Dental Course: Full Form, Admission 2025, Fees, Syllabus, Exams, Top Colleges, Career Scope

Dentist courses encompass a wide range of educational programs and training opportunities related to dentistry. Dentist courses cater to individuals at various stages of their careers, from aspiring dentists to seasoned professionals seeking advanced specialization. 

Overall, Dentist courses aim to equip students and professionals with the knowledge, skills, and expertise needed to provide quality dental care, contribute to advancements in the field, and promote oral health in their communities.

Dental Courses Useful Links:

NIRF UG Ranking Medical Colleges: AIIMS Delhi maintains the Topmost position for the sixth time

List of Courses Offered Through NEET UG 2024: MBBS, BDS, Nursing, AYUSH, Veterinary

NEET MDS Cut off 2024 (Expected): Check Qualifying Percentile & Scores

The eligibility criteria for best dental schools in India vary from course to course. Refer below the course-wise eligibility criteria for top Dental Universities in India:

Eligibility Criteria for best BDS Colleges in India:

• Candidates should pass Class 12 in the Science stream with Physics,  Chemistry, and Biology as core subjects
• They should obtain a minimum 50 percent aggregate (General category students) and 45 percent (reserved category candidates)
• Their age should range between 17 years and 25 years
• They should qualify for NEET

Eligibility Criteria for best MDS Colleges in India:

• Candidates should have a BDS degree from a dental college/institute recognised by Dental Council India
• They must have completed their Internship for BDS before taking admission to the MDS course
• Candidates should secure a minimum 55 percent aggregate of all subjects of the BDS course
• They should qualify for the MDS entrance exam

Eligibility Criteria for Diploma Dental Colleges in India

• For undergraduate Dental Diploma courses, candidates should pass Class 12 with a minimum 50 percent aggregate
• They must have studied Science stream, with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology/Biochemistry as core subjects in Class 11 and Class 12
• Postgraduate dental Diploma should have completed BDS or undergraduate Dental Diploma course and completed a compulsory rotatory internship by the time of admission

Eligibility Criteria for Certificate Dental Colleges in India

• Candidates should complete a bachelor’s level Dental course from a recognised institute
• They should complete the compulsory rotatory internship followed by the course completion

Disclaimer: This information is sourced from official website and may vary.

Yes, dentists wear stethoscopes for a number of reasons.

If the patient has to have surgery of any kind, the dentist needs to wear a stethoscope to check blood pressure. Interestingly, while dentist only look at teeth, the whole body can affect our oral health.

One of the most desired and recognised degrees for dentists (doctors) is BDS. The sole academic and professional dental surgery programme in India is the BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery). It shares the "Dr" domain with the MBBS and is equal.

An oral health care professional who diagnoses and treats conditions is a Dentist. Candidates can lower your risk for other critical health disorders like heart disease and stroke by taking proper care of your teeth and gums. For regular examinations and cleanings, you should visit the Dentist frequently.

Yes, BDS graduates can use the prefix "Dr." as they have earned a doctoral degree in Dental Surgery. The use of the prefix "Dr." is a matter of professional courtesy and is commonly used to acknowledge individuals who have completed a doctoral-level programme in their respective field, such as dentistry.

However, it's important to note that the use of the title may be regulated and vary depending on the specific country or region. It is always advisable to check local regulations and guidelines regarding the use of professional titles.

An MDS degree is a postgraduate Dental course. It gives specialised knowledge and training to students in order to assist them to acquire advanced clinical skills, critical thinking, and research abilities. The Master of Dental Surgery programme will equip students for specialised oral health care and procedures.

MDS, or Master of Dental Surgery, is a medical speciality that focuses solely on the mouth, jaw, dental region, and other facial areas. It focuses on oral and dental hygiene, anatomy, issues, diagnosis, treatment, prevention, intervention, and rehabilitation. The course is designed to provide an in-depth understanding of detailed themes connected to oral and dental health and cleanliness. MDS is a three-year programme. 

No, MDS is not same as MBBS.

The main difference between the MBBS and MD is that applicants who want to pursue a career in medicine enrol in the MBBS, which is an undergraduate programme. On the other hand, those who have finished their MBBS might pursue the postgraduate degree of MD.

