The Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) is a highly esteemed undergraduate course that equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in dentistry. According to the Dental Council of India, there are over 300 dental colleges in the country, producing approximately 25,000 dental graduates annually.
Learn everything you need to know about BDS syllabus in this blog.
BDS Course Structure
The BDS course is divided into various components to ensure a well-rounded education. Here are the key details:
Course Component
Details
Foundation
Basic sciences and introductory dental subjects
Core
Essential dental subjects and clinical practices
Electives
Specialised subjects for advanced learning
Projects
Research and practical projects
Seminars
Regular seminars on current dental practices and research
Internships
One-year mandatory internship for hands-on experience
The Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) is the fundamental degree required to practise dentistry professionally. This program has a wide range of BDS subjects, spanning clinical, biological, and social sciences.
Here is a table showcasing the key highlights of the blog.
Key Highlights
Details
Course Name
Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS)
Course Duration
5 years (8 semesters) + 1-year mandatory paid internship
Entrance Exam Required
NEET
Top Colleges for BDS in India
Faculty of Dental Sciences, IMS BHU Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences Government Dental College and Hospital
BDS Syllabus in 2024
General Pathology Microbiology General and Dental Pharmacology Dental Therapeutics Preclinical Conservative Dentistry Oral Pathology Oral Microbiology
BDS 1st-Year Subjects
General Human Anatomy General Human Physiology & Biochemistry Dental Anatomy & Histology
BDS Postgraduate Specialisations
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Orthodontics Periodontics Pedodontics
BDS Syllabus: Key Learning Methods
Group Projects Case Methodology Live Demonstrations Internships
Important Books for Subjects in BDS
Textbook of Physiology by Guyton Clinical Anatomy by Snell Contemporary Orthodontics by Proffit
The BDS program offers a well-rounded education in dentistry, combining core subjects that establish essential knowledge with electives that allow for specialised expertise. This blend ensures students are thoroughly prepared for successful careers in dental care.
Core Subjects in BDS
Elective Subjects in BDS
Human Anatomy, Embryology, Histology, and Medical Genetics
The BDS syllabus encompasses both core and elective subjects over four years. The fifth year is dedicated to an internship, which does not follow a specific syllabus. The detailed syllabus for each year is outlined below.
BDS 1st Year Subjects
Semester 1
Semester 2
General Human Anatomy
Embryology & Histology
Dental Materials
General Human Physiology & Biochemistry
Nutrition and Dietetics
Preclinical Prosthodontics and Crown and Bridge
Dental Anatomy
Embryology
Oral Histology
NA
BDS 2nd Year Subjects
Semester 3
Semester 4
General Pathology & Microbiology
Preclinical Prosthodontics and Crown and Bridge
General & Dental Pharmacology Therapeutics
Oral Pathology & Oral Microbiology
Preclinical Conservative Dentistry
NA
BDS 3rd Year Subjects
Semester 5
Semester 6
General Medicine
Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
General Surgery
Oral Medicine & Radiology
Oral Pathology & Microbiology
Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopedics
Conservative Dentistry & Endodontics
Pediatric & Preventive Dentistry
BDS 4th Year Subjects
Semester 7
Semester 8
Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopedics
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Oral Medicine & Radiology
Prosthodontics & Crown and Bridge
Pediatric & Preventive Dentistry
Conservative Dentistry & Endodontics
Periodontology
NA
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BDS Syllabus: Core and Elective Subjects
All students pursuing a BDS degree must study the core BDS subjects. At the same time, candidates are required to choose elective BDS subjects from the BDS syllabus for their course learning.
Here is a detailed list highlighting the core and elective subjects, organised by year and their respective subject details.
Semester/Year
Core/Elective
Subject Title
Subject Details
BDS 1st-Year
Core
General Human Anatomy
Helps students understand the general anatomy of the human body. Emphasises the local areas of the face and neck as they are directly associated with dentistry. Covers medical genetics.
BDS 1st-Year
Core
General Human Physiology, Biochemistry, Nutrition and Dietetics
Basics of cells, nerves, and blood. Functioning of nerves, muscles, and hormones.
BDS 1st-Year
Core
Dental Anatomy and Dental Histology
Definitions and nomenclature in Dental Anatomy. Tooth numbering systems. Differences between permanent and deciduous dentition. Elevations and depressions on the tooth.
2nd Year
Core
General Pathology and Microbiology
Introduction to Pathology and its different sections. Normal cell structure and cellular functions. Cellular adaptations and intracellular accumulations.
2nd Year
Core
Dental Pharmacology and Therapeutics
General Pharmacology. Effects of drugs on the Autonomic Nervous System. Central Nervous, and Cardiovascular and Renal System.
2nd Year
Core
Dental Materials
Introduction to Dental Materials. Biocompatibility of materials. Physical properties. Mechanical properties. Hydrocolloid impression materials. Gypsum products.
