BDS Course & Syllabus
The BDS or Bachelor of Dental Surgery is a four-year bachelor's degree programme to become a dentist. It is an undergraduate-level course where students learn to diagnose, prevent, and treat illnesses, disorders, and oral cavity ailments. Students who have studied science stream with biology in classes 11 and 12 can opt for a BDS course. The programme includes four years of classroom study and several practicals, followed by a one-year compulsory internship in hospitals and clinics.
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The BDS or Bachelor of Dental Surgery is a four-year bachelor's degree programme to become a dentist. It is an undergraduate-level course where students learn to diagnose, prevent, and treat illnesses, disorders, and oral cavity ailments. Students who have studied science stream with biology in classes 11 and 12 can opt for a BDS course. The programme includes four years of classroom study and several practicals, followed by a one-year compulsory internship in hospitals and clinics.
Syllabus: Important Facts for BDS
Duration of the course
BDS is a five-year undergraduate course with a four-year classroom study followed by one year of internship. Upon completing the five-year course, students are awarded the BDS degree, which authorises them to practice as dentists.
Syllabus of the course
The syllabus of the BDS admission 2025 includes core and elective subjects and practical subjects. These subjects are General Pathology, Microbiology, General and Dental Pharmacology, Dental Therapeutics, Preclinical Conservative Dentistry, Oral Pathology, and Oral Microbiology.
Scope
The BDS course allows the degree holders to practice as a dentist. Dentists can pursue their practice through a private clinic or seek employment in private or government hospitals.
Examination Pattern
The examination pattern for BDS includes semester papers, practical examinations, and internships. The scheme of the examination is such that it includes theory papers, internal assessments, viva voce, and practical examinations.
After BDS
Upon completing the programme, students receive their BDS degree. To strengthen their understanding and achieve expertise in a specific field of dentistry, they can opt for a master's course. The MDS or Master’s of Dental Surgery is a three-year course to pursue after BDS.
List of Subjects in BDS
Typical Core Subjects for BDS
|
Subject title |
Subject Details |
|
Human Anatomy, Embryology, Histology, and Medical Genetics |
The subject deals with the introduction of anatomical terms and a brief outline of various systems of the body, Regional anatomy of head & neck with osteology of bones of head & neck, with emphasis on topics of dental importance; The regional anatomy of the sites of intramuscular & intravascular injections, & lumbar punctures are also discussed. |
|
Human Physiology |
Students learn about the basic concept of Homeostasis, Feedback mechanisms; Blood and its components; Muscle and nerve; Digestive system; Excretory system; Endocrinology; Reproduction; Body temperature; Respiratory system; Central Nervous System |
|
Biochemistry |
Through this subject, students learn about the Biochemical basis of the life processes relevant to the human system and dental/medical practice. They understand the Chemistry of Bioorganic molecules; Macronutrients and Digestion; Micronutrients; Energy metabolism; Enzyme and metabolic regulation |
|
General And Dental Pharmacology And Therapeutics |
As future dentists, students understand the general principles of pharmacology; sources and nature of drugs dosage forms; prescription writing; pharmacokinetics; CNS drugs; General anaesthetics; Drugs acting on blood; Endocrines and Chemotherapy |
|
Orthodontics & Dental Orthopaedics |
The subject includes the diagnosis, analysis, and processes for treating orthodontic issues. It also includes Morphologic Development of Craniofacial Structures; Functional Development Of Dental Arches And Occlusion; Malocclusion and its classification, Normal And Abnormal Function Of Stomatognathic System |
|
Paediatric & Preventive Dentistry |
The subject includes the study of growth and development in Pedodontics, Prenatal and Postnatal factors in growth & development, Study of variations and abnormalities, Development of teeth and associated structures, Chronology of eruption of teeth, Indications and contraindications of extractions of primary and permanent teeth in children, Knowledge of Local and General Anaesthesia |
|
Public Health Dentistry |
