Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) is one of the most popular undergraduate dental science courses. It allows you to practice as a dentist in India, yet is also recognized internationally. Want to pursue a BDS degree? You should know the course pattern and eligibility, duration and fee of BDS, and career prospects after study.

What is Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS)?

Bachelor of Dental Surgery is an undergraduate Degree Course in Dentistry. It is the only dental undergraduate course offered and accepted in India and is equivalent to MBBS with the same career potential and esteem among the medical fraternity.

The program is governed by the Dental Council of India (DCI) in such a manner that schools keep acceptable academic and clinical standards.

Completion of a BDS program enables graduates to practice dentistry on their own or pursue postgraduate studies for specialization in fields such as Orthodontics, Oral Surgery, Periodontics and others.

Course Structure and Duration

The BDS course is of five years duration. It comprises four years of academic study and one year of rotatory internship which is mandatory. The academic part of the course entails the study of a variety of subjects including:

• Dental Anatomy and Oral Histology
• General Human Physiology and Biochemistry
• General and Dental Pharmacology
• Oral Pathology
• Periodontology
• Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics
• Prosthodontics and Crown & Bridge
• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

They also gain hands-on experience in treating patients under guidance in teaching hospitals or dental colleges in later years.

BDS Course Fees

The fees for the BDS course differ widely based on whether the college is government or private. In government colleges, the fee per year may range from ₹15,000 to ₹40,000. Private colleges, however, may charge between ₹2 lakhs and ₹7 lakhs per year. Apart from this, students must also consider other costs like hostel fees, books, and clinical equipment.

It is recommended to compare colleges extensively, not only on fees but also on facilities, faculty, and clinical exposure.

Eligibility and Admission Process

To pursue a degree in dental surgery at the bachelor level, the candidates should have undergone 10+2 studies with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology as compulsory subjects. Clearing the NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) is also compulsory for obtaining admission to BDS courses in India.

Career Prospects After BDS

After obtaining a BDS degree, graduates can work in:

• Private dental clinics
• Government hospitals
• Dental colleges (as lecturers or research assistants)
• Public health sectors

Many of them also opt to do an MDS (Master of Dental Surgery) for specialization in a specific field or take up hospital management, clinical research, or even civil service preparation.