The Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) along with the MBBS degree is considered the most popular Medical courses after 12th in India. With the increased complications in oral health as well as the increased awareness towards dental hygiene, dental surgery graduates work across sectors of conventional operational theatres to private dental therapy clinics. In particular, the degree is designed towards developing a holistic and practical understanding of the discipline of oral health, its basic surgical procedures like root canal treatments and dentures to oral and maxillofacial surgeries. Read on to know more about how the BDS program aids, the universities offering these courses and the innumerable relevant career options available.
Related Article: BDS to MBBS Bridge Course
This Blog Includes:
- Understanding Dentistry as a Field
- Bachelor of Dental Surgery: Overview & Structure
- Bachelor of Dental Surgery: Subjects Covered
- Bachelor of Dental Surgery: Eligibility
- Bachelor of Dental Surgery: Worlds Rankings & Course Fees
- Application for BDS Course
- Future Prospects: Higher Education & Careers
- Bachelor of Dental Surgery: Job and Scope
- Careers After Bachelor of Dental Surgery: Skills Required
- Important Information Regarding Certifications
Understanding Dentistry as a Field
In particular, dentistry is a specific sub-branch of medical sciences that deals with the study and treatment of oral diseases. This includes problems related to teeth, jaw and other soft tissues in the shape of teeth misalignment, cavities and plaque and a host of complex oral procedures. Dental research and hygiene have come a long way since 1873 when Colgate started producing the first toothpaste and toothbrushes. Currently, it interlinks with diverse medical subfields of orthopaedics, paediatrics, and endodontics as well as cosmetic surgeries and public health dentistry, amongst others. Professionals can choose to work across both urban and rural settings as citizens grow more aware related to its aspects.
Also Read: Medical Courses Without NEET
Bachelor of Dental Surgery: Overview & Structure
The Bachelor of Dental Surgery program is a 4-5 year specialised degree program which trains individuals in the specifics of dentistry, and treatment procedures to be followed during curative procedures along with giving an introduction to topics such as Biomedicine, Biochemistry, etc. In general, universities follow a gradual study curriculum which during the preliminary one or two, develops the foundation of medicinal studies like anatomy, physiology, and oral biochemistry, amongst others. In the subsequent semesters, students are encouraged to pursue subjects like radiology, behavioural sciences, and medical ethics. Included typically in the penultimate year, candidates are required to complete a practicum experience in a hospital setting working with patients in order to apply learned concepts practically. Elements of clinical trips, seminars, tutorials, demonstrations and under-supervision treatment of patients also form an essential part of the BDS curriculum. Common variations of the BDS degree include:
- Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene
- Bachelor of Oral Health
- Bachelor of Dental Science
- Bachelor of Science in Dentistry
- Integrated Bachelors/Doctoral Degree in Dental Surgery
- Integrated Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene/Master’s of Dental Therapy
Note: The above courses slightly vary based on the course objectives and curriculum.
Bachelor of Dental Surgery: Subjects Covered
The stretched and multidisciplinary nature of the BDS program affords the inclusion of a wide variety of subjects not just restricted to the sphere of medical sciences. Further, options of concentrations and electives further assist in the multi-directional growth of individuals. The following table curates a list of some of the prevalent subjects which you can expect in the coursework.
Core Subjects of BDS | Electives |
Oral Medicine | Oral Communication |
Anatomy | Introduction to Sociology |
Biochemistry | Introduction to Business Computing |
Dental Anatomy & Histology | Writing Skills Workshop |
Operative Dentistry | Pain Management |
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery | Critical Thinking |
Pathology | Introduction to Health Policy |
Preventive Dentistry | Nutrition & Health |
Surgery | Arts/Culture |
Behavioral Science | Ethics |
Dental Public Health | Dentistry in Society |
Human Microbiology | Language |
Dental Materials | Statistics |
Periodontics | Cultural Competence |
Special Care Dentistry | Forensic Dentistry |
Note: The spread of the above-mentioned subjects in a specific BDS curriculum may vary.
Also Read: MSc Biochemistry
Bachelor of Dental Surgery: Eligibility
As for the eligibility conditions adopted for BDS admission, in general, it ranges from holding a higher secondary qualification to even a bachelor’s degree. In the case of the former, candidates who have studied at least two and preferably all three Physics, Chemistry and Biology subjects are eligible. In the case of the latter, a bachelor’s degree in dentistry, in particular, is recommended while a general bachelor’s degree in medical sciences is also eligible. Some universities may also conduct their own entrance examinations.
Bachelor of Dental Surgery: Worlds Rankings & Course Fees
Dental surgery courses along with MBBS form the core of medical course offerings across universities worldwide. As mentioned above, the duration of medical programs, as well as other constituents, may vary depending on where you choose to study. The top ten institutions offering BDS or its allied courses have been mentioned below.