3rd Year
Core
General Medicine
Need for medicines and the aim of giving medications. Understanding symptoms and signs to provide the right medication. Methods of diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of various diseases.
3rd Year
Core
General Surgery
Introduction to Surgery (History and Principles). Inflammation, Aetiology, Pathology and Management. Carbuncle, Cellulitis, Abscess, Ludwig’s angina and Erysipelas. Tetanus and Gas Gangrene. Shock- definition, classification, Pathophysiology and Management.
3rd Year
Core
Oral Pathology and Microbiology
Developmental disturbances of oral and paraoral structures. Developmental disturbances of hard tissues. Benign and Malignant tumours of the oral cavity. Tumours of the salivary glands.
3rd Year
Core
Prosthodontics and Crown and Bridge
Introduction to Complete Dentures: components/parts of a Complete Denture. Steps in the fabrication of Complete Dentures. Diagnosis and treatment planning. Clinical history taking. Mouth preparation is done in complete denture and pre-prosthetic surgery.
4th Year
Core
Orthodontics and Dental Orthopaedics
Definition, historical background, aims and objectives of Orthodontics, and need for Orthodontics care. Morphologic development of Craniofacial structures.
4th Year
Core
Periodontology
Definition of Periodontology, Periodontics, and Periodontia. Microstructural Anatomy and Biology of Periodontal Tissues in detail. Gingiva and junctional epithelium. Defensive mechanisms in the oral cavity. Classification of Periodontal diseases.
4th Year
Elective
Public Health Dentistry
Introduction, definition changing concepts, and History of Public Health in India. Characteristic Method and Techniques. Clinical Dentistry and Public Health Dentistry. Survey and Biostatistics.
Practical learning is an important aspect of the BDS course. BDS subjects Year-wise for lab help students apply theoretical knowledge through hands-on practice.
Year
Lab Subjects
Subject Details
First Year
Pre-clinical Prosthodontics
Introduction to dental materials, Basic Prosthodontic procedures, Laboratory techniques.
First Year
Dental Anatomy
Study of tooth morphology, Carving of tooth models, Understanding of dental structures.
Second Year
Preclinical Conservative Dentistry
Techniques in cavity preparation & restoration, Use of dental instruments and materials.
Second Year
Pre-clinical Orthodontics
Basic orthodontic principles, Wire bending, Appliance fabrication for malocclusion correction.
Third Year
Clinical Prosthodontics
Advanced prosthodontic procedures, including dentures, crowns, and bridges, Implant prosthetics.
Third Year
Clinical Conservative Dentistry
Clinical application of restorative techniques, Endodontics, Aesthetic dentistry procedures.
Fourth Year
Comprehensive Clinical Practice
Integrated clinical practice encompassing various dental disciplines, Patient management.
Fourth Year
Oral Surgery Labs
Hands-on training in oral surgical procedures and extractions, Minor oral surgeries.
Students pursuing a BDS are required to complete and submit various projects. Some popular project topics include regenerative endodontics, tooth enamel regeneration, and forensic dentistry.
Here are a few common BDS project topics:
Exploring dental anxiety, smoking, and alcohol use in dental patients.
Examining the implementation of dental coverage.
Studying the impact of tumour microenvironment stiffness on osteosarcoma growth.
Investigating the physiological or behavioural factors contributing to dental pain perception in patients.
Assessing dentists' perspectives on patient education.
BDS Rotatory Internship
As part of their BDS program, students are required to complete a mandatory rotatory internship across various hospital departments. This internship is designed to provide practical knowledge and hands-on experience in patient care and management. The table below outlines the duration students are expected to spend in each department:
Department
Duration of Posting
Prosthodontics
1.5 months
Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
1.5 months
Oral Medicine & Radiology
1 month
Periodontics
1 month
Conservative Dentistry
1 month
Pedodontics
1 month
Oral Pathology & Microbiology
15 days
Orthodontics
1 month
Community Dentistry/Rural Service
3 months
Elective
15 days
Total Duration
12 months
Can I Pursue BDS through Distance Learning?
It is important to note that BDS is a rigorous and practical course that cannot be pursued through distance education. The hands-on training and clinical experience required for dental practice necessitates attendance in a traditional educational setting, which is a fundamental aspect of the BDS syllabus.
Specialisations Offered in BDS
After completing the BDS course, graduates can pursue various postgraduate specialisations to further their expertise in specific areas of dentistry. Some popular specialisations include:
Tooth Replacements, Tooth and Tissue Defects, Esthetic/Smile Designing, Complete Dentures
BDS Entrance Exam: NEET 2024 Key Details
NEET 2024 has experienced a significant rise in registrations compared to the previous year. The latest updates reveal a record-breaking 24,06,079 students applying for the exam, surpassing last year's 2.087 million candidates.
