Every Indian child had dreamt of becoming a doctor someday. As kids, our assumption of being a doctor is restricted to the regular doctor that we meet in a clinic. But there are various fields within the discipline that students can explore. From surgeon to cardiologist, there is a specialist doctor for every bone.
One such field of specialization is dentistry, or dental science. Students who aspire to become doctors can explore the field of dentistry, which has been growing lately. In order to specialize in it, candidates must complete their graduate degree in Bachelor’s of Dental Surgery.
BDS Bachelor’s of Dental Surgery
BDS full form is Bachelor’s of Dental Surgery. Through the course, students specialise in dental health and care. Students who are aspiring to become dental professionals or explore related fields like research or teaching dentistry must enroll in BDS. It provides medical/ dentistry students with professional education and practical experience, allowing them to excel in their skills. In order to specialise in any other field of medicine, students first complete their MBBS. However, for pursuing a career in dentistry, students can directly study it in BDS.
Know the course in depth-
- Includes knowledge of dental anatomy, physiology, and techniques to cure various dental problems.
- The BDS course time is 5 years. Students are also offered a 1-year internship within the course time.
- The first four academic years are theory-based. Students in these four years learn about structure, working, and techniques related to the field.
- In the fifth year, students are provided with 1 one-year internship opportunity. Here, they learn about managing real-life clinic situations and how to deal with patients and problems.
- Includes use and awareness of various dental technologies.
- Also teaches students about the ethics maintained in the field.
COURSE FEE AND SALARY
Medicine is a field that requires a huge amount of investment, both financial and mental. However, the rewards of these investments are also equally high.
The BDS course fees range from Rs. 1 Lakh to Rs. 6 Lakhs. The costs may depend on the college and the facilities provided by the institution. The fees can extend beyond the range depending on the university.
Talking about salary, it ranges from Rs. 3 LPA to Rs. 9 LPA. A Master's in Dental Surgery and/or experience can help earn more income.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR BDS
BDS, Bachelor’s of Dental Surgery, is a tough course. There are certain eligibility criteria that students must aim to achieve.
- Complete 12th education from the science stream.
- Candidates should have studied the following subjects:
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Biology.
- Candidates must also have a total score of 50 percent. This shows their commitment towards the subjects.
- After completion of their schooling, candidates must appear for the NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test).
- Candidates must have a qualifying score to get admission in any college. Students aiming for top colleges must prepare well for the NEET. A high NEET score is required for top colleges.
BDS ENTRANCE EXAM AND ADMISSION PROCESS
There is no separate BDS Entrance Exam conducted. Candidates must prepare well for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test, NEET. It is conducted all over India and is related to admission in medical colleges. The exam allows students to take admission in any of the medical colleges around the country. NEET scores are considered for admission in the BDS course in all medical colleges.
Candidates must prepare well to secure admission in top colleges.
Some basic preparation tips students can follow while preparing for NEET and admission in the BDS course are-
- Focus on strengthening the basics of subjects like Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
- Focus on understanding the concepts.
- Manage time effectively, especially during an exam.
- Practice mock tests and previous year questions. It helps in understanding the pattern of the examination.
- Most importantly, students should stay positive and calm during exams. They should practice positive visualisation. It enhances performance.
After passing their NEET examination, candidates can start applying to their dream colleges, and based on their scores, seats will be allotted to them.
TOP BDS COLLEGES
BDS is emerging as a demanding course. There are various governmental and private medical colleges that offer this course, along with high-paying placement, quality education, and experience.
The top 10 colleges that provide BDS course are-
- Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences- Chennai, Tamil Nadu
- Manipal College of Dental Sciences- Manipal, Karnataka
- Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences- Delhi
- King George’s Medical University- Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
- Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth- Pune, Maharashtra
- A.B Shetty Memorial Institute of Dental Sciences- Mangaluru, Karnataka
- SRM Dental College- Chennai, Tamil Nadu
- Jamia Millia Islamia- New Delhi, Delhi
- Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research- Chennai, Tamil Nadu
- JSS Dental College and Hospital- Mysuru, Karnataka
There are more colleges for BDS that candidates can apply to get admission.
CAREER OPTIONS AFTER BACHELOR’S OF DENTAL SURGERY
After their Bachelor’s of Dental Surgery, students pursue higher studies in the same field. After their Master’s of Dental Surgery, students have the following career options-
- Private Practitioner
- Corporate hospital doctor
- Government hospital doctor
- Research Institutions
- Pharmaceutical companies
- Teaching as a Dentistry Professor
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQS)
Q.1) What is BDS course?
Ans. Bachelor’s of Dental Surgery is BDS full form. It is an undergraduate course that students can pursue after completing 12th and NEET to become a dental professional.
Q.2) What is the average salary of Dental professionals?
Ans. After completing BDS, an individual may receive between Rs. 3LPA to Rs. 9LPA. It may differ from institutions, experience, and further education.
Q.3) Can I get admission in bds without neet?
Ans. No. It is important to give NEET to get admission in BDS colleges. NEET exam is given for admission in all medical colleges.
Q.4) What are BDS college fees in private college?
Ans. BDS college fees for a private college can range from Rs. 1 Lakh to Rs. 6 Lakh. For private colleges, fees can extend beyond this.
Q.5) What is BDS course duration?
Ans. BDS course duration is 5 years. The first 4 years are about theoretical knowledge, while the 5th year is for an internship that allows students to have hands-on experience.
