BDS is the educational and professional programme in the field of dental surgery in India. It is the most designated degree of dentists. It is a medical field of surgery related to mouth and addressing the problems related to teeth, gums and jaws of human beings. BDS stands for Bachelor of Dental Surgery. In India BDS degree is awarded at the successful completion of four years of study and one year of internship to the students as per the old regulations of Dental council of India.

Dentistry is a specialized branch of medicine focused on the study, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases, disorders, and conditions affecting the oral cavity, maxillofacial area, and related structures, and their impact on overall health.

During the course of study, students delve into various aspects of Dental Science, gaining expertise in a range of treatments, including surgical procedures. They are exposed to a wide array of subjects such as Dental Materials, Dental Anatomy & Oral Histology, Oral Pathology, Community Dentistry, Endodontics, and Oral Medicine & Radiology.

Duration: The BDS course is typically five years long, divided into four years of academic study and one year of compulsory internship.

Eligibility Criteria:

Candidates must have completed 10+2 or equivalent examination from a recognized board.

They should have studied Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and English as core subjects.

A minimum aggregate of 50% marks in the qualifying examination is required for general category candidates, and 45% for SC/ST/OBC candidates.

Admission Process:

Admission to BDS is through national-level entrance exams like NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA).

Some states and private institutes may conduct their own entrance exams.

Course Curriculum:

The BDS curriculum includes both theoretical and practical components.

The first two years focus on basic medical sciences such as Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, and Dental Materials.

The next two years cover pre-clinical subjects like Oral Pathology, Microbiology, Pharmacology, and Preventive and Community Dentistry.

The final year includes clinical subjects like Prosthodontics, Conservative Dentistry, Oral Surgery, Orthodontics, Pedodontics, Periodontics, and Oral Medicine and Radiology.

Internship:

After completing the four years of academic study, students are required to undergo a one-year compulsory rotating internship.

During the internship, students gain practical experience in various aspects of dentistry under the supervision of experienced dentists.

Specializations:

After completing BDS, students can pursue specialization in various fields of dentistry through MDS (Master of Dental Surgery) courses.

Some of the popular specializations include Orthodontics, Periodontics, Prosthodontics, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Conservative Dentistry, and Pedodontics.

 Career Opportunities

After completing BDS and obtaining the necessary license, graduates can work as general dentists in hospitals, clinics, and dental health care centres.

They can also pursue higher studies and research opportunities in the field of dentistry.

Some may choose to start their own dental practice or work in public health dentistry.

Salary and Job Prospects:

The salary of a BDS graduate can vary depending on factors like location, type of employer, and years of experience.

Fresh graduates can expect an average starting salary of around Rs. 20,000 to Rs. 30,000 per month in India.

With experience and specialization, the salary can increase significantly.

Conclusion:

BDS is a prestigious course that offers a rewarding career in dentistry.

It requires dedication, hard work, and a genuine interest in oral health care.

Graduates of BDS have the opportunity to make a positive impact on people’s lives by improving their oral health and overall well-being.