Bachelor in Dental Surgery (BDS) is India’s most popular course to pursue dental medicine and surgery. It is also the only recognised university degree offered in India in the field. Thus, making it the only choice for those aspiring to become dental surgeons.
BDS is a comprehensive degree programme. It offers career prospects in the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors and plenty of other top-notch career opportunities.
MBBS is the preferred course after completing the Intermediate in Science with Biology. However, BDS is on par with the MBBS in medical education. It also awards graduates the Dr. prefix before their name.
Let’s take a look at all the BDS Course highlights.
| Particulars | Details |
| BDS full form | Bachelor of Dental Surgery. |
| Abbreviated Form | BDS |
| Course type | Degree programme. |
| Course Level | Undergraduate. |
| BDS Course Duration | 5 years. |
| BDS Admission process | Entrance Exam (NEET). |
| Minimum qualification | Intermediate in Science (Biology). |
| BDS Course fee | INR 1–INR 6 lakh. |
| Top recruiters | Hospitals, Educational Institutes, Dental Clinics, and Dental Product Manufacturers. |
| Average Salary | INR 4–INR 6 lakh. |
A career in dentistry is incredibly rewarding. Dentists help patients achieve optimum oral health and contribute to improving the quality of their lives. However, dentists and dental surgeons have a unique set of challenges. They need some fundamental abilities to help them overhaul these hindrances.
So, what does it take to excel as a dentist? What are the essential qualities required to become a first-rate dental surgeon? Let’s take a look at the details.
Dentists and dental surgeons must be passionate about their jobs. They should understand the significance of their role. They should also be aware of how much they impact patients’ lives. Therefore, passion and enthusiasm will help you get more patients and ensure their loyalty.
The way dentists interact with patients and their families is critical. The accuracy with which they answer queries greatly matters. Their loved ones need care and treatment. Communication can boost patients’ morale. However, it can also dent their spirits. Patients are already having a tough time. A kind word from the dentist can make a world of difference!
Dental surgeons carry out maxillofacial surgeries and other complex procedures. These tasks require precise execution. Candidates should focus on learning all the necessary skills when enrolled in BDS. Their skills must become first-rate after the internship. They must have perfect hand-eye coordination, as practitioners must always stay sharp!
Staying calm and composed even in critical situations is an essential quality for dentists. Those who cannot handle stress and pressure will not exceed in the field. Aspiring dentists should be balanced, logical, and calm. They should also have excellent decision-making abilities.
One cannot love their work if they do it just to earn money. The patient’s requirements should always come first. Dentists should be honest and kind to patients. They should explain their condition properly and inform them about various available treatments. Compassion will allow them to win trust and confidence. One must develop empathy to become a better dentist!
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The BDS Course can be completed in a minimum of 5 years. The course is split into four years of academic studies and one year of internship. The course topics are divided into optional and core. This division is in line with students’ choices and university criteria. The following table lists core and elective subjects.
| Core subjects | Elective subjects |
| General and Dental Pharmacology | Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopedics |
| Oral Pathology | Periodontology |
| Microbiology | Public Health Dentistry |
| General Pathology | Pediatric & Preventive Dentistry |
| — | Conservative Dentistry |
Candidates must pass the NEET exam to be admitted to the BDS programme. An application form is made available online by the National Testing Agency. Candidates must meet the application requirements. They should also fulfil NEET exam criteria to enrol in BDS.
The computer-based test is conducted annually. NEET 2022 was held on July 17, 2022. Likely, NEET 2023 will also be conducted in July 2023. Now is a good time to start preparing.
Candidates must obtain the minimum cutoff to participate in NEET Counselling. Colleges are assigned according to rank and candidates’ choices. The number of seats and rules of reservation also matter.
Here is a list of the top colleges offering the BDS Course. The approximate BDS course fees are also listed.
Dental clinics and hospitals hire BDS graduates because BDS graduates understand dentistry-related issues optimally. Earning a Masters in Dental Surgery (MDS) allows one to become a lecturer in the future.
Dental professionals are hired for various positions according to their qualifications and skill set. Initially, they are paid between INR 40,000 to INR 50,000 monthly. However, the pay rises with experience. Various career options for BDS graduates and general salaries are listed below.
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.
They must also pass tough exams and evaluations to prove they have the skills to do their jobs successfully. Dental surgeons in India make an average of INR 3 LPA. The incomes range from INR 0.4 LPA to INR 7.0 LPA. The pay may vary according to experience and location. (Source: Ambition Box).
Dental assistants are young BDS graduates. They work to provide additional help to surgeons by doing tasks like scheduling appointments, and allowing patients to be treated swiftly. They sterilise, disinfect, and arrange dental tools and help with dental procedures and maintain patient records.
A dental assistant is in charge of regular administrative and upkeep duties at the clinic. They also perform lab work as instructed by the dentist. Their primary task is to prepare patient rooms for visits. They also ensure that the dentist has access to all necessary equipment.
The dental assistant helps the dentist throughout procedures by passing instruments to them. The dental assistant may welcome clients upon arrival and charge the insurance provider. They also set up the patient’s next session before the patient leaves. The average salary for dental assistants in India is 1.2 LPA. The salaries range from INR 0.1 LPA–INR 3.1 LPA. (Source: Ambition Box).
An oral pathologist manages illnesses of the teeth, gums, jaw, mouth, neck, and head. They also recommend surgical treatments for issues found during examinations. This includes the removal of tumours or tumour cells. They examine medical records to identify patients’ risk factors for particular cancers or diseases. And frequently collaborate with dentists to find and address problems with oral health. They may also involve in research of oral pathology or dental medicine.
The average salaries for oral pathologists in India range from INR 5.5 LPA–INR 6.0 LPA. The level of education, experience, and geographic location may affect the pay. (Source: Ambition Box).
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Graduates of the BDS course can choose from a variety of career paths. These include becoming a professional dental surgeon, dental assistant, or oral pathologist. Graduates with a flair for research or teaching could avoid practising as dentists or dental surgeons.
Yes. Candidates must clear the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) to secure admission to a BDS program. NEET is the only entrance exam for students applying to BDS and MBBS programs in India.
The top colleges offering Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) courses are:
1. Faculty of Dental Sciences, IMS BHU, Varanasi.
2. Maulana Azad Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi.
3. Faculty of Dental Sciences King George’s Medical University, Lucknow.
4. Government Dental College and Hospital, Mumbai.
5. Dr R Ahmed Dental College and Hospital, Kolkata.
6. Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Bengaluru.
Yes. If you cannot meet the NEET requirements, you will not be admitted to the BDS program. There is only one entrance exam for students applying to BDS programs in India.
They are both undergraduate degrees. Graduates from either stream may prefix their names with “Dr.” MBBS requires students to learn different facets of medicine and treatment. BDS teaches dentistry and related subjects.
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