BDS Syllabus & Subjects 2025: Download Semester-wise PDF, Important Books

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The BDS or Bachelor of Dental Surgery is a 4 year UG degree programme to become a dentist. It is an UG level course where the students get to learn to diagnose, prevent and treat illnesses, disorders also oral cavity ailments. Students who have studied in science stream with biology in classes 11 and 12 can opt for BDS course. The programme includes 4 years of classroom study and several practicals which is then followed by a 1 year compulsory internship in hospitals and clinics.
Also Read: NEET Prep Questions with Solutions 2023: Free PDF Download
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
| Physics 11th NCERT Solutions Click here | Chemistry 11th NCERT Solutions Click here |
| Physics 12th NCERT Solutions Click here | - |
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 |
Also Read: Click here to practise NEET Mock Tests
BDS Syllabus: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. What is the BDS course?
Q. What subjects are included in the BDS course?
Q. Which practicals are done during the BDS course?
Q. Which entrance exam is given for admission to the BDS programme?
Q. What is the scope of a BDS programme?
Q. Which course can I pursue after the BDS programme?
Q. What are the top colleges to pursue BDS?
Q. Is it possible to pursue BDS without giving the NEET examination?
Q. What is the difference between MBBS and BDS?
Q. What is the difference between BDS and BAMS?
Q. What are the specialisations in dentistry?
Q. Are dentists allowed to use ‘Dr.’ in front of their name?
Q. What is the age limit for NEET?
Q. What was the cutoff for NEET 2021?
- Popular BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery) Colleges in India
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- Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS)KGMU - King George's Medical University
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- BDS - Bachelor of Dental SurgeryMahatma Gandhi University of Medical Sciences and Technology
- Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS)Maharishi Markandeshwar University, Mullana
- Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS)Jamia Millia Islamia
- Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS)SVSU - Swami Vivekanand Subharti University
- Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS)Teerthanker Mahaveer University
- Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS)Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education
News & Updates
Student Forum
Answered a month ago
Yes, simulation labs are increasingly incorporated in BDS training. These labs allow students to practice dental procedures in a controlled environment before working on real patients.
Simulation includes using dental mannequins, virtual reality systems, and digital tools to replicate clinical scenar
L
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
Yes, practical labs are integral to most BDS subjects. Labs provide hands-on training in procedures like cavity preparation, crown fabrication, and periodontal techniques, reinforcing theoretical knowledge.
Students practice clinical skills under supervision, using models, extracted teeth, and simula
J
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
In BDS, Dental anatomy is taught through a combination of theoretical lectures and hands-on practical sessions. Students study the structure, shape, and function of teeth, jaws, and oral tissues, understanding variations in dental morphology.
Practical exposure includes working with dental models, ex
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
Yes, hostel facility is available for BDS students at BVDCH, Navi Mumbai. Hostel charges amount to INR 3.56 lakh.
h
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
Students must apply for admission into BDS at BVDCH, Navi Mumbai by specifying their preference for the college on NEET UG registration form. Check below for detailed step wise explanation of application process for BDS at the college:
Step 1: Register for NEET UG/PG according to the selection crite
h
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
Students must check the BVDCH, Navi Mumbai eligibility criteria for BDS and then apply online for the same. Admission is strictly merit based and the college accepts NEET UG scores for the same. Candidates can apply online on the official site. The filled application form has to be submitted with IN
h
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
For BDS, a minimum of 40% (SC/ST) or 50% (General) is required in NEET UG to be eligible for admission to BVDCH, Navi Mumbai on the basis of merit. Additionally, Candidate must secure 40% (SC/ST) or 50% (General) of aggregate marks in Class 12 and pass Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology and E
h
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
Admission to MDS programme at Maulana Azad Medical College is strictly merit based with the college accepting NEET PG/MDS scores. There is no preference given to BDS graduates from Maulana Azad Medical College for MDS admission.
h
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research offers admission to BDS programme based on NEET-UG scores of the candidates. Aspirants with NEET-UG score need to participate in centralised counselling conducted by MCC of DGHS, New Delhi. Aspirants have to pay the course fee after allotmen
N
Guide-Level 15
Answered 2 months ago
The total fee for BDS is INR 6.63 lakh at Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research. The total fee includes a tuition fee of INR 6 lakh, university registration fee of INR 5,000, admission form fee of INR 5,000 and a health insurance of INR 3,000. Aspirants also have to pay a refund
N
Guide-Level 15
Answered 2 months ago
There is no preference given to BDS graduates from Army college of Dental Sciences for MDS Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery admission to the college. Admission is strictly based on NEET MDS rank. BDS graduates from Army college of Dental Sciences do not receive any preferential treatment in the MDS ad
h
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
Yes, hostel facilities are offered by Army College of Dental Sciences for BDS students. Separate hostels have been constructed for boys and girls and experienced wardens ensure efficient functioning. Hostel stay is compulsory for all students and students are not permitted to stay outside under own
h
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
Army College of Dental Sciences opens admissions for its BDS programmes every year. The registration for admission is opened by KNRUHS on their website for PG generally before Feb end/ early March and for UG before August end. Admission into BDS and MDS course is merit based and the college requires
h
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
After admission confirmation, selected candidates are initially given provisional admission at Army college of Dental Sciences. They are required to submit the following in original and 05 sets of photocopies at the time of joining the college:
· Proof of registration with KNR UHS (Management Q
h
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
Army college of Dental Sciences offers a one year mandatory paid internship programme within the college itself. The internship takes place in the last year of the BDS programme. An amount of INR 1200/- per month is paid to final year BDS students during the tenure of the internship.
