Who are eligible to study BDS? How many years does it take to complete BDS?

Who are eligible to study BDS?
How many years does it take to complete BDS?

In our younger days, we have always dreamt about becoming Doctor. But as we get close to the reality, we start to understand that becoming a doctor, especially going for MBBS, is not a simple job. Basically, it is not everyone’s cup of tea. Pursuing MBBS requires an iron level of dedication, ambition, and concentration. But for those who didn’t cope-up to get admission in MBBS, DON’T WORRY … They have another golden opportunity, and that is BDS. BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery) is a 5-year undergraduate program that includes one year of internship dedicated to oral health. YES… it’s a mandatory 5-year program for those scholars who are fanatical to work as a dentist in the government or private health sector. It’s the greatest MYTH that only MBBS doctor is the reputed branch. But BDS dentist also holds the same dignity as those MBBS doctors. In fact, dentists can practice as MBBS doctors through bridge courses.

Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) Eligibility Criteria;

The basic eligibility criteria to urge admission in the BDS course are mentioned below:

Completion of 12th science (Biology, Physics, and Chemistry subject,) with minimum 50% grades.
Students must appear for NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Exam).
Students must clear the cut-off to be eligible for admission.
Admission is purely on the merit base of the NEET exam.
After the clearance of the entrance exam, appear for the counseling sessions organized by the universities.
Generally, three rounds of counseling sessions are held by the government.
Based on available seats, you can choose a college of your choice.

As per the current data, there are approximately more than 300 dental colleges in India, which means there are 26,000 seats in both governments and Self-Financed colleges. The average course fee ranges between INR 1-8 lacs from government college to self-finance colleges in India. If you lose a chance to get admission in your choice of college or university then you can apply for management seats.

Duration of the course:

The BDS is a 5-year undergraduate degree program. The structure of the BDS course is 4 years of academic education + 1-year mandatory internship.

The syllabus of the course:

The BDS course contains basic subjects like human anatomy, physiology & biochemistry, dental anatomy, dental material, microbiology, embryology & histology, general & dental pharmacology and pathology, prosthodontics, periodontics, pedodontics, orthodontics, public health, endodontics, and of course oral diagnosis.

BDS is a course that specializes in oral health. Their responsibilities include:

prevention and cure of oral diseases.
Promoting oral health and oral hygiene.
Creating treatment plans based on the patient’s need.
Investigation of oral diseases through x-rays and diagnostic tests.
Safe administration of anesthetics to make dentistry pain-free.
Monitoring the growth and development of the teeth and jaws in child patients.
Effectively restore function, aesthetic and damaged teeth, and surrounding structures.
Performing surgical procedures on the teeth, bone, and soft tissues of the oral cavity.

After the completion of BDS from reputed colleges/universities, the students must register themselves in the Dental Council of India which regulates the BDS course. This makes them eligible to practice their profession after the completion of their degree. There is a periodic renewal process professionals need to follow. So BDS can also become your dream branch and also help you to pursue your dream. But also remember that as BDS is equivalent to MBBS, it also requires a very high level of dedication and passion to pursue. So, pump up your ambition if you are willing to go for BDS.