Here are the key details of NEET-UG for you:
Criteria
Details
Exam Name
NEET-UG (National Entrance-cum-Eligibility Test)
Conducting Body
National Testing Agency (NTA)
Purpose
Admission to BDS, MBBS, and other medical, dental, and ayurvedic programs in India
Exam Mode
Pen and paper mode using an OMR sheet
Duration
3 hours
Total Questions
180 questions
Sections
Physics: Section A (35 questions), Section B (15 questions) Chemistry: Section A (35 questions), Section B (15 questions) Botany: Section A (35 questions), Section B (15 questions) Zoology: Section A (35 questions), Section B (15 questions)
Marking Scheme
+4 marks for each correct answer -1 mark for each incorrect answer
Languages Available
13 languages
Difficulty Level
Moderate to difficult
Age Criteria
Minimum: 17 years; Maximum: 25 years
Eligibility
Must have studied English, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology in 12th standard
BDS Entrance Exam Syllabus
The NEET-UG exam is required to enter medical, dental, and Ayurveda programs. Divided into four sections, each section is further divided into two parts. Below is a table that summarises the key topics covered in the BDS entrance exam syllabus:
Subject
Topics Covered
Physics
Van de Graaff Generator, Newton’s Law of Cooling, Stefan’s Law, Magnetic Field Lines, Kinematics, Heat Engines and Refrigerators, Gravitation, Dual Nature of Matter and Radiation
Chemistry
Solid State, Properties and Uses of Hydrogen, Polymers, Isotopes, Isotones, Isobars, Hydrocarbons, Cyanides and Isocyanides, Chemistry in Everyday Life, Chemical Kinetics, Atomic Number
Biology (Botany/Zoology)
Reproduction, Physiology, Human Physiology, Genetics and Evolution, Ecology and Environment, Biology and Human Welfare
Important Books for the BDS Syllabus
Having the right reference materials is crucial for succeeding in the BDS course. Here is a table showcasing some recommended textbooks and their authors.
Subject
Book Title
Authors
Physiology
Textbook of Physiology
Guyton
Human Physiology for BDS Students
A.K. Jain
Human Anatomy, Embryology, Histology & Medical Genetics
The teaching methodology in BDS incorporates various techniques to enhance learning and practical skills.
1. Group Projects
Collaborative projects to develop teamwork skills.
2. Case Methodology
Analysis of real-life dental cases to apply theoretical knowledge.
3. Live Demonstrations
Practical demonstrations by experienced professionals.
Top Colleges for BDS
Choose the best institution for BDS with this list of top colleges in India, their locations, admission processes, and average course fees. Admission to these colleges is primarily through the NEET exam, with course fees varying significantly across institutions.
Here is a list of the top colleges for BDS in India.
With a well-structured BDS syllabus that includes core and elective subjects, practical lab work, projects, and a mandatory internship, students are thoroughly prepared for a successful career in dentistry.
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The BDS course spans over five years, divided into eight semesters, followed by a one-year mandatory paid internship.
What are the key subjects in the BDS syllabus?
The key subjects include General Human Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Dental Materials, Oral Pathology, Orthodontics, and Periodontics, among others.
Can BDS be pursued through distance learning?
No, BDS is a practical-oriented course that requires hands-on training and clinical experience, necessitating attendance in a traditional educational setting.
What is the admission process for BDS in India?
Admission to BDS programs in India is primarily through the NEET-UG exam, which includes subjects like Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
What is the average course fee for BDS in top colleges in India?
The average course fee ranges from below INR 1 lakh to around INR 30 lakhs, depending on the institution.
What are some top colleges for BDS in India?
Top colleges include Faculty of Dental Sciences, IMS BHU in Varanasi, Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences in New Delhi, and Manipal College of Dental Sciences in Mangaluru.
What are the postgraduate specialisations available after BDS?
Popular specialisations include Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Orthodontics, Periodontics, and Pedodontics.
What kind of projects are included in the BDS syllabus?
Projects often focus on practical learning and research skills, such as dental anxiety, regenerative endodontics, and advances in dental pulp regeneration.
What are the core subjects in BDS?
Core subjects include Prosthodontics, Periodontics, Oral Surgery, and Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics.
Are there any elective subjects in BDS?
Yes, elective subjects include Forensic Odontology, Geriatric Dentistry, and Implantology, allowing for advanced learning and specialisation.
What are some important books for BDS students?
Recommended books include "Textbook of Physiology" by Guyton, "Clinical Anatomy" by Snell, and "Contemporary Orthodontics" by Proffit.
What is the structure of the BDS course?
The BDS course is divided into foundation, core, and elective subjects, along with projects, seminars, internships, and viva exams.
How is practical learning integrated into the BDS course?
Practical learning is achieved through lab subjects, live demonstrations, internships, and clinical practice, ensuring hands-on experience.
What is the role of seminars and internships in the BDS course?
Seminars provide updates on current dental practices and research, while internships offer mandatory hands-on experience in clinical settings.
What subjects are covered in the NEET-UG exam for BDS admission?
The NEET-UG exam covers Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (Botany and Zoology), assessing students' readiness for the BDS course.
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