Quick Summary
Dreaming of a career in dentistry? The Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) course is your pathway to becoming a skilled dental professional. BDS is an in-depth program that combines medical science with practical training. It prepares you to diagnose, treat, and prevent oral health problems. As awareness of oral healthcare increases in 2025, the need for qualified dentists is growing. This trend makes BDS a popular choice for science students.
The course includes subjects like dental anatomy, oral pathology, prosthodontics, and community dentistry. This ensures you gain both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Whether you want to open your own clinic, work in a hospital, or specialize further, a BDS degree provides a strong foundation for a rewarding career in dentistry. Let’s look at what makes the BDS course a smart choice for your future.
BDS is India’s most popular course for pursuing dental medicine and surgery. BDS full form is a Bachelor’s in dental surgery, a comprehensive degree program. It offers career prospects in the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors and many other top-notch career opportunities.
Let’s take a look at all the BDS course highlights:
The Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) program in India is a comprehensive 5-year course. Here’s how the timeline is structured:
Years 1-4: These initial years focus on theoretical knowledge and practical training in dental sciences. The curriculum includes essential subjects like Dental Anatomy, Oral Pathology, Prosthodontics, and Orthodontics.
Year 5: The final year consists of a compulsory rotating internship. During this time, students acquire practical experience across various dental specialties, such as Oral Surgery, Periodontics, and Pediatric Dentistry.
This framework guarantees students a well-rounded education, blending academic learning with hands-on skills.
There is only one way to get admission to a BDS course: to clear the NEET exam. Based on the marks obtained in NEET, students can be admitted to their preferred college or university. But before you get admission, you need to follow the process.
To get admission into the BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery) course, candidates must clear the required entrance exam. Every year, the National Testing Agency (NTA) releases the online application form for NEET—the national-level exam that serves as the gateway to BDS programs.
Aspiring students need to fill out the application within the given timeline and appear for the NEET exam, which is conducted once a year in computer-based mode. To move forward in the BDS admission process, it’s important to meet the minimum cutoff marks set for the exam.
Once the results are out, BDS seats are allotted during the NEET counselling process. Allocation depends on several factors, including the candidate’s rank, their preferences, the number of available seats, and the reservation guidelines.
| BDS Exam | BDS Exam Date | BDS Exam Dates |
|---|---|---|
| NEET 2025 | May 4, ’25 (Conducted) | — |
Different subjects are taught during the BDS course to teach students the theoretical part and give them knowledge of the human body and its relation to dentistry. Although the sequence or the name of the subject can differ depending on the university or college, the content remains the same.
Note: BDS 1st year subjects, 2nd year subjects, and others may vary according to colleges and university curricula.
Here is a list of the top colleges offering the BDS Course; the approximate BDS course fees are also listed. The list below of colleges has been extracted from the Dental Council of India.
| NIRF Ranking ‘24 | BDS Colleges | BDS Course Fees |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences | 42.4 Lakh |
| 2 | Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Manipal | 14.9 Lakh |
| 3 | Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences | 16,600 |
| 4 | KGMU | 1.9 Lakh |
| 5 | DY Patil Pune | 26 Lakh |
| 6 | AB Shetty Memorial Institute of Dental Sciences | 20.2 Lakh |
| 7 | SRM Dental College | 15.6 Lakh |
| 8 | JMI | 1.2 Lakh |
| 9 | SOA University | 22 Lakh |
| 10 | SRIHER | 24 Lakh |
Note: This information is sourced from the official website and may vary.
| BDS Colleges | BDS Course Fees in Private College (in INR) |
|---|---|
| Teerthanker Mahaveer University | 7.92 Lakh |
| Maharishi Markandeshwar University | 9.6 Lakh |
| SGT University, Gurgaon | 9.84 Lakh |
| Rama University, Kanpur | 10.8 Lakh |
| Mahatma Gandhi University of Medical Sciences and Technology | 11 Lakh |
| SVSU | 12.54 Lakh |
| Manav Rachna International Institute of Research & Studies | 15.63 Lakh |
| SRIHER | 24 Lakh |
| Padmashree Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Navi Mumbai | 31 Lakh |
| Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Poonamallee | 43 Lakh |
Note: This information is sourced from the official website/counselling body and may vary.
