Course guide · Courses & Degrees
BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery)
BDS trains students to diagnose and treat conditions of the teeth, gums and mouth. It is admitted through NEET-UG and suits students who enjoy precise, hands-on clinical work.
- Duration
- 5 years including 1-year internship
- Eligibility
- Class 12 with PCB and English
- Admission
- NEET-UG
- Regulator
- Dental Council of India
Course overview
The course covers dental anatomy, oral pathology, dental materials, prosthodontics, orthodontics, periodontics, conservative dentistry and oral surgery, with extensive clinical training. See MBBS vs BDS.
Who this course may suit
- BiPC students interested in dentistry
- Students who enjoy fine manual work
Eligibility
- Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology and English with minimum marks
- Qualifying NEET-UG
Entrance exams and admission
| Exam | Used for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| NEET-UG | Admission to MBBS, BDS, AYUSH and veterinary degrees |
Exam names, patterns, eligibility and participating institutions change. Check the official notification for the current year.
What you will study
| Stage | Typical subjects |
|---|---|
| Year 1 | General anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, dental anatomy and histology |
| Year 2 | Pathology, microbiology, pharmacology, dental materials, pre-clinical dentistry |
| Year 3 | General medicine and surgery, oral pathology |
| Year 4 | Clinical dental specialities: prosthodontics, orthodontics, periodontics, oral surgery and more |
| Internship | One year of rotating clinical internship |
Skills you will develop
- Clinical dental procedures
- Diagnosis
- Patient communication
- Fine motor skills
Where the course is offered
Government and private dental colleges recognised by the Dental Council of India.
Want help applying this to your own situation? Career Counselling After Class 12 on the Career Captain website.
Indicative fees
Government dental colleges are relatively affordable; private colleges can charge several lakh rupees a year.
Career options after the course
Doctor
Compare medicine and dentistry.
Higher-study options
- MDS in a dental speciality
- Master of Public Health
- Hospital administration
Advantages of this course
- Private practice opportunities
- More regular hours than many medical roles
Challenges to consider
- Clinic set-up costs
- Competitive urban markets
Is this course a good fit for you?
It may suit you if…
- You enjoy precise hands-on work
It may be harder if…
- You chose it only because MBBS was unavailable and dislike dentistry
Similar courses to compare
Frequently asked questions
Is BDS a good option?
For students interested in dentistry, yes. Compare it honestly with alternatives — see MBBS vs BDS.
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