is a separate programme, while the MBBS degree is not related.