h
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
Army college of Dental Sciences offers a one year mandatory paid internship programme within the college itself. The internship takes place in the last year of the BDS programme. An amount of INR 1200/- per month is paid to final year BDS students during the tenure of the internship.
h
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
For first year BDS students at Army College of Dental Sciences, the total annual fee including tuition, hostel and refundable security deposit amounts to about INR 5.05 lakh. An amount of INR 1200/- PM is paid every month to students as stipend during their period of internship. For civilian candida
h
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
Class 12 percentage does not matter for admission into BDS at Army college of Dental Sciences. Admission is strictly merit-based with the college accepting NEET UG scores. The minimum eligibility for the course is passing Class 12 with PCB stream. However, the minimum percentage required to pass Cla
h
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
Selection criteria for admission into BDS and MDS courses at Army college of Dental Sciences is entrance based. However, the college doesn't conduct its own entrance exam and accepts NEET UG and PG scores respectively for BDS and MDS courses.
h
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
Dr. D. Y. Patil Dental College and Hospital offers students the popular programme of BDS in one relevant specialisation. The total tuition fees for the course is INR 2.3 L - 4.2 L. The Dr. D. Y. Patil Dental College and Hospital BDS specialisation is mentioned below:
1. Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BD
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
The table below shows the top BDS colleges accepting Tamil Nadu NEET score in Tamil Nadu along with their tuition fees:
| Top Colleges | Tuition Fee |
|---|---|
| Adhiparasakthi Dental College and Hospital | INR 5.2 lakh |
| Vivekanandha Dental College For Women | INR 1 lakh |
| Sri Ramakrishna Dental College and Hospital | INR 10 lakh |
| Ragas Dental College and Hospital, Chennai | INR 12.5 lakh |
| Sri Venkateswara Dental College and Hospital | INR 12.5 lakh |
Disclaimer: This information is sourced from official website and may vary.
T
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery) is a total of five and a half years of UG degree courses, divided into nine semesters, and one year of internship at Kerala University of Health Sciences. The course focuses on modern dentistry, including diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of oral and dental diseas
K
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
No, candidates are not allowed to get direct admission to the BDS course at Kerala University of Health Sciences. This university is a government university. It was established in the year 2010. Moreover, the provision of direct admission or enrollment by donation is not permitted in government univ
V
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
The selection process for the BDS course at Kerala University of Health Sciences includes NEET UG scores, followed by a counseling process. After achieving a valid score in NEET UG, register on KUHS's NEET UG counselling portal with your NEET roll number and details. Moreover, the university publis
R
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
To get admission into the BDS course at Kerala University of Health Sciences, the university accepts the valid scores of NEET UG. Therefore, one should be well-versed with the NEET UG pattern and syllabus. Moreover, to prepare for BDS at KUHS, candidates should also consider these pointers:
- Consisten
K
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
Yes, Kerala University of Health Sciences does offer scholarships to BDS students on various grounds, such as academic excellence, merit, research contribution, category, need, etc. The names of some of the KUHS BDS scholarships are
- KUHS Research Appreciation Award
- Central and State Government Scholar
T
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
Kerala University of Health Sciences provides a five and a half year BDS programme at the UG level. Comparing KUHS with other universities/ colleges offering BDS courses, candidates should understand the parameters they think are important.
Candidates can compare the Return on Investment (ROI) that t
I
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
The process to get admission into the BDS course at Kerala University of Health Sciences through NEET UG scores is as follows:
Step 1: Appear for the NEET UG exam.
Step 2: Register for the state counselling, i.e., Kerala Counselling.
Step 3: During the counselling process, submit NEET scores.
Step 4:
A
Contributor-Level 9
Answered 2 months ago
Yes, NEET UG is compulsory to get admission to the BDS course at Kerala University of Health Sciences. Moreover, to get admission into the BDS course at KUHS-affiliated colleges, NEET UG is compulsory, followed by a counselling process. Candidates can apply for the counselling process once they get
P
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
Applicants can apply for the BDS course at KUHS according to the admission dates of the entrance exams. Moreover, the university opens its application portal around the month of March. Once candidates qualify for all the eligibility criteria and admission parameters, they can apply for the course th
C
Contributor-Level 10
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Are simulation labs used in BDS training?