BDS, or Bachelor of Dental Surgery, is a three-year undergraduate program. The candidates who want to pursue this program should have 10+2 with a minimum of 45-60% marks from a recognized board in relevant subjects. The percentage of marks for admission in this course also depends on the category or caste of the student; reserved categories require a lower percentage of marks as compared to general or unreserved categories. The candidate who wants to take admission in reputed institutes has to qualify for entrance exams. The popular institutes for BDS courses are Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences (Delhi), Manipal College of Dental Sciences, SDM College of Dental Sciences (Dharwad), Dr. R. Ahmed Dental College (Kolkata), Saveetha Dental College (Chennai), Nair Hospital Dental College (Mumbai), Government Dental College (Bangalore), KLE Vishwanath Katti Institute (Belgaum), PGIDS Rohtak, and Goenka Dental College (Kolkata). Some private institutes gave admission on the basis of 10+2 marks. The fees of the course range from 25,000 to 6 lakh per annum and vary on the basis of the institute. After the completion of the BDS program, students can pursue various programs such as MDS (Master of Dental Surgery), MBA in Healthcare Management, MPH (Master of Public Health), Certificate courses in Dental Specializations, Fellowship programs, PhD in Dentistry, and Clinical Research programs.
BDS Highlights
Full Form |
Bachelor of Dental Surgery |
Duration of Course |
5 years |
Type of Degree |
Undergraduate Degree |
Eligibility Criteria |
Passed 12th with Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and English and qualified NEET, with a minimum age of 17 years. |
Entrance Exams |
NEET-UG, AIIMS MBBS/BDS Entrance, JIPMER MBBS/BDS Entrance, state-level NEET exams, and private dental college entrance tests. |
Mode of Study |
Full Time, Distance or Online |
Medium of Course |
English |
Popular Specializations |
Orthodontics, Periodontics, Prosthodontics, Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Endodontics, Pediatric Dentistry, Oral Pathology, and Public Health Dentistry. |
BDS Popular Job Profiles |
Dentist/General Practitioner, Orthodontist, Oral Surgeon, Periodontist, Endodontist, Prosthodontist, Pediatric Dentist, Dental Consultant, Dental Surgeon in Hospitals, and Dental Academician. |
Why choose BDS course
Diverse Career Options
To get knowledge and develop skills
For higher education
Flexible and Versatile
Personal Development
BDS Eligibility Criteria
The candidate should have qualified for the 10+2 or equivalent examination from a recognized institute.
The candidate should have a minimum of 50% marks in the 10+2 examination.
Some institutes offer 5% relaxation in marks for students who belong to SC/ST/PWD categories.
The candidates from Science stream can take admission in the BDS program.
The candidates who are currently in the 10+2 class can take provisional admission.
BDS Application Process
Check Eligibility & Choose a Program
Find Your University & Register
Complete Application & Submit Documents
Appear for Entrance Exam (If Required)
Await Merit List & Attend Counseling
Complete Admission Process
BDS Entrance Exams
Name of Exam |
Colleges |
|
NEET-UG |
National Eligibility cum Entrance Test – Undergraduate |
|
AIIMS MBBS/BDS Entrance |
All India Institute of Medical Sciences MBBS/BDS Entrance Examination |
|
JIPMER MBBS/BDS Entrance |
Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education & Research MBBS/BDS Entrance Examination |
|
state-level NEET exams |
State-level National Eligibility cum Entrance Test |
|
Private dental college entrance tests. |
Entrance Examinations conducted by individual private dental colleges |
BDS Study Modes
Regular or Full-Time
In this type of mode, the students have to attend classes regularly.
Distance or Online
This type of mode for the BDS course is designed for working professionals and students who is far from the institute and unable to attend classes regularly.
BDS Specializations
Orthodontics
Periodontics
Prosthodontics
Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
Endodontics
Pediatric Dentistry
Oral Pathology
Public Health Dentistry
BDS Top Recruiters
|
Apollo Hospitals |
Smile Design Clinics |
|
Fortis Healthcare |
Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Centers |
|
Max Healthcare |
Dental Chains (like Dentzz, Clove Dental) |
|
AIIMS Hospitals |
Corporate Hospitals with Dental Departments |
|
Government Dental Hospitals |
NGOs in Oral Health Programs |
|
Private Dental Clinics |
Academic Institutions & Dental Colleges |
BDS Top Job Profiles
Job Profile |
Annual Salary in INR |
|
General Dentist |
₹3 to ₹6 LPA |
|
Orthodontist |
₹5 to ₹10 LPA |
|
Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon |
₹6 to ₹12 LPA |
|
Periodontist |
₹4 to ₹8 LPA |
|
Endodontist |
₹4 to ₹8 LPA |
|
Prosthodontist |
₹4 to ₹9 LPA |
|
Pediatric Dentist |
₹3 to ₹7 LPA |
|
Dental Consultant |
₹4 to ₹8 LPA |
|
Dental Surgeon in Hospitals |
₹5 to ₹10 LPA |
|
Dental Academician / Lecturer |
₹3 to ₹6 LPA |
Career and Scope of BDS
Higher Education opportunities
The candidates who have completed a BDS degree can pursue courses such as MDS (Master of Dental Surgery), MBA in Healthcare Management, MPH (Master of Public Health), Certificate courses in Dental Specializations, Fellowship programs, PhD in Dentistry, and Clinical Research programs.
Government Jobs and Civil Services
Government jobs after BDS include Dental Officer in Government Hospitals, Defense Services Dentist, Public Health Dentist, and State/Union Health Departments.
Civil Services after BDS include eligibility for IAS, IPS, IFS, IRS, and State Civil Services exams with graduation qualification.
FAQ’s
Ques. What is the full form of BDS?
Ans. The full form is Bachelor of Dental Surgery.
Ques. Who can apply for BDS?
Ans. Passed 12th with Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and English and qualified NEET, with a minimum age of 17 years.
Ques. Is there any popular entrance exam for BDS admission?
Ans. NEET-UG, AIIMS MBBS/BDS Entrance, JIPMER MBBS/BDS Entrance, state-level NEET exams, and private dental college entrance tests.
Ques. What are the best specializations of a BDS?
Ans. The best specializations of a BDS are Orthodontics, Periodontics, Prosthodontics, Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Endodontics, Pediatric Dentistry, Oral Pathology, and Public Health Dentistry.
Ques. Which are the best career options after a BDS?
Ans. You can apply for various government and private sector jobs.
Ques. What is the average salary after a BDS course?
Ans. After the completion of the BDS course, the fresher’s can earn 3 to 8 lakh per annum.
Ques. Can I study abroad after the completion of the BDS course?
Ans. Yes, some universities in foreign countries accept 5-year BDS degrees for postgraduate course admission.
Ques. What are the popular jobs after a BDS?
Ans. Dentist/General Practitioner, Orthodontist, Oral Surgeon, Periodontist, Endodontist, Prosthodontist, Pediatric Dentist, Dental Consultant, Dental Surgeon in Hospitals, and Dental Academician.