Dental Subjects List 2025: Check Semester-wise Subjects & Syllabus

Parul ThapaAssistant Manager
Dental courses or Dentistry is the branch of Medicine that deals with the prevention and treatment of oral disorders, such as diseases of the teeth and their supporting structures and diseases of the mouth's soft tissues. Dentistry also includes diagnosing and treating jaw malformations, tooth misalignment, and congenital defects of the oral cavity, such as cleft palate. Dental specialities and subspecialties include orthodontics and paediatric dentistry, dental orthopaedics, oral and maxillofacial surgery, periodontics, public health dentistry, prosthodontics, endodontics, oral and maxillofacial pathology, and oral and maxillofacial radiology, in addition to general practice.
Dental Syllabus- Important Facts
Take a look at the important information regarding the Dental course in terms of admission, college, syllabus and scope.
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Admission through NEET: The admission to Dentistry courses across India is conducted through the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET). Upon qualifying for the exam by clearing the cutoff, candidates will have to participate in the counselling process conducted by national and state-level admission authorities.
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Duration: The duration of the Dentistry course depends upon the level of the programme. The UG level Dentistry programme or Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) is of five years duration including one year of internship. On the other hand, Master in Dental Surgery (MDS) programme is of three years.
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Dentistry Course Evaluation Pattern: Students are marked based on the internal exams, projects, vivas, lab exercises and internships.
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Scope of Dentistry: A practitioner in Dentistry might work in various areas. A dentist is usually called in to undertake dental identification of an unknown individual or confirm the identification of a deceased person. In recent years, dentistry has provided excellent job options. Dental problems have become a widespread issue affecting people from all walks of life. Procedures for treatment have gotten more specialised as science and technology have progressed. As a result, the career is both difficult and financially rewarding, attracting new aspirants. Dentistry is a discipline of study that deals with dental care and treatment.
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Dental Syllabus: The regular Dental syllabus contains the following subjects:
o General Pathology
o Oral Microbiology
o Microbiology
o Oral Pathology
o General and Dental Pharmacology
o Preclinical Conservative Dentistry
o Dental Therapeutics
Dental Syllabus
The following table brings the Dental syllabus in detail wherein the Dental subjects and the description is given for both core and elective subjects.
Typical Core Dental Subjects
|
Subject title |
Subject Details |
|---|---|
|
General Pathology |
General pathology refers to a broad and complicated field that studies the mechanisms underlying cell and tissue injury as well as how the body responds to and repairs harm. Necrosis, neoplasia, inflammation, wound healing, and how cells respond to harm are some of the topics that may be researched. |
|
Microbiology |
Microbiology is the study of bacteria, algae, viruses, slime moulds, fungi, and protozoa, which are tiny organisms. Most other biological investigations do not use the tools used to examine and manipulate these tiny, mainly unicellular creatures. |
|
Oral Microbiology |
Oral Microbiology discusses biofilms on oral surfaces comprising tens or hundreds of distinct species, all of which interact and contribute to the system's overall function. The biofilm interacts with the host tissues as well as external influences including nutritional intake and smoke inhalation. |
|
Preclinical Conservative Dentistry
|
Preclinical operative dentistry is a part of operative dentistry in which students receive hands-on training on dummy models in a simulated oral environment for tooth preparation and restoration using various materials. |
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Oral Pathology |
Oral pathology is the study, diagnosis, and treatment of disorders affecting the gums, teeth, joints, bones, skin, glands, and muscles around the mouth. According to the American Dental Education Association, Oral Pathologists need an average of 37 months of advanced education to become experts in their speciality. |
|
General and Dental Pharmacology |
In dentistry, pharmacology is crucial. The goal of dental pharmacology is to comprehend the scientific aspects of how medications used in dentistry interact with the human body's numerous systems. Pharmacology includes pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, which are two aspects of drug metabolism. |
|
Dental Therapeutics |
Therapeutic dentistry is a type of treatment that tries to improve the health of the teeth and gums. In common dental therapeutics are dedicated to preserving, restoring, and maintaining the health of your oral cavity through therapeutic procedures such as periodontal therapy and tooth extraction. |
Typical Elective Subjects for Dentistry
|
Subject Title |
Subject Details |
|---|---|
|
Public Health Dentistry |
