BDS full form Bachelor of Dental Surgery, is considered as one of the most undergraduate and professional courses in the field of the dental science in India. It is one of the professional dental courses that is recognized in the country and prepares the students to become licensed dentists. As their focus for oral health and hygiene, the demand for dental professionals is rising.
The BDS course duration is 5 years, which includes 4 years of theoretical study and 1 year of mandatory internship. It is one of the professional courses in the Dentistry of India. This course is considered ideal for those who are interested in healthcare and oral hygiene, and detail-oriented patient management.
In this article we will discuss about the BDS subjects, BDS eligibility criteria, the BDS admission process, BDS entrance exams and BDS career scope. So, if you are a student who is planning a career in dentistry or researching the best option for the child, this comprehensive overview will help in making informed decisions about pursuing BDS course in India.
Table of Contents
BDS full form: Course Highlights
| Parameters | Details |
| BDS full form in medical | Bachelor’s of Dental Surgery |
| BDS course level | Undergraduate |
| BDS duration | 5 years |
| BDS admission process | Entrance exam-based |
| BDS eligibility criteria | Completed higher secondary education, i.e., class 12th under science stream. Physics, Chemistry and Biology must be mandatory subjects. An individual must have qualified for the NEET UG exam. |
| BDS entrance exam | NEET UG, MHT-CET, KEAM |
| BDS course fees | |
| BDS salary in India | 3,00,000 to 7,00,000 per annum |
| BDS jobs | Dentists, Dentist in Indian Railways, Dental officer in Defense services, research analyst |
| BDS top recruiters | Dental clinics, educational institutes, dental products, government or private hospitals |
| Courses after BDS | MDS, MBA in healthcare management |
BDS full form: BDS Eligibility Criteria
To pursue BDS course, candidates must follow the BDS eligibility criteria which is set by Dental Council of India. Here is the overall overview of the BDS eligibility criteria:
- Firstly, an individual must have qualified for higher secondary education, i.e. class 12th under the science stream.
- Physics, Chemistry and biology must be the mandatory subjects
- Secondly, an individual must have scored at least 50% in the 12th grade
- Thirdly, a candidate must have qualified for the NEET UG examination.
BDS full form: BDS Admission Process 2025
- Before applying for the BDS course, an individual must have checked the eligibility criteria on the official website. A minimum of 50% in the science stream during the 12th grade and passing the NEET exam are prerequisites for eligibility.
- If you fulfill the eligibility criteria, then fill out the application form which is available on the official website.
- The BDS admission is based on the entrance examination, so start preparing for the NEET exam and appear for the NEET exam.
- After giving the examination, wait for the official results updates and counseling process.
- If you qualify the NEET exam, qualified and shortlisted candidates need to participate in the counseling process which is organized by university and institutes.
- If any seat is allocated in the counseling process, then secure the spot by paying the admission fees and get the documents verified from the college.
BDS full form: BDS Entrance Exam
| Entrance exam | Dates |
| NEET UG | 4th May 2025 |
| KEAM | April 2025 |
| MHT-CET | April- May 2025 |
| IPU-CET | April 2025 |
BDS Syllabus and Subjects
| Semesters | Subjects |
| Semester 1 | General human anatomy |
| General human Physiology | |
| Dental Anatomy | |
| Semester 2 | Dental material |
| Preclinical Prosthodontics and crown and bridge | |
| Semester 3 | General pathology |
| General and dental pharmacology | |
| Preclinical conservative dentistry | |
| Semester 4 | Preclinical prosthodontics and crown and bridge |
| Oral pathology and oral microbiology | |
| Semester 5 | General medicine |
| General surgery | |
| Conservative dentistry and endodontics | |
| Oral pathology and microbiology | |
| Semester 6 | Oral and maxillofacial surgery |
| Oral medicine and surgery | |
| Pediatrics and preventive dentistry | |
| Semester 7 | Orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics |
| Oral medicine and radiology | |
| Periodontology | |
| Pediatrics and preventive dentistry | |
| Semester 8 | Oral and maxillofacial surgery |
| Prosthodontics and crown and bridge | |
| Conservative dentistry and endodontics |
BDS full form: BDS Career Scope and Job Profile
BDS full form is Bachelor of Dental Surgery. It is one of the professional courses that focus on dental surgery and oral health. It is considered one of the recognized dental courses which qualifies graduates to practice as dentists.
Graduates must register themselves with the Dental Council of India; after that, they can start working in dental healthcare.
Further, the BDS course scope is very wide and broad, offering multiple opportunities in the private and public sectors.
Graduates can work as dentists in clinics or hospitals. They can also start their own practice.
Many individuals also go for higher studies, such as a Master of Dental Surgery, to specialize in fields such as orthodontics, prosthodontics, periodontics, and oral surgery.
BDS course graduates can take up roles such as dental research, academic teaching, forensic dentistry, and public health care management.
Thus, the BDS course not only offers a stable income but also provides job satisfaction and makes a meaningful impact on people’s lives through healthcare. It is considered one of the most respected and rewarding careers in the medical field.
| Job profiles | Average salary |
| Dental officer in defense services | 14,00,000 per annum |
| Dental officer in Indian railways | 7,00,000 per annum |
| Lecturer | 5,70,000 per annum |
| Dentist | 4,00,000 per annum |
| Researcher | 5,00,000 per annum |
Conclusion
The BDS course is considered one of the most rewarding courses; this course can open doors to various opportunities in the field of dental and healthcare. This course is considered the perfect blend of theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience. The BDS course prepares the students to become skilled professionals. So, whether you wanted to work in hospitals or start your own practice or continue with higher education such as MDS. The BDS degree is the foundation stone for the strong dental career. Now-a-days, the demand for oral healthcare is rising; this is the ideal time to take a step forward for the future in dentistry.
Frequently Asked Questions
BDS full form is Bachelor of Dental Surgery. The BDS course duration is 5 years, with 4 years of academic study and 1 year of mandatory internship. This course focuses on the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of oral diseases and conditions.
To be eligible for the BDS degree, an individual must have completed and qualified for higher secondary education, i.e., class 12th under science stream from the recognized board with minimum 55% aggregate score.
Some of the subjects in the BDS course are dental anatomy, pathology, microbiology, pharmacology, oral medicine and surgery, and community dentistry.
Neither BDS nor MBBS are inherently harder than other. Further, the difficulty levels depend on individual interests, strengths and career aspirations. Both courses require hard work and dedication.
No, you can get into BDS courses without qualifying for the NEET exam. It is one of the important steps to secure admission to the BDS course.
