About Dental Education in India
The Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) course in India is a five-year program, including a mandatory one-year internship, aimed at training students in dental science and surgery. Admission requires passing the NEET exam. The curriculum blends theoretical knowledge and practical skills in areas like oral pathology, orthodontics, and maxillofacial surgery. Graduates must register with the Dental Council of India (DCI) to practice, with options to pursue further specialization or careers in clinical practice, research, or teaching.
About BDS Degree:
| Variables | Details |
|---|---|
| Course | BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery) |
| Full Form | Bachelor of Dental Surgery |
| Eligibility | 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology; Qualify NEET exam |
| Duration | 5 years (4 years academic + 1 year internship) |
| Tuition Fees | INR 2 Lakhs to 10 Lakhs per year |
| Course Type | Full-time |
| Starting Salary Offered | INR 3 Lakhs to 8 Lakhs per annum |
| Scope Areas | General Dentistry, Orthodontics, Periodontics, Prosthodontics, Oral Surgery |
| Employment Opportunities | Clinics, Hospitals, Academic Institutions, Research, Private Practice |
BDS Eligibility Criteria:
- Educational Qualification: Candidates must have completed 10+2 or equivalent examination with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology as main subjects.
- Minimum Marks: Candidates must secure at least 50% aggregate marks in the 10+2 examination (40% for reserved category candidates).
- Age Limit: Candidates should be at least 17 years old at the time of admission or by December 31 of the admission year.
- Entrance Exam: Candidates must qualify for the NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) with a valid score.
BDS Admission Procedure:
- Appear for NEET: Candidates must appear for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) and obtain a qualifying score.
- Counseling Process: Qualified candidates need to register for counseling conducted by the respective state authorities or centralized counseling conducted by deemed universities or the Dental Council of India (DCI).
- Choice Filling: During counseling, candidates are required to fill their preferred choices of dental colleges and courses based on their NEET score and rank.
- Seat Allotment: Seats are allocated based on NEET rank, choices filled, category, and availability of seats. Once allotted, candidates need to report to the allotted college within the stipulated time for further admission processes.
BDS Specializations:
| Oral Surgery | Orthodontics |
| Prosthodontics | Periodontics |
| Pedodontics | Endodontics |
| Oral Pathology | Microbiology |
| Public Health Dentistry | Oral Medicine and Radiology |
BDS Future Scopes:
| Clinical Practice | Higher Education |
| Teaching and Academics | Research |
| Public Health Dentistry | Dental Consultancy |
| Hospital Administration | Forensic Odontology |
| Corporate Dentistry | International Opportunities |