Public health dentistry is concerned with identifying critical dental health problems and developing practical solutions to improve the dental health of populations rather than individuals. |
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Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics |
Conservative dentistry and endodontics are the branches of dentistry that deal with the treatment of caries, misshapen, discoloured, unesthetic, or shattered teeth, while endodontics deals with the treatment of pulpal and periapical illnesses, as well as the management of dental pain. |
|
Periodontics |
Periodontics is a dental speciality that focuses on the supporting structures of teeth as well as diseases and ailments that impact them. The cementum, alveolar bone, gingiva, and periodontal ligament are all part of the periodontium, which is made up of supporting tissues. |
|
Paediatric & Preventive Dentistry |
Paediatric and Preventive Dentistry is committed to the oral health of children from infancy through adolescence, with the experience and qualifications to care for a gums, child's teeth, and mouth at all phases of development. |
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Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopaedics |
Dentofacial orthopaedics is concerned with the guidance of facial growth and development, which happens primarily throughout childhood, and is one of the reasons why children are often the greatest candidates for dentofacial orthopaedic therapy. |
Detailed Dental Syllabus
|
Semester |
Core/Elective |
Subject Title |
Subject Details |
|---|---|---|---|
|
1 & 2 |
General human anatomy- head and neck (embryology, histology, and osteology)
|
General Human Anatomy including Embryology and Histology |
The purpose of this paper is to provide students with information and insight into the functional anatomy of a normal human and the embryological development of therapeutically significant components. |
|
3 & 4 |
Pre-clinical Prosthodontics and crown bridge Dental materials Preclinical conservative dentistry General pathology and microbiology Pharmacology
|
Dental Materials |
Dental impression materials, restorative resins, dental amalgam, acrylic resins, dental casting investments, dental implants, dental casting alloys, soldering, brazing, and welding are all examples of gypsum and gypsum products. |
|
5 & 6 |
General surgery Oral pathology and oral microbiology General medicine
|
General Surgery |
The purpose of this paper is to familiarise the student with a variety of disorders that may require surgical intervention, as well as to build skills in examining a routine ulcer, swelling, and other related conditions, as well as performing minor surgical treatments. |
|
7 & 8 |
Oral and maxillofacial surgery Conservative dentistry and endodontics Orthodontics and dentofacial orthopaedics Oral medicine and radiology Prosthodontics and Crown and bridge Paediatric and preventive dentistry Public health dentistry PeriDentistry
|
Public Health Dentistry |
General surgical principles, surgical history, surgical principles, resuscitation of seriously injured patients, thyroid and parathyroid illnesses, burns and scalds, facial development anomalies |
Dental Subject Specialisations
Prosthodontics, Dental Mechanics, Conservative Dentistry, Periodontics, and Surgery are just a few of the prominent BDS specialisations. The details of which are listed below;
|
Specialisation |
Subjects |
Details |
|---|---|---|
|
Endodontist
|
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Endodontics is that branch of dentistry that deals with the dental pulp and tissues that surround the tooth's roots. "Endo" means "within," and "odont" means "tooth." The delicate pulp tissue inside the tooth is treated by endodontic treatment, often known as root canal therapy. |
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Prosthodontics
|
|
Prosthodontics is a discipline of dentistry that deals with the replacement of lost teeth and the soft and hard tissues that go with them using prosthetics that can be fixed or detachable, or supported and kept by implants. |
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Periodontics
|
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Periodontics is a dentistry speciality that focuses solely on the inflammatory condition that causes the gums and other supporting components around the teeth to deteriorate. A periodontist is a dentist that specialises in periodontal diagnosis, disease prevention, and treatment, as well as dental implant implantation. |
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Conservative Dentistry |
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Conservative dentistry is a speciality of dentistry that focuses on keeping teeth in the mouth as healthy as possible. It comprises many types of direct and indirect restorations of individual teeth in the mouth, as well as operative dentistry and endodontics. |
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Surgery |
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The physical manipulation of a physiological structure to diagnose, prevent, or cure a condition is known as general surgery. The focus is on the clinical approach to the patient's ailment as a whole, as well as the many surgical therapy options. |
Books and Authors related to Dentistry
Because Dentistry is such a broad field with so many specialities, students need to refer to a wide variety of literature during their undergraduate or postgraduate studies. Some of the most often recommended novels are listed below.
