A Complete Guide to Pursuing a BDS Degree in India: Colleges and Career Prospects
BDS, an abbreviation for Bachelor of Dental Surgery, is a professional undergraduate degree program in the field of dentistry, designed to prepare students for a professional career in dentistry.
The course duration is five years, which includes four years of academic coursework with one year of compulsory Internship. The course is designed such that it prepares students for a career in dental health. It involves training of the students on diagnosing, treating, and preventing oral health issues.
Importance of Dentistry in Healthcare
Dentistry plays a crucial role in overall healthcare, encompassing several important aspects:
- Preventive Care: Regular dental check-ups and cleanings are essential in preventing oral diseases, such as cavities and gum disease, which can have broader health implications. For instance, untreated gum disease can lead to systemic conditions like heart disease and diabetes.
- Early Detection of Systemic Conditions: Dentists can often detect signs of systemic conditions such as diabetes, vitamin deficiencies, and even some cancers during routine exams. Changes in the mouth, such as unusual lesions or swelling, can be early indicators of these conditions.
- Impact on Quality of Life: Oral health directly affects one's ability to eat, speak, and maintain a good quality of life. Issues like tooth loss, gum disease, or oral pain can significantly impact daily functioning and self-esteem.
- Link Between Oral and Overall Health: There is a growing body of evidence linking oral health to overall health. For example, chronic inflammation from periodontal disease has been associated with increased risk of conditions like cardiovascular disease, stroke, and respiratory infections.
Eligibility Criteria:
A candidate needs to fulfill certain criterias to become eligible for pursuing the BDS program. These are as follows:
- Candidates must have passed their higher secondary education with a science stream (Physics, Chemistry, and Biology).
- It is important to note that they have secured a minimum percentage (50% for unreserved & 40% for the reserved category) in these subjects.
- Candidates must have qualified the medical entrance exam NEET to be eligible for this program.
- Candidates should be at least 17 years old at the year of admission.
Admission Process for BDS in India:
There are several steps in the admission procedure for the BDS program, and a candidate needs to be updated about every step of the process for successful admission in their desired dental college. The steps involved in the admission process includes:
1. Attempt an Entrance Exams:
There are various types of entrance exams conducted for providing admission into the BDS program. These include:
- National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) : It is being conducted by National Testing Agency (NTA), and covers topics from Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
- State-level and Private Exams: There are some states and private institutions that might conduct their own entrance exams, although most have aligned with NEET.
2. Participate in Counseling:
Registration for Counseling begins soon after the Neet results are declared. It’s conducted by the Medical Counseling Committee (MCC) for all-India quota, whereas respective state counseling authorities conduct counseling for state quotas.
3. Choice Filling:
Candidates have to make preferences and choices for colleges and courses based on the factors such as their ranks, interests and eligibility. It is important to note that College authorities give seats in government colleges according to the student’s preference. Hence, prefer putting the government institutions higher in your choice filling. Ensure you lock your choices before the deadline, as changes cannot be made afterwards.
4. Seat Allotment:
Seat allotment lists are based on various factors such as NEET UG ranks, preferences, and seat availability. The NEET UG counseling result would be available on the official website.
5. Reporting to Allotted College:
Candidates, who have been allocated seats have to report to the allotted dental college within the specified time frame to complete the admission process.
6. Document Verification:
Ensure carrying all the needed documents for the verification. These include, NEET scorecard, class 12 mark sheets, and identity proof. Make sure to place them in order..
