BDS full form in medical is Bachelor of Dental Surgery. BDS is a 5 year undergraduate course designed to teach students the principles and practices in dental care. This includes diagnosis, prevention and treatment of diseases and disorders of the mouth. The BDS curriculum includes Anatomy and Physiology, Biochemistry and Pathology as well as dental materials. It also includes clinical training for various dental procedures, such fillings and extractions.

The BDS curriculum is 4 classroom years and 1 year of rotating internship. The Dental Council of India (DCI) regulates the BDS curriculum. To be eligible to practice dentistry after graduation, students need to register with the Dental Council of India.

Candidates must have a Class 12 Science with PCB (Physics Chemistry Biology) with 85% or more from an recognised institute. Students must appear and qualify in the NEET to be admitted to one of the country's 313 government, private, and recognized colleges offering 26,949 BDS seats.

The BDS course fees vary between INR 1 Lakh to the INR 6, Lakh. The most popular colleges that offer BDS programs are KGMU, SRIHER, SRM Dental College, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences and many more.

After the completion of BDS graduates are able to pursue additional specializations through postgraduate programs such as the MDS or get into the field of dental practice. After completing this BDS course, students may choose to pursue job positions like Dental Officers within Defense Services, Dentists in Indian Railways, Lecturers, Researchers, etc. The salary for a BDS student can earn from 3 lakhs to INR 9 LPA.

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Also Read -  MDS: Full Form, Admission 2024, Fees, Syllabus, Entrance Exam, Top Colleges, Career Scope

BDS Highlights

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What is BDS?

BDS is a 5-year(4+1) undergraduate program for students interested in pursuing a career in Dental Sciences. Students in their final year are obliged to complete a one-year paid internship that is rotation-based and requires them to complete 2-3 rotations in several areas. During BDS, students are taught subjects such as oral Pathology, Public Health Dentistry, Dental Hygiene, Dental Histology, and so on. After completing the BDS course, they will have the explicit knowledge and skill to practice dentistry as a profession due to their study of these areas. Following BDS, students typically exercise their talents in Dentistry in either government or private facilities.

Eligibility Criteria

• The candidate should have completed Class 12 (Physics , -Chemistry and Biology).

• The student must have scored a minimum of 50% in class 12.

• Must not be <17 years old.

• The NEET exam is mandatory

Entrance Exam

National Eligibility cum Entrance Test-Undergraduate or NEET-UG is a national-level entrance examination for admission to MBBS, BDS, and BAMS degree programs. NEET-UG is the common entrance examination required for admission to all medical universities and colleges in India for admission to undergraduate degree programs.

BDS Cutoff

Bachelor of Dental Surgery or BDS cutoff is required to determine the student's merit for admission in the BDS degree program in various medical colleges in India. For BDS degree programs, the NEET cutoff is the main criterion every medical college accepts for the BDS admission process. BDS cutoff is based on the number of students appearing for the NEET examination, the previous year's cutoff, and the NEET question paper.

Admission Process

Admissions to BDS usually happen through the national NEET exam held nationwide.

It has been made mandatory since 2016 that admissions to medical programs like MBBS, BDS, etc., need students to appear for NEET.

In order to be eligible for the course, the candidate must attain a minimum of 50% in the 10+2 qualifying examination.

The candidates can enter the college's admission process only if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Once the students clear the cutoff set for the exam, they can move on with the counseling sessions for admission to the college

BDS Syllabus

Best BDS College In India

BDS Salary in India

Career Opportunities after BDS

The field of dentistry offers a wide range of career opportunities for individuals who have completed their BDS degree. With the ever-growing demand for dental services, there is a need for skilled professionals to cater to the oral healthcare needs of the population.

After completing BDS, graduates can choose to pursue further specialization by opting for MDS (Master of Dental Surgery) or other postgraduate courses in various dental specialties such as orthodontics, periodontics, endodontics, prosthodontics, and oral and maxillofacial surgery. These specializations provide in-depth knowledge and expertise in specific areas of dentistry, opening up doors to advanced clinical practice and research.

Apart from specialization, BDS graduates can also explore opportunities in private practice as general dentists. Setting up their own dental clinics or joining established dental practices allows them to provide comprehensive oral healthcare services to patients.

Additionally, there are ample opportunities in academia and research where BDS graduates can contribute towards advancing dental knowledge through teaching and conducting research studies. Many universities and research institutions offer teaching positions and research fellowships specifically for individuals with a background in dentistry.

Another avenue that BDS graduates can consider is working with government healthcare agencies or non-profit organizations that focus on providing dental care services to underserved communities. This allows them to make a meaningful impact by improving access to oral healthcare for those who may not have regular access to it.

In conclusion, a career after BDS offers a multitude of options ranging from specialization in various fields of dentistry to private practice, academia, research, and community service. It provides an opportunity for personal growth while making a positive impact on people's oral health.

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