|
Subject |
Book Title |
Author |
Description |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Clinical Dentistry |
Oxford Handbook of Clinical Dentistry |
David A. Mitchell and Laura Mitchell |
In a condensed format, the latest version of this pocket handbook covers the field of clinical dentistry. It has been totally changed and updated to include a plethora of fresh information, such as web-based learning and relevant resources, as well as more diagrams and colour clinical images. |
|
Dentistry and Oral Surgery |
BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Dentistry and Oral Surgery
|
Alexander M. Reiter, Margherita Gracias |
The BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Dentistry and Oral Surgery is a timely publication in an internationally increasing speciality subject. It is a valuable resource for general small animal veterinary surgeons, students, and nurses/technicians who want to improve their knowledge and skills in dentistry and oral surgery. |
|
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery |
Basic Guide to Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
|
Nicola Rogers, Cinzia Pickett |
The role of the dental nurse in oral and maxillofacial surgical operations is explained in detail in Basic Guide to Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. Anatomy of the head and neck, pain and anxiety control, injuries and more complex procedures are all covered in an easy-to-understand manner. |
|
Dental Implant Surgery |
Quick Reference to Dental Implant Surgery
|
Mohamed A. Maksoud |
Quick Reference to Dental Implant Surgery provides busy practitioners with quick access to all of the key information needed for effective dental implant surgery. It has been deliberately developed to be utilised while the patient is seated and follows a simple, easy-to-follow pattern. |
|
Dental Implant Surgery |
Color Atlas of Dental Implant Surgery
|
Michael S. Block DMD |
With this colourful atlas-style book, you'll be able to learn implant processes and methods in no time! Dental Implant Surgery includes full-colour clinical photographs and practical guidance for a wide range of implant difficulties. Treatment planning, pre-surgical recommendations, thorough surgical techniques, and postoperative follow-up are all included in this guide. |
Entrance Exams for Dentistry
The purpose of the Dental Entrance Exams is to get admission to the Bachelors of Dental Surgery (BDS) and Masters of Dental Surgery (MDS) programmes. Aspirants can easily pass the entrance exam if they prepare according to the syllabus and previous papers. Candidates must focus on their studies in order to be the first to pass the tests. The eligibility requirements for various colleges may differ.
Following your BDS, you may want to pursue an MDS to gain a more in-depth understanding of the subject. It is the highest level of study in the field of dentistry and can help you find a career as a dentist in reputable organisations.
You can enrol in either a government or private college based on your performance in the entrance test. Depending on your interests, you can select a specialisation area. Prosthodontics, orthodontics, operative dentistry, and conservative dentistry are some of the specialisation possibilities available during the MDS.
Dental Syllabus for Distance Learning Programmes
Distance education is a viable option for those who cannot afford full-time classes. Part-time or distance Dentistry programmes are also available to students who do not meet the eligibility requirements for full-time courses. Distance learning programmes have a syllabus that is strikingly comparable to traditional programmes. The evaluation method is essentially identical to that of conventional courses, with 30 per cent for internal assessment and 70 per cent for the end-of-semester examination. Top schools which offer distance learning programs in Dentistry are IGNOU, Symbiosis Centre for Distance Learning (SCDL), and Gitam Deemed to be University to name a few.
Frequently Asked Questions on Dental Syllabus
Q: What is the scope of Dentistry?
Q: Is there a difference between dentistry and medicine courses in terms of difficulty?
Q: What are the topics covered in the first year of BDS?
- Anatomy of the head and neck in general (embryology, histology, and osteology)
- Human physiology, biochemistry, nutrition, and dietetics in general.
- Histology, Anatomy, and embryology of the teeth.
