Bachelor of Dental Sciences
Under Graduate Degree
Dentistry is the study of Medical Science that deals with prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases affecting the teeth, jaws, mouth, and associated tissues. The dental problems have been prevalent since ages. In those times dental procedures were performed by barbers and general physicians. There was no formal education and qualification for the providers of the dental treatment.
However, now the oral problems have increased across the globe, and people are becoming more aware of their dental health. These issues have placed an increased demand for qualified dentists.
BDS
In today’s career concerned world, if you choose dentistry as a career, it can reward you. Many students now choose BDS (Bachelor of Dental Sciences), next only to MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery). Though both are unique in their way, BDS holds a little edge over MBBS. BDS as a course is cost-effective and takes lesser time to complete. It has accessible admission process and higher employment opportunities than MBBS. Moreover, a doctor’s degree with its inherent respect is icing on the cake.
It is a five-year undergraduate dental course where the students learn various subjects:
- Human Anatomy – a study of the bodily structure of human beings and their parts like bones, muscles, ligaments, arteries.
- Human Physiology and Biochemistry – a study of the mechanical, physical, and biochemical functions of the human organs.
- Dental Anatomy and Embryology – a study of the tooth structure, its development, appearance, and classification.
- Oral Histology – a study of the minute structure, composition, and functions of the tissues of the mouth.
- Prosthodontics – a study of design, manufacture, and fitting of artificial replacements for teeth and other parts of the mouth.
- Pathology and Microbiology – a study of the nature of diseases and how do various micro-organisms cause functional and structural changes in the human body.
- Dental Pharmacology – a study of drugs used to treat dental problems.
- Dental Materials – a study of materials used in artificial dentures and other accessories.
- Conservative Dentistry and Endodontic – knowledge of operative procedures associated with conservation and restoration of teeth in the mouth.
- General Medicine – a study of the methods to diagnose various diseases and their treatment.
- General Surgery – a study of operative procedures to restore human health.
- Oral Pathology and Microbiology – a study of the nature of the diseases of the teeth, mouth, jaws, and surrounding tissues.
- Oral Medicine and Radiology – a study of the methods to diagnose dental problems and their radiological examination.
- Paediatric and Preventive Dentistry – a study of dental problems in children and how to prevent them.
- Orthodontics – knowledge about prevention or correction of irregularities of teeth.
- Periodontology – a study of the supportive structures of the teeth.
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery – a study of the surgical treatment of the diseases, injuries, and defects of head, neck, face, jaw, and mouth.
- Public Health Dentistry – a study of the dental health requirements and practical solutions to improve the dental health of the population.
A student is awarded a BDS Degree, after five years of the successful completion of the four-year academic education followed by one-year mandatory internship programme.
Admission Eligibility
Who is eligible for BDS?
Any student who has cleared his/her 10+2 examination in Science stream and had Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and English as the primary subjects can opt for the BDS course. However, the students have to score a minimum of 50% marks (40% with reserved category) in Physics, Chemistry and Biology combined averagely in their 12th boards and qualify the NEET entrance examination conducted by CBSE, every respective year of an attempt.
BDS Admission Requirements
Qualifying for National Eligibility and Entrance Test or NEET is required to secure admissions into BDS program. It is an All India entrance exam conducted by CBSE (Central Board of Secondary Education) for admissions to MBBS/BDS courses in India offered by Medical/Dental Colleges approved by the Medical Council of India/Dental Council of India under the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
The lower and upper age limits for candidates seeking admission through NEET are 17 years and 25 years respectively though there is an age relaxation of 5 years in upper age limit for the candidates belonging to the reserved category.
Career Opportunities
The joy of creating beautiful, healthy smiles on people’s face is one of the intangible rewards of being a dentist that can’t be measured. However, that is not the only reason why anyone would want to become a dentist, right? One can expect a favorable reward from their profession; what their job can give them.
The career scenario after BDS is dynamic. Check out the below options to make an informed decision about a career in dentistry:
- MDS/Post Graduation in Dentistry
It is the first choice with every dentist after their BDS. You can choose a three-year post-graduation specialization in following subjects:
– Prosthodontics
– Periodontics
– Pedodontics
– Orthodontics
– Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
– Oral Pathology Dentistry
– Community Dentistry
– Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics
– Oral Medicine and RadiologyWith MDS, you can gain skills and clinical proficiency in your subject, advanced techniques, and methods about the dental care. It also enhances your chance to get lucrative placements in dental hospitals, treatment centers, and nursing homes in India or abroad. However, admission to Master Of Dental Surgery is made through NEET MDS Post Graduation exam only.
- Academic Lecturer in Dental Colleges
This choice is not very rewarding initially, as pay package immediately after your BDS would be considered on the lower side, but you can use it as a platform to boost your clinical and academic knowledge and prepare for your post-graduation. Post-graduation will give you a salary hike.
- Government Job
You can apply for the following government jobs in dentistry:
* Army Dental Corp
* Territorial Officer in Indian Army
* Railways as a dentist
* Indian Navy or Air Force as a dental officer
* State government jobs as dental surgeonThe government jobs provide a temporary rural posting with permanent jobs later. They are secure with a good payout, various incentives, insurance, and pension schemes.
- Private Practice
Though you can make a good income from your dental clinic, it takes time to establish. You must have the budget, a target to achieve, marketing ideas, and knowledge about the competition status in your area before you kick-start your dental clinic.
- MBA in Hospital Administration
Joining a two year MBA course in Hospital administration after BDS is the latest trend amongst BDS graduates. It helps you get work opportunities in renowned Hospitals and Dental Clinics or start your venture.
- Masters in Public Health (MPH)
MPH has evolved as an alternative career for dental graduates, mainly because of its potential chance to settle abroad. Many people choose this option to colonize overseas and start their career as a public health official.
- Clinical Research
Clinical research is the field of Science where the researchers determine and investigate the safety and efficiency of the drugs or healthcare devices, treatment structures, diagnostic or treatment products. After you complete the clinical research course, you can work as a medical advisor, drug developer, treatment researcher, drug and treatment investigator, and data project manager in India and European countries.
- Blogging
One of the excellent ways where you can teach, learn and earn. You can join a dental clinic for patient exposure and share the cases, videos, and information on dentistry with other dentists and dental students.
Earnings Possibilities
Salary after BDS in Government colleges varies between INR 30,000 – 40,000 per month whereas in private colleges pay starts from INR 7000 – 10,000 per month, onwards. However, after post-graduation and significant experience, one can expect a salary of 50,000 – 1, 50,000 in both the government and private sector. However, successful dentists earn 1 – 2 lakhs per month within a couple of years of opening a private clinic.
Most dentists get a payment of EUR 40,000 – EUR 80,000 per annum in the European countries, though it depends upon the proficiency and experience of the individual. Earning in private practice entirely depends upon one’s planning, working hours, PR skills, marketing, and the location of the clinic.