NEET UG Important dates
| Event |
Dates |
| NEET Registration Process |
February 9 – March 16, 2024 |
| NEET UG Application Form Correction |
February 18 – 20, 2024 |
| NEET 2024 Admit Card |
First week of May 2024 |
| NEET 2024 Exam Date |
May 5, 2024 |
| NEET 2024 Result Date |
June 13, 2024 |
NEET UG Counseling Schedule 2024:
| Dates |
Upcoming Exam Dates |
| 25 August - 31 August |
NEET 2024 Round 1 Institute Reporting |
| 05 Sept- 10 Sep |
NEET 2024 Round 2 Registration |
| 06 Sep - 10 Sep |
NEET 2024 Round 2 Choice Filling |
| 10 Sep |
NEET 2024 Round 2 Choice Locking |
| 13 Sep |
NEET 2024 Round 2 Seat Allotment Result |
| 14 Sep - 20 Sep |
NEET 2024 Round 2 Institute Reporting |
| 26 Sep - 02 Oct |
NEET 2024 Round 3 Registration |
| 27 Sep - 02 Oct |
NEET 2024 Round 3 Choice Filling |
| 02 Oct |
NEET 2024 Round 3 Choice Locking |
| 05 Oct |
NEET 2024 Round 3 Seat Allotment Result |
| 06 Oct - 12 Oct |
NEET 2024 Round 3 Institute Reporting |
| 16 Oct - 20 Oct |
NEET 2024 Online Stray Vacancy Round Registration |
| 17 Oct - 20 Oct |
NEET 2024 Online Stray Vacancy Round Choice Filling |
| 20 Oct |
NEET 2024 Online Stray Vacancy Round Choice Locking |
| 23 Oct |
NEET 2024 Online Stray Vacancy Round Seat Allotment Result |
Top BDS Colleges in India
The top dental colleges, renowned for their advanced research facilities and top-notch faculty, offering a comprehensive dental education with a focus on clinical and practical experience are provided below:
1. Government Dental Colleges:
- All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi
- King George's Medical University (KGMU), Lucknow
- Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences, New Delhi
- Government Dental College and Hospital, Mumbai
- Government Dental College and Hospital, Bangalore
- Government Dental College and Hospital, Hyderabad
- Government Dental College and Hospital, Ahmedabad
- Government Dental College and Hospital, Chennai
- Government Dental College, Nagpur
- Government Dental College and Hospital, Kolkata
2. Private Dental Colleges:
- Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Manipal
- Amrita School of Dentistry, Kochi
- KLE Vishwanath Katti Institute of Dental Sciences, Belagavi
- Sri Ramachandra Dental College and Hospital, Chennai
- Saveetha Dental College, Chennai.
- Bharati Vidyapeeth Dental College and Hospital.
- St. John’s Dental College & Hospital.
- Bangalore Institute of Dental Sciences, Bangalore
- Vokkaligara Sangha Dental College & Hospital.
- Pondicherry Institute of Medical Sciences.
BDS Career Prospects
After completing graduation in bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS), one can choose from the numerous career paths available in the field of dentistry and beyond. The choices can be made according to the interests that best align with your future. Here’s a better understanding of various career prospects:
1. Clinical Practice: Becoming a Dentist
2. Higher Studies or Specialization:
BDS professionals can complete higher specializations and can advance their skills and Career.
Postgraduate Studies: One can pursue a Master’s degree (MDS) in a dental specialty such as:
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
- Orthodontics
- Periodontology
- Endodontics
- Prosthodontics
- Pediatric Dentistry
Conclusion
A graduate holding a BDS degree in India is offered numerous opportunities in both clinical practice and academic fields. Graduates can build successful careers in various domains of dentistry with a solid educational foundation and practical experience.In addition to this, staying updated with technological advancements and continuously enhancing skills will further strengthen career prospects in this evolving field.
Unlock your Future in Dental by contacting PlanEdu now for Medical career counseling and admission guidance. We are dedicated to guiding you through every step of the TN NEET UG Counseling process for 2024.
FAQs
Q1. What is the eligibility for pursuing the BDS Program?
A candidate needs to fulfill certain criterias to become eligible for pursuing the BDS program. These are as follows:
- Candidates must have passed their higher secondary education with a science stream (Physics, Chemistry, and Biology).
- It is important to note that they have secured a minimum percentage (50% for unreserved & 40% for the reserved category) in these subjects.
- Candidates must have qualified the medical entrance exam NEET to be eligible for this program.
- Candidates should be at least 17 years old at the year of admission.
Q2. What subjects are studied in a BDS course?
The BDS curriculum includes a range of subjects such as:
- Basic Medical Sciences: Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry
- Pre-clinical Dental Sciences: Dental Materials, Operative Dentistry
- Clinical Dental Sciences: Oral Pathology, Periodontology, Orthodontics, Prosthodontics, Endodontics, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
- Community Dentistry: Public health, preventive dentistry, and patient management.
Q3. What is the typical duration of a BDS program?
The BDS program is of five years, followed by a one-year compulsory internship. The first four years involve academic and clinical training, while the fifth year is dedicated to hands-on practice through the internship.
Q4. How is admission to BDS programs typically conducted?
Admission to BDS programs in India is primarily through the score in National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), which is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). Candidates must pass NEET to qualify for the counseling process, where seats are allocated based on NEET scores and other criteria such as reservation policies.