Q: What does the abbreviation BDS stand for in the medical field?
Q: Can a BDS Student become a Surgeon?
Q: Is NEET required for BDS?
Q: How many times can you take the NEET MDS?
Q: Is getting admission to MDS courses a difficult task?
Q: What is the highest level of Dental Degree?
Q: Does BDS students pursue a career in academics?
Q: Will BDS be counted as a good career option for career in 2022?
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News & Updates
Mar 26, 2026
Student Forum
Answered 7 hours ago
Several premier BDS colleges in Bangalore are approved by the Dental Council of India (DCI) / National Dental Commission, all of which are affiliated with the Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences (RGUHS).
Some of the colleges are M.S. Ramaiah Dental College, R.V. Dental College, The Oxford Dent
T
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 7 hours ago
Yes, this is possible through management quota or NRI quota seats, which usually have separate (often lower) cutoffs than the general merit quota. However, you still need to clear the NEET minimum qualifying marks. Many students with moderate scores still secure decent dental colleges in Bangalore t
T
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 7 hours ago
No college can honestly guarantee 100% placement, and dentistry largely works differently from engineering placements. Most BDS graduates either pursue MDS (postgraduate), start their own clinic, or join hospitals and dental chains after completing a compulsory rotatory internship.
T
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 7 hours ago
No, NEET is compulsory for BDS admission anywhere in India, including Bangalore. No dental college, private or government, can admit students without a valid NEET score. Some students get confused because management or NRI quota seats seem easier, but NEET qualification is still mandatory. So if you
T
Contributor-Level 10
Answered Yesterday
Here is the table below showing the top private Dental colleges in Chennai followed by their tuition fees -
Private Colleges | Tuition Fee |
|---|---|
INR 9 Lacs – INR 52.5 lakh | |
INR 15 Lacs – INR 42 lakh | |
INR 13.4 Lacs – INR 39 lakh | |
INR 9 Lacs – INR 45 lakh | |
INR 9 Lacs – INR 49.5 lakh | |
INR 10.5 Lacs – INR 36 lakh | |
INR 73,000 – INR 12.5 lakh | |
INR 12.5 lakh | |
INR 13.5 Lacs - INR 17 lakh | |
INR 5.1 lakh |
Source: Official college site and can change.
T
Contributor-Level 10
Answered Yesterday
Absolutely, and many do exactly that. After completing BDS, students have the option of opening their own dental office, in addition to working with hospitals, pharmaceutical firms, or medical device manufacturers.
T
Contributor-Level 10
Answered Yesterday
According to the NIRF ranking 2025, SIMTS Chennai ranked as the top Dental college in Chennai followed by other top colleges like SRM Dental College and SRIHER. Candidates can check the table below for the top colleges with NIRF ranking 2024 and 2025 -
Top Colleges | NIRF 2024 | NIRF 2025 |
|---|---|---|
Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences Ranking | 1 | 2 |
7 | 8 | |
Sree Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research Ranking | 10 | 13 |
13 | 16 | |
NA | 27 | |
20 | 30 | |
32 | 39 |
Disclaimer: Rankings taken from official NIRF si
T
Contributor-Level 10
Answered Yesterday
No, there's no backdoor here. Candidates willing to get admitted to undergraduate dental courses need to qualify the NEET exam, which is the national entrance test for BDS admission. Whether you're applying to a government or a top private college, NEET is non-negotiable.
T
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 days ago
Pursuing a BTech course from RIMS Ranchi is a good choice in terms of placements. Course-wise placement stats are yet to be released. According to the NIRF report 2026, 36 UG 5 year students were placed out of total 140 graduated students of batch 2024. Median package offered was INR 9.5 LPA.
Answered 6 days ago
The National Exit Test (NEXT) (called the National Exit Test Dental/Dental NExT for dental graduates) will be introduced but until then students have to register with the Dental Council of India (DCI) and the state councils after their 1-year internship. It will probably become mandatory to pass the
T
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 6 days ago
Graduates from elite government colleges like MAIDS or King George's Medical University (KGMU) can secure starting packages of INR 3.5 LPA to INR 6 LPA through hospital postings or private practices.