The primary distinction between the MBBS and MD is that the MBBS is an undergraduate study pursued by applicants who desire to pursue a profession in medicine. MD, on the other hand, is a postgraduate course that applicants who have completed their MBBS can pursue.

Studying Dental courses after completing Class 12 (or its equivalent) typically involves pursuing a BDS or Dental Medicine. 

Here's a step-by-step guide on how to pursue Dental courses after Class 12 in India:

• Ensure Eligibility: Generally, candidates must have completed Class 12 with a Science stream (Physics, Chemistry, Physics,2 Biology), with a minimum aggregate score in these subjects as specified by the respective dental colleges or universities.

• Appear for Entrance Exams: Dental colleges in India usually admit students based on national or state-level entrance exams. Some of the common entrance exams for undergraduate dental courses include NEET.

• Apply for BDS: Once you have made sure that you are eligible for BDS, you can apply for the graduate course online after researching for the best possible university for yourself.

• Complete BDS: Once you secure admission to a dental college, pursue the BDS courses. The duration of the undergraduate dental course is typically four to five years, including a one-year internship.

Yes, candidates can pursue BDS course right after Class 12, given that he/she has done their schooling from Class 12 in the Science stream with Physics, Chemistry and Biology subjects and have a minimum passing marks as suggested by the colleges they are applying for.

Candidates must also appear for NEET after Class 12 if they wish to apply for BDS course.

No, MBBS is not compulsory for pursuing a BDS. 

BDS is a distinct undergraduate programme specifically focused on dental education and training, whereas MBBS is centred on medical education with a broader focus on general medicine and surgery. Both are separate professional degrees with different curricula and career paths. 

To pursue BDS, candidates typically need to complete their higher secondary education with subjects like Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, and pass the required entrance exams, such as NEET, specific to dental studies.

A minimum age of 20 is required for the candidate. Candidates must possess a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) degree from a college or university that has received DCI accreditation. He or she must be a permanent or temporary member of either the State Dental Council (SDC) or the Dental Council of India (DCI).

National Eligibility Requirements NEET MDS, or Entrance Test for Masters of Dentistry Surgery, is an entrance test administered by NBE for admission to all postgraduate dentistry programmes offered by universities in India.

For admission to MDS at AIIMS Delhi, there is no age limit that a student needs to meet to be eligible for the exam. The only minimum requirement for admission to MDS is as follows:

• A pass in MBBS/ BDS degree from a recognised institute
• Candidates must have completed 12 months of internship on or before July 31 of the year of admission

For admission to MDS at AIIMS Delhi, there is no age limit that a student needs to meet to be eligible for the exam. The only minimum requirement for admission to MDS is as follows:

• A pass in MBBS/ BDS degree from a recognised institute
• Candidates must have completed 12 months of internship on or before July 31 of the year of admission

Hi, it would be quite difficult for you to get admission to good Medical colleges in India without any entrance exams as most of the colleges accept students on entrance exam basis like NEET, NEET PG, GPAT, NEET MDS, etc. 

The selection process for MDS is simple you need to apply for undergraduate medical counseling through your NEET mark.The NEET MDS cutoff 2023 score for general category students is 272, while for SC/ ST/ OBC category aspirants, the cutoff is 238.

Students who complete MDS courses obtain decent careers. MDS salaries range from INR 4 Lakhs and INR 8 Lakhs each year. Students who complete the MDS programme can work in the following fields:

• Dental Departments of Hospitals

• Dental Clinics

• Academic Institutions

• Pharmaceutical Research Centres for Oral care products

• Private Dental Clinics

Candidates with an MDS degree will never lack job opportunities. MDS is one of the Medical degrees and is in high demand, and is recruiting in renowned organizations including Fortis Healthcare, Apollo Hospitals, Dental Clinics, ICMR, AIIMS, Health Centers, etc. MDS graduates earn a good amount of salary in India. People often suffer from various oral problems, and come to an oral specialist. The average salary of an MDS graduate is INR 5,00,000.

Yes, NEET is important for Dental courses in India. NEET is the primary entrance exam conducted by NTA for admission to undergraduate medical (MBBS) and dental (BDS) courses in India. 

NEET is the mandatory entrance exam for both medical and dental colleges across the country. 

Therefore, if you aspire to pursue a career in dentistry after Class 12, you need to appear for NEET to be eligible for admission to BDS programs offered by various dental colleges in India.

