BDS Admission 2024: A Complete Overview

The 5-year undergraduate BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery) course is the only professional dental programme recognised in India. The BDS admission 2024 in India prepares students to become doctors. It is a necessary course for students who want to work in public or private hospitals as dentists. The main focus of BDS is to introduce and educate students about the dental sciences and practices. The five-year programme consists of four years of classroom instruction and one year of required rotational internship.

The Dental Council of India (DCI) is in charge of regulating the degree. Dental Histology, Oral Pathology, Oral Surgery, and other BDS-related topics are included in the curriculum. In order to be eligible to practice their profession after receiving their degree, students must register with the Dental Council of India, which oversees the BDS course. 

BDS admission in India requires passing the 10+2 exam or receiving a degree equivalent from an approved school with at least 85%. There is frequently only one admissions exam held in India. Once a year, a nationwide level entrance exam with the name National  Eligibility Cum Entrance Test (NEET) 2024 is held. Look at the top BDS colleges in India.

According to the most recent statistics, India has more than 300 dental colleges, which translates to 26,000 places across government and private institutions. The tuition fees of a BDS course in India ranges from INR 1lac to 10 lacs.

BDS Course Highlights

What is BDS?

• After MBBS, BDS has been one of the most desired medical courses among students. Below is a succinct introduction to the topic:
• For individuals who aspire to succeed in the field of Dental Sciences, BDS is a 5-year undergraduate programme.
• If students want to work as dentists at public or private hospitals, they must take this course.
• BDS is one of the most well-liked medical course after MBBS.
• The final-year students are mandated to complete a 1 year paid internship that is rotation-based and requires them to complete 2-3 rotations across multiple departments.
• During the course of the five years, students are taught topics including oral pathology, dental hygiene, dental histology, public health dentistry, etc.
• After completing the course, they will have the knowledge and skills necessary to practise dentistry because they have studied these areas in-depth.
• Following graduation, students typically put their knowledge of dentistry to use in public or private hospitals.
• Those who don’t want to work can still advance their education by choosing an MDS (Master of Dental Surgery) They will have improved career opportunities as a result of this.
• In addition to the information already mentioned, BDS gives students a number of options for higher study and career.

Why Study BDS?

The decision for BDS admission to further their professions is made for a variety of reasons. The following is a list of some benefits of the course:

• The number of dental patients in the nation has increased as a result of the greater knowledge of good oral hygiene. As practising dentistry in India is only permitted after completing the BDS programme, one needs to hold a BDS degree in order to care for these patients.
• Future career chances should improve, according to students. The reason is that both the number of dental patients and doctors has been growing quickly, and the government wants to give dentists better work possibilities through expanding employment opportunities.
• With increasing knowledge and expertise, the students’ potential earnings during a paid internship climb from about INR 15,000 to 40,000.
• Students can even improve their skills outside of countries like the US and Canada in order to make more money than they would in India. To do this, they must, however, succeed on exams like the NBDE or NDEB.

Which is better between BDS and MBBS?

BDS vs MBBS

The courses that students in the field of medical sciences most frequently pick and aspire to take are compared in the table above. The students will be assisted in choosing their area of interest by a comparison between two courses that are extremely closely connected. Nearly all of the reputable medical universities in the nation offer these courses.

Also Read About: MDS Admission & MBBS Admission

What is the Eligibility Criteria for BDS Admission in India?

The prerequisites for a course must be satisfied in order to be admitted to a particular college and course. The basic eligibility criteria for BDS admission in India have been mentioned as follows:

• The potential candidate must have obtained a grade point average in their qualifying 10+2 exam of at least 50%, or an equivalent degree from a recognised institution.
• Physics, Chemistry, and Biology must have been required coursework for their 10+2 grade.
• Almost all colleges that offer this course include the NEET score as part of their admissions criteria. The applicant must achieve the minimum score on the exam in order to be accepted.
• If the students are successful in getting accepted, they must show up for the college-organized counselling sessions.
• Typically, three counselling sessions are held in a row.

BDS Entrance Exams

In India, only the national level NEET exam determines admission to BDS courses. Following is some additional exam-related information:

• For admission to BDS, there aren’t many entrance exams. The sole exam offered for admission to BDS programmes is the national level NEET exam.
• For admission to undergraduate medical programmes including MBBS, BDS, BAMS, BSc Nursing, etc., candidates must pass the national-level NEET exam.
• Interested candidates must register on the official website and enter their personal information.
• They have to finish the online application form that is available.
• Email will be used to send the pupils their admission cards. The candidates are urged to show up on the designated day just for the exam.
• If the student succeeds in passing the exam and meets the established cut off, they can move on to the counselling sessions held for college admissions.
• Admissions to programmes like MBBS, BDS, BAMS, and any other medical course must now only be made through the national level exam NEET as of 2016.
• A national exam called the National Eligibility Cum Entrance Test (NEET) is required for admission to undergraduate medical programmes including MBBS and BDS.
• All BDS admissions, whether to a government college or a private college, are handled through NEET.
• NEET, one of the most difficult tests offered in India, is a requirement for enrollment in the nation’s accredited dentistry colleges.