The subject introduces Health & Disease: Concepts, Philosophy, Definition and Characteristics; Public Health- Definition & Concepts, History of public health; Environmental Health; Public Health Administration; Nutrition in oral diseases; Health-care delivery system |
|
Periodontology |
It is a core dental subject that teaches the definition of Periodontology, Periodontics, Periodontia, Brief historical background, Scope of Periodontics; Age changes in periodontal structures and their significance in Geriatric dentistry; Classification of periodontal diseases, Gingival diseases, Epidemiology of periodontal diseases |
|
Prosthodontics And Crown & Bridge |
Students understand various aspects of applied Anatomy and Physiology, Diagnosis and treatment planning for patients, Components of a removable partial denture, Survey and design, Mouth preparation and master cast; Principles of tooth preparations, Preparations for full and partial veneer crowns |
Typical Elective Subjects for BDS
|
Subject Title |
Subject Details |
|
Aesthetic Dentistry |
This elective subject deals with the aspects of the smile, esthetic forms of dentistry, procedures to enhance the overall look of smile and face, and chemical procedures such as beaching to enhance visual characteristics. |
|
Forensic odontology |
Introduction to forensic dentistry, Overview of forensic medicine and toxicology, Cause of death and postmortem changes, Toxicological manifestations in teeth and oral tissues; Basis for dental identification, Postmortem procedures, Dental record compilation and interpretation |
|
Ethics |
Introduction to ethics, Ethics of the individual – The patient as a person, Right to be respected; Profession Ethics – Code of conduct Contract and confidentiality, Charging of fees, fee-splitting; Prescription of drugs, Over-investigating the patient, Malpractice and negligence; Research Ethics – Animal and experimental research/humanness; Human experimentation Human volunteer research-informed consent Drug trials |
|
Behavioural Sciences |
The subject helps in developing the understanding of behavioural factors of dentistry, explaining stress, learning simple counselling techniques, and improving patients’ compliance behaviour; Diagnosing and managing minor psychological problems while treating dental patients. |
|
Oral Implantology |
The subject of oral implantology introduces the concepts of implantations in the mouth, various aspects of implantology, and finding and treating related issues. |
Detailed Syllabus For BDS
The detailed syllabus for BDS includes core and elective subjects over a period of four years. The fifth year of BDS is an internship that does not have a defined syllabus. The detailed syllabus is given below:
|
Semester/Year |
Core/ Elective |
Subject Title |
Subject Details |
|
1st Year |
Core
Core
Core |
General Human Anatomy Including Embryology, Osteology and Histology
General Human Physiology, Biochemistry, Nutrition and Dietetics
Dental Anatomy and Dental Histology |
This core subject helps students to understand the general anatomy of the human body. The subject emphasises the local areas of the face and neck as they are directly associated with dentistry. Students learn about medical genetics through this subject.
General physiology is of great importance for dentists. Students learn about the basics of cells, nerves, and blood in this subject. They also understand the functioning of nerves, muscles, and hormones in this subject.
The subject includes definitions and nomenclature in Dental Anatomy, Tooth numbering systems, differences between permanent and deciduous dentition, and definition of elevations and depressions on the tooth Different Traits |
|
2nd Year |
Core
Core
Core |
General Pathology and Microbiology
Dental Pharmacology and Therapeutics
Dental Materials
|
Students are introduced to Pathology and its different sections, The Cell in health, Normal cell structure, The Cellular functions; Cellular adaptations and intracellular accumulations
In this subject, students learn about general pharmacology, the effects of drugs on the autonomic Nervous System, Central Nervous and Cardiovascular and Renal System Antimicrobial drugs
Introduction to Dental Materials; Biocompatibility of Materials; Physical Properties; Mechanical properties; Hydrocolloid impression materials; Gypsum products |
|
3rd Year |
Core
Core
Core
Core |
General Medicine
General Surgery
Oral Pathology and Microbiology
Prosthodontics and Crown and Bridge
|
General medicine emphasises the need for medicines, the aim of giving medications, and understanding the symptoms and signs to provide the right medication. It also includes the methods of diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of various diseases.