No, NEET is mandatory for admission to most Dental colleges in India including BDS. NEET ensures a fair and consistent selection procedure for dental colleges across the country. The exam assesses candidates' knowledge and skills in Science disciplines related to dentistry, such as biology and chemistry. The DCI requires NEET scores for BDS admissions to all recognised dental colleges, both government and private.

While there are other dental courses available without NEET, they:

• Do not qualify you to practise dentistry in India.
• Career options are restricted when compared to BDS.
• Separate entrance tests may continue to be necessary.

As a result, if you want to become a dentist in India, you must first take and pass the NEET.

No,  BDS require NEET. If candidates do not have NEET eligibility, they cannot enrol in BDS. Although states were permitted to host their own entrances using an ordinance in 2016, NEET has been made mandatory going forward.

Candidates still need to pass NEET even if they wish to study BDS abroad. NEET is essentially a qualification exam for future healthcare professionals in India. Nothing is possible without NEET.

In India, there is just one entrance exam for admission to the MBBS and BDS programmes: the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET). The exam lasts three hours and 20 minutes and is given once a year in offline mode. The medical entrance test for enrollment in MBBS, BDS, BSc Nursing, BAMS, Veterinary, and other medical/paramedical courses in India is administered by the4 National Testing Agency (NTA). 

Candidates seeking admission to the MDS course should meet the minimum requirements that is given below:

• Candidates must have completed their BDS graduation from a dental college recognised by the Dental Council of India (DCI).
• Candidates must have obtained a minimum of 55% in all BDS subjects.
• Candidates must complete their BDS internship before enrolling in the MDS course.

Candidates must take the following dental entrance exams to be eligible for MDS admission:

NEET MDS: NEET MDS is a national-level entrance test conducted by the National Board of Examinations (NBE) for admission to Masters in Dental Sciences (MDS). The exam is scheduled for May 2024.

INI CET: INI CET, or Institutes of National Importance Combined Entrance Test, is a test that one must take to become eligible for admission into premier institutes or institutes of national importance in India. These institutes play a vital role in creating highly skilled individuals, which in turn contribute to the nation's development. INI CET is required for admission into several colleges across various fields. Registration for the January session of INI CET began on September 15, 2023, and ended on October 5. The exam will be conducted on November 5 in computer-based mode.

NEET PG: NEET PG is a national-level entrance exam for postgraduate studies conducted by the National Board of Examinations (NBE). The exam is typically held in the first week of March.

Refer to the table below for their exam dates:

Yes, you can join MDS colleges without appearing for NEET MDS. You can appear for the below-mentioned entrance exams to get accepted into MDS Colleges in India:

• INI CET: INI CET is an abbreviation for Institutes of National Importance Combined Entrance Test. The title INI is granted by the Act of Parliament of India to premier institutes or institutes of national importance. These institutions play a crucial role in creating highly skilled individuals, which in turn helps in the development of the nation directly or indirectly. Several colleges in various fields are conferred with this prestigious title, and to get admission into these institutes, one must appear for INI CET to become eligible. The registration for the INI CET January session began on September 15, 2023, and concluded on October 5. The INI CET exam will be held on November 5 in computer-based mode.
• NEET PG: NEET PG is a national-level PG entrance exam conducted by the NBE(National Board of Examinations). The exams are usually conducted in the first week of March.

Given below is the schedule for NEET PG and INI CET:

 Below mentioned are some of the colleges accepting NEET PG and INI CET:

Graduates of the Bachelor of Dental Science programme are in high demand in a variety of fields, including dental clinics, hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, and many more. Bachelor of Dental Science graduates can pick from various employment with competitive remuneration. Some areas of recruitment for the course are:

• Dental Clinics

• Dental Equipment Manufacturers

• Hospitals

• Pharmaceutical Companies

• Research Institutes

Dental school can be nearly as challenging as Medical school. The considerable amount of studying required of dental school students causes many of them to suffer. It contains a wealth of Dental knowledge that must be applied in practice in addition to being memorised.

The fact that Dental school students start using Dental procedures practically far earlier than their Medical school colleagues is a significant distinction between Dental school and Medical school.

Within the first two years of dental school, practical courses are utilised. This may increase the stress that students already experience as a result of their demanding academic schedules and challenging exams.