T
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 weeks ago
Yes, you could get into AIIMS Hyderabad with an INI CET rank of 1200 if you belong to the General AI category. For this category, the last round cutoff ranged from 178 to 25908 for the MD and MS courses.
Students can refer to the table below to know which courses can be availed with a rank of 1200 i
N
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 weeks ago
AIIMS Hyderabad INI CET cutoff 2026 was concluded after the release of the final round of cutoff for various All India categories.
For the General AI category, the overall cutoff ranged from 178 to 25908 for various MD and MS courses. To know the cutoff range for all other categories, see the table
N
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 weeks ago
Since AIIMS Rishikesh accepts the INI CET entrance examination for admission to the MD, MDS, MS, DM, and MCh courses. The merit/rank list will also be released on the official AIIMS portal.
- Go to the AIIMS exam portal
- Click on Academic Courses
- Choose the Postgraduate courses option
- Click on INI CET exam
N
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 weeks ago
Yes, you could get into AIIMS Rishikesh with a 10,000 rank if you belong to the General AI category. For this category, the AIIMS Rishikesh INI CET cutoff 2026 for the last round ranged between 3 to 26590. Hence, you can get admission at this institute.
Refer to the table below to know which course
N
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 weeks ago
AIIMS Bhopal cutoff 2026 was released for various All India categories for admission to the MD, MS and MDS courses based on the students' performance in the INI CET entrance examination.
For the General AI category, the overall cutoff ranged from 8 to 9729. Among all the MDS courses, the toughest br
N
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 weeks ago
The AIIMS Bhopal INI CET cutoff 2026 has been announced for several All India categories, including the SC AI category. The cutoff was concluded for the January session, with the results being released for a total of 3 rounds for the MD, MDS and MS courses.
For the SC AI category, the overall cutoff
N
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 weeks ago
PGIMER INI CET cutoff 2026 was concluded after the release of the final round for admission to the MD, MS and MDS courses.
For the OBC category students belonging to the All India quota, the final round cutoff ranged from 72 to 15018 for the above-mentioned courses. As per this range, the toughest a
N
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 weeks ago
Diploma in Dental Hygienist is a 2 year course. Colleges for the same in Agra are:
S.S. Institute of Medical Sciences, Management Technology & Research
Wisdom Dental and Cosmetic Academy
Henry Harvin Healthcare Academy
S
Beginner-Level 5
Answered 3 weeks ago
To apply for BDS at Sri Siddhartha Dental College, candidates must first apply for NEET UG, and appear in the respective exam. Then, choose Sri Siddhartha Dental College as the college preference and wait for the results to be declared, Upon declaration of the result, appear in the counselling, and
Answered 3 weeks ago
BVDU Dental College & Hospital Navi Mumbai popular programmes are BDS & MDS. The college conducts Dental Camps in rural areas, hence providing students vast scope for practice. There are various facilities provided to students for practice.
L
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 weeks ago
Sharda University NEET cutoff 2025 was published for admission to the MBBS and BDS courses for the Home State quota category. The cutoff was released in the form of opening and closing ranks.
For the General HS category, the last round cutoff for the BDS and MBBS courses was 80896 and 313983, respec
N
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 weeks ago
To secure admission to BDS course at Terna Dental College and Hospital, candidates must have qualified Class 12 from a recognised national or state board. In addition to this, candidates are also required to appear for NEET UG, and acquire a valid score.
Answered 3 weeks ago
Candidates are required to keep the following documents ready while applying for Terna Dental College and Hospital MDS course:
- Nationality and Domicile Certificate or Indian Passport
- NEET – 2026 Mark sheet
- Allotment / Selection letter / Merit list – 2026 (net copy)
- Aadhar Card (scan original & submit xe
Answered 3 weeks ago
To get into Sharda University for the MBBS and BDS courses, students have to appear in the NEET UG entrance exam and then in the UP NEET counselling process. To qualify for the exam, students have to get at least 55% in Class 12. So yes, with a 70% percentile in Class 12, you are eligible to sit for
N
Contributor-Level 10
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