How to Prepare for NEET Exams?

Since NEET is the only entrance test offered for BDS admission in India, candidates must work extremely hard to succeed. The exam is one of the most competitive assessments offered in India, drawing more than 10 lac students each year. Students can benefit from the following suggestions as they prepare for the exam:

• A frequent publication on the official website is the most recent exam curriculum and pattern, so keep an eye out for those. This will help you keep your attention and avoid confusion.
• Create a study plan that includes all of the subjects covered in the curriculum. This will make it simpler to understand how much ground you have already covered and how much more work remains.
• Make a strict timetable and follow it. You’ll be able to finish your coursework on time thanks to this.

The exam is one of the most competitive assessments offered in India, drawing more than 10 lac students each year. The following guidance can help students prepare for the test.

• A frequent publication on the official website is the most recent exam curriculum and pattern, so keep an eye out for those. This will help you keep your attention and avoid confusion.
• Create a study plan that includes all of the subjects covered in the curriculum. This will make it simpler to understand how much ground you have already covered and how much more work remains.
• Make a strict timetable and follow it. You’ll be able to finish your coursework on time thanks to this.
• Get the best NEET study guide that includes coverage of all important topics. Additionally, carefully read all of your NCERT textbooks because questions can be taken from them.
• Read the newspaper every day to stay up to date on regional events.
• Take notes on the information you have read. This will let you make efficient last-minute changes.
• Attend practice tests and stick strictly to the time limits. This will give you an idea of the testing environment.

What is the BDS Admission Process?

Here is all the information you need to know about BDS, such as the costs of the programme and requirements for admission.

• The standard procedure for BDS admission is to pass the nation-wide NEET exam, which is given at the national level.
• Since 2016, students must take the NEET exam in order to be admitted to medical programmes including MBBS, BDS, etc.
• The student’s performance on the qualifying 10+2 exam must be at least 50% to qualify for the programme.
• The college’s admissions process is only open to those who satisfy the standards.
• If the students achieve the required score on the exam, the college admissions counselling can start.

How to Get Admission in Top BDS College?

You will need to put in a lot of effort if you want to enrol in one of the top-tier universities that offer the programme. This programme is being offered by numerous reputable universities in various states of India. Following are a few instructions for applying to these colleges:

• Any good college wants applicants to have a high academic record, especially at the 10+2 level.
• To get admitted to these colleges, students must also pass the entrance tests with high scores.
• One must begin studying a year before to the exam in order to be eligible for the admissions.
• After passing the cut-off, you are required to participate in the counselling sessions, which are typically scheduled in three rounds.
• You must determine whether the college you want to attend is a suitable fit for you. Please review the course curriculum, which is available on the official website.
• You need to be aware of the placement opportunities provided by the college once you complete the programme, as they are now a crucial component.
• To find out if the course meets your requirements, look at the cost structure of the college that is giving it.

BDS Couse Syllabus

The BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery) syllabus in India is typically structured in yearly divisions, each covering specific subjects and areas of dental science and practice. While the exact distribution and order of subjects may vary among different dental colleges and universities, here is a general overview of the yearly-wise BDS syllabus in India:

First Year:

• General Anatomy
• General Physiology and Biochemistry
• Dental Anatomy and Oral Histology
• General Medicine
• General Surgery

Second Year:

• General Pathology and Microbiology
• Dental Materials
• Pharmacology and Therapeutics
• General Medicine and Therapeutics
• General Surgery and Therapeutics

Third Year:

• Oral Pathology and Oral Microbiology
• Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics
• Prosthodontics and Crown & Bridge
• Oral Medicine and Radiology
• Periodontics

Fourth Year:

• Orthodontics
• Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry
• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Public Health Dentistry
• Electives and Clinical Rotations

Fifth Year:

• Clinical Training and Rotations in Various Specialties
• Comprehensive Patient Care
• Advanced Dental Procedures

Internship Period

During the fifth year, students undergo extensive clinical training and rotations in various dental specialties. This period allows students to gain hands-on experience, develop practical skills, and apply theoretical knowledge in real patient care settings. The internship period is usually dedicated to consolidating clinical experience and further refining skills.