| BDS Colleges | BDS Course Fees in Government College (INR) |
|---|---|
| Jamia Millia Islamia | 1.45 Lakh |
| Institute of Medical Sciences | 1.68 Lakh |
| Pandit Bhagwat Dayal Sharma University of Health Sciences | 1.86 Lakh |
| KGMU | 1.91 Lakh |
| Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University | 3.51 Lakh |
| Srinivas Group of Colleges | 3.83 Lakh |
| SRM Kattankulathur Dental College and Hospital University | 15.6 Lakh |
| DDU | 15.66 Lakh |
| Annamalai University | 17.5 Lakh |
| DMIHER | 19.4 Lakh |
Note: This information is sourced from the official website and may vary.
Dental clinics and hospitals hire BDS graduates because BDS graduates understand dentistry-related issues optimally. Earning a Master’s in Dental Surgery (MDS) allows one to become a lecturer.
Various career options for BDS graduates and BDS salaries are listed below.
|
Jobs |
Average Salary (in INR) |
|
Dental Surgeon |
3 LPA |
|
Dental Assistant |
1.2 LPA |
|
Oral Pathologist |
5.7 LPA |
|
Dental Hygienist |
2.2 LPA |
|
Dental Scientist |
3 LPA |
Dental surgeons are highly trained professionals focusing on the medical sciences. They perform various operations, from simple routine cleaning to complex cosmetic and corrective surgery. Oral surgeons must complete their training before they can work independently.
To become a dental surgeon after doing a BDS course, you must also pass tough exams and evaluations to prove you have the skills to do your job successfully.
Dental assistants are young BDS graduates who work to provide additional help to surgeons by scheduling appointments and allowing patients to be treated swiftly. They also sterilize, disinfect, and arrange dental tools, help with dental procedures, and maintain patient records.
As a dental assistant, you will be in charge of regular administrative and upkeep duties at the clinic. You will also perform lab work as instructed by the dentist. Your primary task is to prepare patient rooms for visits and ensure the dentist can access all necessary equipment.
An oral pathologist manages teeth, gums, jaw, mouth, neck, and head. They also recommend surgical treatments for issues found during examinations, including removing tumors or tumor cells. They examine medical records to identify patients’ risk factors for particular cancers or diseases. They frequently collaborate with dentists to find and address problems with oral health. They may also be involved in research on oral pathology or dental medicine.
Another path to choose after completing your BDS course is becoming a dental hygienist. Dental hygienists are licensed oral health professionals who work alongside dentists to help patients maintain good oral hygiene and prevent dental problems. They are experts in performing routine dental cleanings, taking X-rays, applying fluoride treatments, and educating patients on proper dental care practices.
As a dental hygienist, you may assist dentists in more complex procedures, such as filling cavities or applying sealants. Dental hygienists play a crucial role in preventing tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health issues by promoting good dental hygiene habits and providing preventive care to patients.
If you are curious about the importance of oral hygiene and its role in human life, you should consider becoming a dental scientist after completing your BDS course. Dental scientists specialize in the study and research of oral health. They conduct experiments and clinical trials to discover new techniques and treatments for dental problems. Dental scientists may also work to improve existing dental procedures, materials, and technologies.
As a scientist, you get to collaborate with other healthcare professionals, such as dentists and dental hygienists, to develop effective solutions for dental patients. Your work can help advance dentistry and improve the overall oral health of the population. Dental scientists require extensive education and training in both scientific and dental principles to excel in their field.
Students pursuing dentistry are hopeful about better job opportunities in the coming years. With a growing focus on oral health, the government is also working to improve career prospects for dentists by creating more job openings and expanding services. This has led to a noticeable increase in both the number of dental professionals and the patients seeking dental care.
