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. |
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. |
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. |
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
|
|
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. |
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. |
Periodontics
|
|
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. |
Conservative Dentistry |
|
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. |
Surgery |
|
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
Oct 15, 2025
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 a month ago
No, there is no entrance exam for MDS admissions at BVDCH, Navi Mumbai. Students are offered admission into the programme based on merit in terms of their NEET PG scores. The common eligibility for MDS programme at BVDCH, Navi Mumbai is a BDS degree from any Dental council of India recognised colleg
h
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
Yes, BVDCH, Navi Mumbai offers separate hostel facilities for girls and boys regardless of the programme. Hostel charges for MDS female students ranges between INR 1.46 Lacs and 91,000 according to one/two/three seaters.
h
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
The following specialisations are offered under BVDCH, Navi Mumbai MDS programme:
- M.D.S. (Prosthodontics and Crown & Bridge)
- M.D.S. (Periodontology)
- M.D.S. (Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopaedics)
- M.D.S. (Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics)
- M.D.S. (Pedodontics & Preventive Dentistry)
Students are adv
h
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
The documents needed for admission in BDS at BVDCH, Navi Mumbai include:
- Marksheets and Certificates for Class 10, 12 and Graduation (if applicable)
- NEET UG/PG scorecard and admit card
- Migration Certificate
- Medical Certificate ( if applicable)
h
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month 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 a month 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 a month 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 a month ago
BVDCH, Navi Mumbai offers MDS programme for students who are eligible for the same. The common eligibility is a BDS degree from any Dental council of India recognised college/university along with Completion of one year internship. Additionally, candidate must be permanently registered with State De
h
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month 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 a month 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 a month ago
No, Maulana Azad Medical College does not offers internship to MDS students. Internships are only offered to final year MBBS students at the college.
h
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
The minimum eligibility for MDS AT Maulana Azad Medical College is having a BDS degree with 55% aggregate marks from a recognised university. The selection criteria for the same is merit based with the college accepting NEET PG/MDS scores.
h
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
The minimum eligibility for MDS Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at Maulana Azad Medical College is MBBS degree with 55% of aggregate marks from a recognised university and MCI registered. The selection criteria for the same is merit based with the college accepting NEET PG/MDS scores.
h
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
For MDS admission at Maulana Azad Medical College, the candidate must qualify NEET PG/MDS. The college has a merit based admission process for MDS and accepts NEET PG/MDS scores for the same. The minimum eligibility for the same is having an MBBS degree with 55% aggregate marks from a recognised uni
h
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
Maulana Azad Medical College does not conducts an entrance exam for admission into MBBS and MDS courses. The admission for both programmes is merit based with the college accepting NEET UG and NEET PG/MDS scores for the same.
h
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
The college tuition fee for MBBS and MDS at Maulana Azad Medical College amounts to about INR 12350 and 39,000 annually. Additionally, there are some other charges that include library, laboratory, medical examination fee, security deposit etc. these charges are also to be paid with the tuition fee.
h
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
The documents required after confirmation of admission in MDS at Maulana Azad Medical College include:
· Registration form printout and fee receipt of first year
· Provisional allotment letter
· Admit card and result of NEET PG/MDS
· Class 12 marksheet and certificate
· MBBS degr
h
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month 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 a month 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 a month 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 a month ago
MDS Prosthodontics is a three year course in full time mode with a seat intake of three seats. Two seats of these, are reserved for children of Air Force and Navy personnel. Admission into MDS programme at the college is merit based with the university accepting NEET MDS scores. No other entrance ex
h
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
Army college of Dental Sciences offers an in house mandatory internship programme for all final year MDS students with a stipend of INR 2500/- per month. Students are advised to check with the admissions office if the internship offered to final year MDS students is mandatory.
h
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
The applicant for admission to MDS at Army college of Dental Sciences must have a BDS degree from a central or state recognised university, to be eligible for the same. The candidate must also have permanent registration with any State Dental Council. In addition period of one year experience/intern
h
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month 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 a month 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 a month 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 a month 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
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Are simulation labs used in BDS training?