Introduction to Surgery (History and Principles), Wounds; Inflammation, Aetiology, Pathology and Management; Carbuncle, Cellulitis, Abscess, Ludwig’s angina, Erysipelas; Tetanus; Gas Gangrene; Shock- Definition, Classification, Pathophysiology and Management
Developmental Disturbances of oral and paraoral structures; Developmental disturbances of hard tissues; Benign and Malignant tumours of the oral cavity; Bone and cartilage; Tumours of the salivary glands
Introduction to Complete Dentures: Components / Parts of a Complete Dentures Steps in the fabrication of Complete Dentures; Diagnosis and Treatment Planning Clinical History taking; Mouth Preparation in Complete Denture; Pre-prosthetic surgery |
|
4th Year |
Core
Core
Elective |
Orthodontics and Dental Orthopaedics
Periodontology
Public Health Dentistry |
Definition, Historical Background, aims and Objectives of Orthodontics and Need for Orthodontics care; Morphologic Development of Craniofacial structures
Definition of Periodontology, Periodontics, Periodontia; Microstructural Anatomy and biology of periodontal tissues in detail, gingiva, junctional epithelium; Defensive mechanisms in the oral cavity; Classification of periodontal diseases
Introduction, Definition, History, Changing concepts, History of Public; Health in India Characteristic method and Technique; Clinical Dentistry and Public Health Dentistry, Survey, Biostatistics |
Specialisations Offered In BDS
After completing their BDS programme, dentists can opt for an MDS course. There are several specialisations available for dentists at the PG level. These specialisations are given below:
|
Specialisation |
Specialisation Subjects |
Subject Details |
|
Prosthodontics and Crown & Bridge |
Complete Dentures Tooth Replacements Tooth and tissue defects Esthetic/Smile designing |
Prosthodontics and Crown and Bridge is a discipline of dentistry concerned with the recovery and preservation of oral function, health, safety, and aesthetics by the replacement of teeth and surrounding tissues with permanent or removable artificial alternatives. |
|
Periodontology |
Applied Anatomy Physiology Biochemistry Pathology Etiopathogenesis |
Periodontology is the discipline that studies the health and disorders of the teeth's developing and sustaining elements, as well as the oral mucous membrane. |
|
Paediatric Dentistry |
Applied Anatomy & genetics Nutrition and Dietetics Growth & Development Preventive Pedodontics
|
Paediatric Dentistry deals with the prevention and treatment of oral and dental ailments that may occur during childhood. |
Also Read: Are you preparing for NEET? Click here for Class 11 & 12 NCERT Solutions
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Physics 11th NCERT Solutions Click here |
Chemistry 11th NCERT Solutions Click here |
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Physics 12th NCERT Solutions Click here |
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Books and Authors Related to BDS
BDS is a professional course with direct applications in the real world. The books included in the programme are such that they focus on the practical aspects of dentistry whilst explaining the theory topics. The books in the curriculum for BDS include textbooks and reference books. Some of the books for BDS are given below:
|
Subject |
Book Title |
Authors |
|
Physiology |
Textbook of Physiology
Human Physiology for BDS students |
Guyton
A.K. Jain |
|
Human Anatomy, Embryology, Histology & Medical Genetics |
Clinical Anatomy for Medical Students
Medical Embryology |
Snell (Richard S.)
Sadler, Langman’s |
|
Oral Radiology |
Principles of Oral Diagnosis
Oral Diagnosis & Oral Medicine
Oral Manifestations of Systemic Diseases |
Coleman
Mitchell
Jones |
|
Orthodontics & Dental Orthopaedics |
Contemporary Orthodontics
Orthodontics For Dental Students |
William R. Proffit
White And Gardiner |
|
Paediatric & Preventive Dentistry |
Pediatric Dentistry (Infancy through Adolescence)
Occlusal guidance in Paediatric Dentistry
Dentistry for the Child and Adolescence |
Pinkham
Stephen H. Wei
Mc. Donald |
|
Public Health Dentistry |
Dentistry Dental Practice and Community
Principles of Dental Public Health |
David F. Striffler and Brian A. Burt
James Morse Dunning |
|
Periodontology |
Glickman’s Clinical Periodontology
Essentials of Periodontology and periodontics
Preventive Periodontics |
Carranza
Torquil MacPhee
Young and Stiffler |
|
Prosthodontics And Crown & Bridge |
Syllabus of Complete denture
Essentials of complete denture prosthodontics |
Charles M. Heartwell Jr. and Arthur O. Rahn.
Sheldon Winkler |
|
Ethics |
Medical Ethics |
Francis C.M. |
|
General Psychology |
General psychology |
S.K. Mangal |
Entrance Exam for BDS
For admission to BDS programmes, aspirants must take the NEET-UG examination. The NEET-UG or National entrance-cum-eligibility test is a national-level exam conducted for admission to medical, dental, and ayurvedic programmes in India. It is conducted by the national testing agency (NTA). The test is to be taken using an OMR sheet in pen and paper mode.
NEET-UG is a three-hour-long examination with 180 questions. The test includes four sections, each for one subject from Physics, Chemistry, Botany, and Zoology. Each section has two subsections; section A has 35 questions, and section B has 15 questions. Each correct answer fetches four marks, while there is a negative marking of one mark for each wrong answer. Students can select their preferred choice of language to take the test. There are a total of 13 languages available to opt for the test.
The difficulty level of the exam is moderate to difficult, with lakhs of aspirants for some thousands of seats. The cutoff for MBBS courses is the highest, followed by the cutoff for BDS courses. Aspirants must have completed a minimum of seventeen years and should not be more than twenty five years of age when writing the test. There is also an eligibility criterion for students to have studied English, Physics, Chemistry and Biology in 12th standard for appearing in the NEET-UG test.
Syllabus for Distance Programme in BDS
The BDS or Bachelor of Dental Surgery programme is only available as a full-time regular course. There is no option of distance or online course for the BDS programme.