It’s important to note that the specific subjects, their distribution, and the order in which they are taught may vary among different dental colleges or universities. Students should refer to the official websites or contact the respective institutions directly for detailed and up-to-date information on the specific BDS syllabus offered at each institution.

BDS Course Fees in Top colleges

The cost of a private BDS college is between INR 6 and INR 9 lakhs. Depending entirely on the college, students may receive a monthly stipend of INR 15,000 to 40,000 (roughly) for the duration of the internship.

Graduates of the degree might pursue career opportunities as professors, researchers in the field of dentistry, dentists, at reputable hospitals, and even in the field of education. These professionals frequently start off with yearly salaries between INR 4 and 10 lacs. BDS Govt Jobs are available at government hospitals and clinics.

Top Colleges for BDS Admission in India

In India, there are several reputed colleges that offer BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery) programs. Here is a list of some top colleges for BDS admission in India:

These colleges are known for their quality education, experienced faculty, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and comprehensive clinical training facilities.

BDS Jobs Opportunities, Top Recruiters & Salary in India

BDS Job opportunities

As a result, the following job sectors offer employment options to students:

Government Sector:

In the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force as well as dentist for the Indian Railways and as a dental surgeon for the state governments, students may find attractive employment prospects. Jobs in these fields are however available based on qualifications, experience, and open positions.

Private Sector:

The students can get respectable work in private hospitals, dentistry offices, etc. Those who don’t want to work in these positions can start their own clinics to hone their professional talents.

Dentistry Research:

Research in the subject of dental science is an option for those who feel like expanding their academic foundation by pursuing higher education.

Dentist in Gulf Countries:

Students who are dissatisfied with their jobs in India attempt to move to the Gulf States, where there is a great need for dentists and where they can earn a higher wage.

Top Recruiters:

• Dental Clinics
• Educational Institutions
• Dental Product Manufactures
• Pharmaceutical Companies
• Hospitals
• Research Institutes

BDS Salary

Graduates with a BDS degree have a wide range of career and employment choices available to them. They can opt to work in government or private hospitals as dentists, researchers, professors, etc., or they can even start their own dental practice. But not every student starts immediately working and making money. Some of them choose to pursue advanced degrees in dentistry sciences.

The salary for BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery) professionals in India can vary based on several factors such as experience, location, type of practice, and specialization. Here is a general overview of the salary range for BDS professionals in India:

Fresh Graduates:

In government institutions or hospitals, the starting salary for BDS graduates can range from Rs.20,000 to Rs.40,000 per month.

In private dental clinics, the initial salary may vary from Rs. 15,000 to Rs. 30,000 per month.

Experienced Practitioners:

With a few years of experience, the salary for BDS professionals can increase significantly.

In government institutions, the salary may range from Rs. 40,000 to Rs. 80,000 per month.

In private clinics or corporate dental setups, experienced BDS professionals can earn anywhere between Rs.30,000 to Rs.1,00,000 per month.

Specialization:

BDS professionals who pursue specializations such as Orthodontics, Endodontics, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Periodontics, etc., may have higher earning potential.

Specialized practitioners in private practice or working in high-demand areas can earn significantly higher salaries than general dentists.

Self-Employed Practitioners:

Some BDS professionals choose to establish their own dental clinics or practices, which gives them the potential to earn higher incomes based on their patient base, reputation, and services offered.

Earnings in self-employed or entrepreneurial roles can vary widely and depend on factors such as location, patient flow, marketing efforts, and quality of services provided.

It’s important to keep in mind that these payment ranges are only estimates and may change depending on the state of the market and specific situations. Salaries may also differ based on the region of India, with metropolitan cities generally offering higher remuneration compared to smaller towns or rural areas.

Moreover, as BDS professionals gain more experience and establish a good reputation, they can explore opportunities for teaching positions in dental colleges or pursue further studies to become specialists or consultants, which can further enhance their earning potential.

It’s advisable to research specific dental job opportunities and consult professional dental associations for the most accurate and up-to-date information on salary expectations in the dental field in India.

BDS Future Scope

Students anticipate increased job opportunities in the years to come. There has been a significant increase in dental practitioners and patients, which can be attributed to the government’s efforts to expand employment possibilities for dentists.

According to reports, India has more dentists than it needs. If dentists are equally accessible in urban and rural regions, this problem can be overcome.

This is due to the fact that many dentists practice their trade in metropolitan areas; therefore, if some of them were sent to rural areas to provide their services, there would be an equal number of dentists in both regions.

Increased employment prospects and equal employment distribution in the public or government sector will also follow from this region shift.

In the upcoming years, an increase in the employment rate is anticipated.

Due to these problems in India, several students now opt to find employment in Gulf nations due to the high standards and higher pay as well as additional benefits offered compared to what is offered in India.