After completing MBBS, one of the highly sought-after courses in the healthcare sector is BDS, which stands for Bachelor of Dental Surgery. BDS is an excellent option for candidates seeking to specialize in dental surgery and further their careers. This article provides comprehensive information about BDS, guiding individuals who are interested in pursuing this course.

What is BDS?

BDS full form is Bachelor of Dental Surgery. It is a four-year undergraduate program with 240 teaching days per academic year. It is followed by a one-year paid rotating internship in a dental college. Those aspiring to become dental surgeons can pursue the BDS course. In India, the Dental Council of India regulates BDS, and dentists must register with the council to practice after completing their studies. Admission to the 26,949 BDS seats offered by 313 government, private, and recognized institutes across the country is based on qualifying the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET).

Eligibility Criteria for Admission to BDS

The candidate shall have passed Class 12 or its equivalent examination from any recognized Board with Physics, Chemistry and Biology.

Candidate shall have obtained a minimum of 50% marks taken together in Physics, Chemistry and Biology in the case of general category and 40% Marks in the case of the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes.

In respect of persons with disability candidates, the minimum qualifying marks in the said examinations shall be 45% in case of General Category and 40% in the case of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes. 

Candidate must have completed 17 years of age at the time of admission, or will complete that age on or before 31 December of the year of his/her admission to the first year of the Undergraduate Medical Course.

Admissions to all seats of Undergraduate Medical / Dental Courses will be done through NEET (UG).

Reservation of Seats 

Reservation Policy of the Central Government in All India Quota seats (Govt./Govt. aided/National Institutes/Central Universities) counselling is as follows:  

General category belonging to Economically Weaker Section (GEN- EWS) – 10% of seats in every course.

SC- 15%  ST- 7.5%  

PwBD- 5% Horizontal Reservation  

OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) - 27 % 

EWS- 10% 

Percentile criteria for declaration of Result / Ranking for BDS

• In order to be eligible for admission to under-graduate BDS, it shall be necessary for a candidate to obtain a minimum of marks at 50th percentile in NEET.
• For candidates belonging to the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes, the minimum marks shall be at the 40th percentile.
• Candidates with benchmark disabilities, the minimum marks shall be at 45th percentile in the case of general category and 40th percentile in the case of the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes. 

Top Institutes to Pursue BDS (NIRF 2022 Ranking)

Why Choose BDS?

There are several reasons why individuals choose to pursue BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery). Here are some key factors that attract students to this field:

Passion for Dentistry: 

Many people have a genuine interest in oral health, dental care, and helping others. Pursuing BDS allows individuals to follow their passion for dentistry and make a positive impact on the lives of different people by improving their oral health.

Career Opportunities: 

Dentistry offers a wide range of career opportunities. Graduates can work in private dental clinics, hospitals, dental research, academia, public health organizations, or even choose to start their own dental practice. The demand for dental professionals is generally high, providing good job prospects.

Continuous Learning: Dentistry is a field that requires continuous learning and keeping up with advancements in technology and treatments. This can be intellectually stimulating and allow dentists to stay updated with the latest developments in the field.

Job Stability and Financial Rewards: Dentistry is often considered a stable and financially rewarding profession. Dental services are in constant demand, and dentists can potentially earn a good income, especially with experience and specialization.

Ultimately, the decision to choose BDS depends on individual interests, passion for oral health, willingness to help others, and the desire for a fulfilling and financially rewarding career in dentistry.