Dental Science is a field that consists of multiple studies related to the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases of the teeth or the mouth region.
Eligible candidates wishing to pursue Dentistry as their career option must study the Bachelor of Dental Surgery or the BDS program.
Dental Surgery is the only educational and professional Dental program in India. It is the second top educational program preferred by the candidates, the most preferred one being the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) in India.
Candidates are taught about various dentures and dental-related problems. They are also trained well practically for performing multiple dental and jaw-related surgeries.
BDS in India:
BDS is the only undergraduate program approved as a professional program in India. It is a 5-year program that introduces students to the Dental Sciences and related surgeries.
The candidates must pursue this program to become a Dentist and work at any government or private hospital. The 5-year program involves 4-years of classroom academics and 1-year of the compulsory rotating internship program.
BDS Regulating Body in India:
This Undergraduate Dental degree program is regulated by the Dental Council of India (DCI). Candidates must be registered under the DCI regulations to practice Dentistry after the completion of their academic program.
The Dental Council of India is a Statutory Body established in April 1949 under an Act of Parliament. DCI aims to maintain the uniform standards of Dental education both at the Undergraduate and Postgraduate levels.
It mainly regulates the norms for the candidates to become eligible for practising their profession after the Bachelor's Degree program in Dentistry.
BDS Eligibility:
- Candidates aspiring to pursue the BDS program must have completed 10+2 in the Science stream.
- They must have obtained 50% aggregate marks in the qualifying examination.
- Aspirants must appear and qualify for the NEET-UG Entrance exam conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA).
Top 5 BDS Colleges in Bangalore:
Following is the list of the top 5 BDS colleges in Bangalore that provides the best education for the candidates:
- M.S. Ramaiah Dental College
- The Oxford Dental College and Hospital
- DA Pandu Memorial RV Dental College and Hospital
- Vydehi Institute of Dental Sciences and Research Centre
- RajaRajeswari Dental College & Hospital
BDS Syllabus:
Following are some of the major BDS topics studied by the candidates for a great career after BDS in India:
| Dental Anatomy and Embryology | Oral Medicine |
| Oral Histology | General Surgery |
| Conservative Dentistry | Public Health Dentistry |
| Oral Pathology | Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery |
| Paediatric and Preventive Dentistry | Prosthodontics & Crown & Bridge |
Higher Education after BDS:
Master of Dental Surgery (MDS) is one of the major higher study options opted by the candidates after completing BDS in India.
After completing the BDS program, candidates can pursue their desired specialization in MDS. These specializations help the candidates in gaining advanced knowledge in a particular field of study.
Following are some of the most desired MDS specializations offered by top institutes in India:
- Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
- Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopaedics
- Prosthodontics
- Pedodontics, and many more.
Career Options after BDS:
Have you ever wondered what path to choose as a career option after BDS? Go through the details of the most preferred careers after BDS to find it out.
- Lecturer:
Teaching is one of the most common jobs after BDS, taken up by the eligible candidates. Graduates with a passion for teaching can always go back to Dental colleges as a teaching faculty. Many students choose academics as a career option as it is helpful to prepare for various Dental exams.
- Dental Clinic:
You can be your boss by opening a Dental clinic of your own. Practicing a Dental career privately is the most commonly sought career option after BDS in India. However, there is a lot of investment a candidate has to bear to set up a clinic even with minimum facilities. Patients come to you based on your reviews and experience in the field.
- Government Openings:
Multiple sectors under the state and the central government will have openings for Dentists. The government notifies when there are permanent or temporary positions depending on the requirement. Jobs after BDS under government sectors are always secure and provide all the privileges for the employees in various forms.
A) Following is the list of Government Dental Jobs:
- Dentist at Government Service/ Hospital/ Primary Health Centre
- Army Dental Corps
- Join the Indian Navy or Indian Airforce as a Dental Officer
- State Government Jobs as Dental Surgeon
- Research as a Career after BDS:
Many of the reputed National Research Institutes call for Dentists to participate in the research projects as Research Associates or Assistants. Projects like these provide the candidates with the immense experience necessary to venture into research positions abroad in international institutes.
- Other Career Options After BDS:
- Forensic Odontology
- Dental Blogger
- Dental Cosmetology
Conclusion:
Becoming a Dentist depends on individual interest and choice. The candidates should go through all the options before choosing or finalizing their careers.
Now that you have all the necessary information about the career options after BDS, plan for one of your interests and likings, and join the best college with top-notch guidance and dental facilities.