Name of University | Location | THE World University Rankings 2021 | BDS Courses |
National University of Singapore |
Singapore | 18th | Bachelor of Dental Surgery |
New York University | USA | =46th | Bachelor of Arts/Doctor of Dental Surgery Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene |
The University of Melbourne |
Australia | 11th | Bachelor of Oral Health |
University of British Columbia |
Canada | 39th | Bachelor of Dental Science in Dental Hygiene |
The University of Hong Kong |
Hong Kong | 39th | Bachelor of Dental Surgery |
King’s College London | UK | 35th | BDS [Hons] Dentistry |
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill |
USA | 33rd | BSc Dental Hygiene |
University of Manchester |
UK | =51st | BSc [Hons] Oral Health Science |
The University of Sydney |
Australia | =51st | Bachelor of Oral Health BSc and Doctor of Dental Medicine |
University of Bristol | UK | 91st | BDS Dentistry |
The University of Adelaide |
Australia | =118th | Bachelor of Dental Surgery Bachelor of Oral Health BSc Dentistry [Hons] |
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Application for BDS Course
In order to apply for BDS courses abroad, prospective applicants need to submit SAT/ACT scores, if applicable along with IELTS/TOEFL/PTE scores to prove English language proficiency. Specific band score requirements may vary but an overall score above the band region of 6.5-7.0 out of 9 is generally acceptable. Further, individuals may have to provide other materials such as IELTS/TOEFL scores as well as copies of official transcripts, CVs, Statements of Purpose (SOP) and Letters of Recommendation (LOR), amongst others. Some selected universities may also conduct an interview round to further screen candidates.
Future Prospects: Higher Education & Careers
Graduates of BDS courses have a host of career options available in both directions of academic and professional. Considering academics, many aiming to build a career in research or advanced medical sciences pursue master’s and doctoral courses after BDS. A handful of individuals with an inclination towards management and policy also go for MBA after BDS, for instance, MBA Healthcare Management or MBA in Healthcare, amongst others. A Master in Public Health can be a perfect course for someone looking to enter health policymaking and can work in senior-level roles in governments and NGOs. Some of the interesting career pathways are:
- Orthodontist
- Pediatric Dentist
- Prosthodontist
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon
- Endodontist
- Periodontist
- Researcher
- Professor/Lecturer
- Health or Dental Consultant
- Clinical Practitioner
- Dental Hygienists
- Dental Lab Technician
The major organisations where BDS graduates work include hospitals, private clinics, community clinics, trauma centres, laboratories, research organisations, governments and much more.
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Bachelor of Dental Surgery: Job and Scope
BDS can allow students to pursue a number of professions in the field of dentistry such as Orthodontist, Pediatric Dentist, Prosthodontist, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, Endodontist
and Periodontist. Here are the average salaries that you can get after completing this degree:
Job | Average Salary in India |
Dentist | ₹10- 12 Lakhs |
Orthodontist | ₹16.2 Lakhs to ₹20.7 Lakhs |
Endodontist | ₹6- 10 Lakhs |
Periodontist | ₹6- 10 Lakhs |
Careers After Bachelor of Dental Surgery: Skills Required
In addition to a solid, in-depth and practical grasp of dentistry, individuals also need to have a range of skill sets to work in actual patient-facing professions. This includes:
- Critical Thinking and Analysis
- Problem-Solving
- Decision Making
- Communication
- Emotional Intelligence
- Leadership
- Ethical Adherence
- Teamwork
- Situation Analysis
- Ability to work in High-Pressure Environments
- Team Management
Important Information Regarding Certifications
Medical education varies from country to country with many requiring candidates to obtain a domestic certification or license to start practice. For instance, in the case of India, candidates have to appear for the NEET to enter into medical courses abroad and those who have studied an MBBS from abroad must appear for the FMGE in order to start practising in India. Furthermore, qualified dentists from India need not pursue additional courses in the UK, Canada, Australia and Gulf nations since passing their respective licensing examinations [e.g, National Dental Examining Board of Canada] is enough. However, for those considering the USA, graduating from its indigenous dental programs and then sitting for the medical licensing exams of the US National Board Dental Examination (NBDE) is mandatory.
BDS or other medical courses require comprehending vast multidisciplinary knowledge as well as the ability to apply it during patient treatment operations. Consequently choosing the right course at the right university also plays a major role. Needless to say, the right guidance for selecting a suitable course and university goes a long way. Take the assistance of the AI tool at Leverage Edu that shortlists unique course and university permutations based on your skills, abilities and aspirations.