The major subjects in BDS inculdes:

1. General human anatomy including embryology and histology.
2. General human physiology.
3. Dental materials.
4. Pre-clinical prosthodontics.
5. Oral pathology and microbiology.
6. General medicine and many more.

The primary distinction between the BDS and MBBS programmes is the cost of education. People from all socioeconomic levels can more easily enrol in the BDS programme because it is far less expensive than the MBBS programme. A BDS degree is affordable and ensures a successful career. Furthermore, owing to the high level of competition, obtaining a seat on merit for the MBBS course is quite tough.
A graduate degree in either the MBBS or BDS programme opens the door to a lucrative career. The main distinction between the two medical Science programmes is that MBBS doctors begin earning much later than dentists. Admission to MBBS programmes is tougher due to the high cutoff range and few places.

The only professional Dental programme that is frequently chosen in India is BDS. Cadidates who are interested in becoming Dentists at either private or public hospitals must complete it. 

The only recognised professional Dental course in India is the 5-year undergraduate BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery) programme. Following the BDS programme, students graduate as doctors. Students who want to become dentists at public or private hospitals must take this course. The primary objectives of the BDS are to educate and familiarise students with the Dental Sciences and procedures. 4 years of classroom instruction and 1 year of required rotational internship make up the 5-year programme. 

The popular specialisations that candidates can pursue are as follows:

• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

• Endodontic

• Dento-maxillofacial Radiology

• Orthodontic

• Paediatric Dentistry

• Prosthodontics

• Periodontics

• Public Health Dentistry

• Forensic Odontology

• Oral Pathology

• Oral Surgery

It fully relies on the candidate who wishes to pursue a career in either Veterinary Science or Dental Science.

While BDS, or Bachelor of Dental Sciences, is a 5-year undergraduate degree in the field of Dental Science that aids students in entering the field, BVSc, or Bachelor of Veterinary Science, is a 5-year undergraduate degree that primarily aims to educate candidates about the nutrition, breeding, and treatment of animals.

Both programmes offer promising futures, a solid reputation, good average pay, and internship opportunities for course-related practical experience.

There are several reputable online Dental courses related to dentistry that offer opportunities for learning and skill development. When choosing online Dental courses, it's essential to consider factors such as the reputation of the course provider, course content, instructor expertise, and accreditation. 

Additionally, look for online Dental courses that offer interactive learning experiences, practical demonstrations, and opportunities for hands-on practice or case studies.

Here are some examples of good online Dental courses:

Yes, there are several online Dental courses available that can help dental students enhance their skills and expand their knowledge. 

Here are a few reputable options for online Dental courses:

First of all, as said by everyone it totally depends on your interests. Here are some points regarding the comparison.

• Study content * Bams involves Ayurveda, the study of plants, how to prepare medicines naturally and so on so the studies of this field are quite hard. On the other hand, BDS only involves the studies of dental health and its theory.
• * Entrance * For BDS, you have to give NEET and score 450 above to get a good govt. college and BAMS can be achieved by both NEET and state entrance test.
• * Salary *Of course, BDS has much higher salary than BAMS and scope too.
• *My suggestions* I think you should go for BDS. It's fun playing with the tools, you can also come across dental surgeries while BAMS is just about medicine, medicine and medicine. But it totally depends on your interest and where your happiness lies, so make your decision wisely. Best of luck!

No, NEET is mandatory for admission to most Dental colleges in India including BDS. NEET ensures a fair and consistent selection procedure for dental colleges across the country. The exam assesses candidates' knowledge and skills in Science disciplines related to dentistry, such as biology and chemistry. The DCI requires NEET scores for BDS admissions to all recognised dental colleges, both government and private.

While there are other dental courses available without NEET, they:

• Do not qualify you to practise dentistry in India.
• Career options are restricted when compared to BDS.
• Separate entrance tests may continue to be necessary.

As a result, if you want to become a dentist in India, you must first take and pass the NEET.

Both College of Dental Sciences  and Bapuji Dental College and Hospital are good colleges. CODS has a slightly higher patient inflow. High patient flow increases the work load and there you can have a lot of experiences while Bapuji is more well-known and has been accredited with an "A" grade by NAAC twice. Quality assurance is given by the Bapuji college. 