The top employers of BDS course graduates are shown below.
| BDS Top Recruiters | |
|---|---|
| Straumann | Envista |
| Dentsply Sirona | ACE Surgical |
Read more: BSc Anesthesia – Course Details and Jobs
Dentists and oral hygiene are some of the most reputable careers and important aspects of everyone’s life. If you want to make a career in this field of medicine, then the BDS course is your path. This five-year course teaches and trains you in every way a practitioner BDS graduate needs to be.
A BDS course is more than just a degree. It is a stepping stone to a rewarding profession. As a dentist, you will play an essential role in improving community health and brightening smiles. The skills and experience you gain during your BDS program open doors to various opportunities, such as private practice, hospital positions, teaching, and research. With changing dental technologies and a growing focus on preventive care, BDS graduates are prepared for success in 2025 and beyond.
By staying updated on the latest developments and committing to ongoing learning, you can build a successful career and make a difference in people’s lives. If you are passionate about healthcare and eager to serve, the BDS course is your path to a bright and meaningful future.
BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery) is an undergraduate program focusing on dental science, oral health, and surgery techniques.
Example: A student learns about oral anatomy, preventive dentistry, and dental surgery in the BDS course.
Tip: Select a college that is recognized by the Dental Council of India for quality education.
The BDS course usually takes 5 years. This includes 4 years of academic study and 1 year of mandatory internship.
For example, a student completes 4 years of coursework and then spends a year in a clinical internship at a dental hospital.
Tip: Use the internship to gain practical clinical experience.
Candidates must have completed 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, and pass the NEET exam.
Example: A student who scores above the NEET cutoff can gain admission to a top BDS college.
Tip: Concentrate on PCB subjects during 10+2 for better NEET preparation.
Graduates can work as dental surgeons, orthodontists, and consultants or pursue MDS for specialization.
Example: A BDS graduate joins a private dental clinic or opens their own practice.
Tip: Think about pursuing MDS if you want to specialize in areas like orthodontics or oral surgery.
After passing the necessary licensing exams, BDS graduates can continue their studies, conduct dental research, or work as dentists in countries like the USA, UK, and Australia.
Example: A graduate passes the US Dental Licensing Exam to practice in the USA.
Tip: Review each country’s specific eligibility and licensing requirements before planning to move abroad.
Skills include precision, patient management, diagnosis, dental surgery techniques, and research abilities.
Example: A student learns to perform root canal procedures and manage patient anxiety.
Tip: Develop good communication and manual skills along with technical skills.
Salary varies based on experience, location, and type of practice. Entry-level dentists earn ₹3 to 6 LPA in India. This amount increases with experience or specialization.
For example, a BDS graduate working in a private clinic earns ₹5 LPA at the start.
Tip: Setting up a private clinic or pursuing MDS can significantly boost earnings.
No, BDS is an undergraduate program, and students must apply directly after 10+2 (PCB).
For example, a B.Sc. graduate cannot directly join BDS; they must take NEET after 10+2.
Tip: Plan early and prepare for NEET during 12th grade for BDS admission.
BDS is an undergraduate program that teaches general dentistry. MDS is a postgraduate specialization in orthodontics, oral surgery, or prosthodontics.
For example, a BDS graduate may pursue MDS in Orthodontics to focus on braces and teeth alignment.
If you want more knowledge and a higher earning potential, consider choosing MDS.
Yes, BDS graduates can work in government hospitals, defense, railways, or public health sectors.
For example, a BDS graduate might join a government dental hospital or become a dental officer in the Indian Army.
Tip: Stay updated on government dental job notifications and exams to find better opportunities.
Authored by, Gagandeep Khokhar
Career Guidance Expert
Gagandeep is a content writer and strategist focused on creating high-performing, SEO-driven content that bridges the gap between learners and institutions. He crafts compelling narratives across blogs, landing pages, and email campaigns to drive engagement and build trust.
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Chegg India does not ask for money to offer any opportunity with the company. We request you to be vigilant before sharing your personal and financial information with any third party. Beware of fraudulent activities claiming affiliation with our company and promising monetary rewards or benefits. Chegg India shall not be responsible for any losses resulting from such activities.
