Dentistry is the branch of medicine that is involved in the study, diagnosis, prevention and the treatment of diseases, disorders and conditions of the oral cavity, maxillofacial area and the adjacent and associated structures and their impact on the human body. Dentistry is an intellectually stimulating career, largely based on scientific principles, yet encompassing artistic flair. An important role of the profession is promotion of oral health and the preparation of dental diseases.
Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS Course) is divided into 4 years of training and one year of compulsory rotatory internship. The students are taught the basics of medicine and they would be dealt in depth with various aspects of dentistry, including dental materials, dental anatomy, oral histopathology, oral pathology, community dentistry, pedodontics, prosthodontics, periodontics, conservative endodontics, oral and maxillofacial surgery, oral medicine and radiology, ortho dental and dentofacial.
Eligibility Criteria
The candidate must have passed 10+2 and equivalent course in the science stream which includes biology, physics and chemistry. Candidate must have secured not less than 50% marks in the aggregate in the qualifying examinations. He must have completed a minimum age of 17 years.
Entrance Examinations are conducted in major cities all over India. Advertisements are given, regarding issue of Application forms for Common Entrance Examination, important dates etc., in all leading newspapers all over India are also notified. The All India Pre-Medical/Pre-Dental Entrance Exam conducted by the CBSE is common for both the M.B.B.S. and the Bachelor of Dental Sciences (BDS). The allocation of institutions is based on merit.
Higher education after BDS :
Master of Dental Surgery in Oral Pathology & Microbiology, Master of Dental Surgery in Oral Medicine, Master of Dental Surgery in Public Health Dentistry, Master of Dental Surgery in Preventive Community Dentistry, Master of Dental Surgery in Pedodontia & Preventive Dentistry, Master of Dental Surgery in Pedodontics, Master of Dental Surgery in Pediatric Dentistry, Master of Dental Surgery in Oral Medicine & Radiology, Master of Dental Surgery in Oral & Maxillofacial Pathology, Master of Dental Surgery in Conservative Dentistry, Master of Dental Surgery, Master of Dental Surgery in Community Dentistry, Master of Dental Surgery in Conservative Dentistry & Endodontics, Doctor of Philosophy in Oral & Maxillofacial Pathology, Doctor of Philosophy in Public Health Dentistry, Doctor of Philosophy in Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry, Doctor of Philosophy in Periodontics, Doctor of Philosophy in Orthodontics, Doctor of Philosophy in Prosthodontics, Doctor of Philosophy in Oral Medicine and Radiology, Master of Dental Surgery in Oral Pathology, Master of Science in Prosthetics and Orthotics, Doctor of Philosophy in Conservative Dentistry & Endodontics
What career after BDS:
Consultant, Dental Assistant, Dental Hygienist, Dental Surgeon, Dental Lab Technician / Ceramist, Forensics, Oral Pathologist, Medical Representative / Sales Representative, Private Practitioners, Public Health Specialists, Professors
Job Opportunities for BDS
Excellent employment opportunities are available for dentists in dental departments in hospitals, nursing homes, dental clinics and health departments. You can also seek a teaching job in any of the dental colleges spread across the country.
Apart from this, as a dentist you can seek work in the research and advisory departments of pharmaceuticals. Opportunities are there in companies producing oral care products like toothpaste, mouth wash, and gum care products.
Self-employment is also a promising avenue. With experience, you can start your own individual clinic. Many dentists prefer private practice as it provides the best financial prospects along with a greater level of independence.
After completing B.D.S. you can become:
- Dental Surgeon • Dentist