These are the few  information about these colleges by which we can compare them -

-College of dental sciences

• Ranked first in medical by NIRF in 2020
• Medical nodal entity for the Government of India and ICMR

-Bapuji Dental College and Hospital

• Ranked 6th best in Karnataka by The Week in 2021
• Ranked 13th by NIRF in 2020 among private dental colleges in India
• Accredited with an "A" grade by NAAC twice
• Offers quality medical programs under the supervision of highly qualified faculty
• Stipend offered to MDS students ranges from INR 10,000 to 13,000 per month

In plus point Bapuji Dental College and Hospital, Davanagere has a dedicated placements cell. The placement cell's main objective is to provide job opportunities to the students. Additionally, BDCH Davanagere offers one-year mandatory internships to final-year students. 

Please refer to the table below for the various courses offered by best Dental colleges in India:

India is home to about 434 best Dental colleges of which 180 colleges are privately owned, 41 colleges are owned by the government and the rest 7 colleges are owned by semi government institutions. Please refer to the table below for the various parameters and statistics for best Dental colleges in India:

Hi, please refer below for the top Dental colleges in India according to NIRF 2024 under the Dental category:

After finishing the BDS programme, students can pursue jobs in a variety of dental fields, including dentist, researcher, and lecturer. Dental Officer in the Indian Defence Services (Army, Navy, and Air Force), Dentist in the Indian Railways, Territorial army officer, and so on. BDS degrees are in high demand both in India and internationally. Graduates of the Bachelor of Dental Science programme can pursue professions in a range of fields, including dentistry and medicine, at private and public facilities worldwide.

After completing the Bachelor of Dental Science degree programme, you will have excellent employment options in a variety of private and public hospitals and dental institutes. In India, the scope and salary of BDS are enormous, with noteworthy remuneration packages for graduates. Furthermore, dentistry and dental Science are in high demand on a global basis. As a result, after earning a bachelor's degree in dental science, the salary is competitive. Graduates in India can earn a BDS income of around INR 3.05 LPA on average.

The BDS salary in India can vary based on several factors, including experience, location, type of employment, and the specific organisation or clinic. Here is a general idea of the salary range for BDS graduates in India:

• Entry-Level: INR 2 - 5 LPA
• Mid-Level: INR 5 - 8 LPA
• Senior-Level: INR 8 - 20 LPA

Aside from undergraduate and postgraduate studies in dentistry, several universities and institutions offer candidates short-term Diploma and certificate courses. Dental courses specialise in specialised dentistry abilities and assist dentists in furthering their careers by learning more skills and practising in many disciplines of dentistry. 

Students must have a Class 12 degree with Biology as the core subject in order to enrol in an undergraduate-level Diploma or certificate programme. A bachelor's degree in Dentistry is required for postgraduate Diploma or certificate programmes.

Yes, dentists in India with a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) or Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree are legally permitted to use the term "Doctor" or "Dr." before their names. This is due to the DMD and DDS degrees being seen as similar to medical degrees such as the Doctor of Medicine (MD).

It is crucial to note, however, that the usage of the title "Dr." is governed by the Dental Council of India (DCI), India's governing organisation for dental education and practice. The DCI has precise norms and restrictions for dental professionals' usage of titles.

A successful dentist is

• Comfortable with close personal interaction

• Easy to talk to

• Trustworthy

• A detail-oriented person

• Artistic

• A leader

• Excited about the profession of dentistry

• Passionate about providing care to those in need

• Caring and concerned about how the patient feels during procedures

• Good communicator

Choosing the best private dental college in India can be difficult, but with careful thought and study, you can undoubtedly find the one that best meets your needs and goals. Here are a few crucial steps to help you:

• Are you seeking for a college with a challenging curriculum, renowned faculty, and a strong research focus?
• Do you value hands-on experience through various clinical rotations and early patient interaction?
• What is your budget, and are scholarships available?
• Do you have a preference for a specific city or region, or do you value a bustling campus life?
• Does the college provide options for specialisation or training in your selected field?

Remember that the "best" college is subjective and based on your own needs and interests. Following these steps and completing thorough research will prepare you to make an informed selection that will put you on the path to a successful dental profession.

Yes, it can be observed that studying Dental is considered to be expensive as most of the colleges have an average tuition fee of more than INR 5 lakh. GIven below is the fees for top Dental colleges in India in different fee ranges: