BDS Syllabus and Subjects
The BDS syllabus imparts practical and theoretical into General Human Physiology and Biochemistry, Nutrition, and Dietetics, General and Dental Pharmacology. BDS syllabus is divided into 8 semesters focusing on theoretical knowledge and 1 year paid internship for practical knowledge.
The BDS subjects are divided into two categories: core & elective subjects consisting of several topics such as Therapeutic, Preclinical Prosthodontics and Crown & Bridge, Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, etc.
BDS syllabus is well-structured and provides industry-oriented learning that enhances the BDS Job Scope to expand in both the private and government sectors in various profiles including researchers, dental surgeons, dentists, lecturers, etc.
The candidate should have passed 10+2 with PCM should have cleared the entrance exams such as NEET-UG and the minimum age for applying for the BDS course is 17 years.
Table of Contents
Semester Wise Bachelor of Dental Science Syllabus
The BDS syllabus provides an in-depth understanding of the various core functionalities associated with dentistry, dental health, and dental surgery. The subjects in the BDS syllabus can differ depending on the academic structure of different colleges. However, A general curriculum representing the BDS subjects year-wise is given below that is bifurcated into 8 semesters:
BDS First Year Syllabus
BDS 1st year syllabus mainly covers the foundational aspects of dentistry and dental health. The table below contains the BDS 1st Year subjects:
| Semester I |
|
| General Human Anatomy including Embryology and Histology | Dental Anatomy, embryology, and Oral Histology |
| General Human Physiology and Biochemistry, Nutrition, and Dietetics | |
| Semester II |
|
| Dental Materials | Preclinical Prosthodontics and Crown and Bridge |
Practical Topics in the BDS 1st-Year Subjects
There are several labwork available in the 1st year BDS subjects. Some of the practical topics in the BDS first-year subjects are given below:
- Enumeration of red & white blood Cells
- Recording of blood pressure
- Microscopic study of tooth germ, enamel, dentin, pulp, cementum, periodontal ligament
- Demonstration of Staining Techniques
Also Check: NEET Cutoff for BDS 2025: Qualifying Marks, Top Colleges
BDS Second-Year Syllabus
BDS 2nd year syllabus focuses on understanding oral health-related microbiological factors, such as bacteria and viruses, causes of illnesses, science and characteristics of dental materials, etc. The table below contains the BDS 2nd-year subjects:
| Semester III |
|
| General Pathology and Microbiology | Preclinical Conservative Dentistry |
| General and Dental Pharmacology and Therapeutics | |
| Semester IV |
|
| Preclinical Prosthodontics and Crown & Bridge | Oral Pathology & Oral Microbiology |
Practical Topics in the BDS 2nd Year Subjects
The practical topics in the BDS 2nd-year subjects are given below:
- Pharmacotherapeutics
- Drug-induced Clinical Conditions
- Preparation of temporary and permanent denture bases
- Processing of complete dentures
BDS Third-Year Syllabus
BDS 3rd year syllabus covers topics like restorative treatments, including crowns and bridges, diagnostic use of radiography, understanding dental prostheses, such as implants and dentures, etc. The table below contains the BDS subjects from the third year:
| Semester V |
|
| General Medicine | Oral Pathology & Microbiology |
| General Surgery | Conservative Dentistry And Endodontics |
| Semester VI |
|
| Oral And Maxillofacial Surgery | Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopedics |
| Oral Medicine And Radiology | Pediatric & Preventive Dentistry |
Practical Topics in the 3rd year BDS Subjects
Some of the practical topics in the 3rd year BDS syllabus are given below:
- Preparation and study of ground sections of carious teeth
- Management of orofacial pathologies
- Examination of the orofacial region
- Interpretation of Intra-oral radiographs
Also Read: BDS Cut off for Government Colleges
BDS Fourth Year Syllabus
BDS 4th year syllabus focuses on specialized fields such as advanced Prosthodontics and Implantology, public health issues through Community Dentistry, along with focusing on diagnostic techniques using imaging technology. The table below contains the BDS subjects from the fourth year:
| Semester VII |
|
| Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics | Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry |
| Oral Medicine and Radiology | Periodontology |
| Semester VIII |
|
| Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery | Conservative Dentistry And Endodontics |
| Prosthodontics and Crown & Bridge | Conservative Dentistry And Endodontics |
Practical Topics in the 4th year BDS Subjects
Some of the practical topics in the 4th year BDS syllabus are given below:
- Methods of using various scaling and surgical instruments
- Follow-up procedures, post-operative care, and supervision
- Applications of Soft tissue Lasers and Electrocautery
- Demonstration to the patients about different oral hygiene aids
BDS Subjects
BDS subjects include Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, Conservative Dentistry And Endodontics, Preclinical Conservative Dentistry, General Human Anatomy, and much more. Some of the subjects in BDS are listed below:
Core BDS Subjects
The BDS subjects are categorized into core and electives on behalf of the student's interests and the rules proposed by the university. The core subjects in BDS are listed below:
- General Pathology
- Microbiology
- General and Dental Pharmacology
- Dental Therapeutics
- Preclinical Conservative Dentistry
- Oral Pathology
- Oral Microbiology
Elective BDS Subjects
The BDS syllabus consists of various core and elective subjects essential to the course curriculum to improve students' knowledge. The elective subjects in BDS are listed below:
- Public Health Dentistry
- Conservative Dentistry And Endodontics
- Periodontology
- Pediatric & Preventive Dentistry
- Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopedics
Also Read: BDS to MBBS Bridge Course: Eligibility, Admission
BDS Subjects in Detail
The subjects in BDS are diverse and include several concepts Prosthodontics, Pedodontics, Conservative Dentistry, and Endodontics. Some of the subjects in BDS are given below:
| BDS Subjects | Topics Covered |
| Biochemistry | Chemistry Of Biogenic Molecules, Enzymes & Metabolic Regulation, Vitamins, Minerals, Digestion & Metabolism Of Macronutrients |
| Dental Anatomy, Embryology, And OralHistology | Tooth Morphology, Chronology Of Deciduous And Permanent Teeth, Morphology Of Permanent Teeth, Occlusion, Tempero Mandibular Joint |
| General Pathology | Cell Injury, Wound Healing, Infections & Infestations, General Aspects Of Neoplasia, Nutritional Disorders |
| Microbiology | Immunology, Systematic Bacteriology, Virology, Mycology, Parasitology |
| General Pharmacology | Central Nervous System, Autonomic Nervous System, Cardiovascular Drugs, Autocoids, Drugs Acting On Blood |
| General Surgery | Principles Of Operative Surgery, Inflammation, Shock And Haemorrhage, Tumours, Ulcers, Cysts, Gangrene, Sinus, AndFistulae, Diseases Of Lymphatic System |
College-Wise BDS Syllabus
The BDS syllabus 2024 varies throughout universities according to the design and objectives of the course. To have a better idea of the BDS syllabus that particular universities offer, students can obtain the BDS syllabus pdf 2024 from the university website. The BDS syllabus for top colleges is provided below:
MGR Medical University BDS Syllabus
The BDS syllabus at MGR Medical University focuses on core topics like Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Microbiology, etc. Listed below is a semester-wise BDS syllabus offered by MGR Medical University:
| MGR Medical University BDS 1st Semester Syllabus | |
| General Human Physiology and Biochemistry | Histology and Embryology in General Anatomy |
| MGR Medical University BDS Second Semester Syllabus | |
| Oral Histology and Embryology | Dental Anatomy |
| MGR Medical University BDS 3rd Semester Syllabus | |
| Fundamentals of General Pathology andMicrobiology | Understanding Dental Materials |
| MGR Medical University BDS 4th Semester Syllabus | |
| Pharmacy and Therapeutics in General and Dental Practice | Conservative Dentistry Prior to Clinical -Practice |
| Pre-Clinical Prosthodontics Crown & Bridge | |
| MGR Medical University BDS 5th Semester Syllabus | |
| Understanding General Medicine | Fundamentals of General Surgery |
| MGR Medical University BDS 6th Semester Syllabus | |
| Oral Pathology | Oral Microbiology Concepts |
| Minor Project | |
| MGR Medical University BDS 7th Semester Syllabus | |
| Dental Paediatrics and Preventive Care | Oral Medicine and Radiology Fundamentals |
| Advanced Concepts of Prosthodontics and Crown and Bridge | Clinical Internship |
| Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics Concepts | |
| MGR Medical University BDS 8th Semester Syllabus | |
| Periodontology Concepts | Public Health Dentistry |
| Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery | Project Report/Viva |
Dr. DY Patil Dental College and Hospital BDS Syllabus
The BDS syllabus at DY Patil College aims to make students skilled in diagnosing, preventing, and treating dental conditions, along with comprehensive research in radiology, prosthodontics, and dental materials Listed below is a semester-wise BDS syllabus offered by Dr. DY Patil Dental College and Hospital:
| BDS First Semester Syllabus | |
|---|---|
| General Anatomy | General Biochemistry |
| BDS Second Semester Syllabus | |
|---|---|
| General Physiology | Dental Anatomy and Histology |
| BDS Third Semester Syllabus | |
|---|---|
| General Pharmacology | Communication Skill Development Course |
| BDS Fourth Semester Syllabus | |
|---|---|
| General Pathology | Dental Material Sciences |
| General Microbiology | |
| BDS Fifth Semester Syllabus | |
|---|---|
| General Medicine Concepts | General Surgery Concepts |
| BDS Sixth Semester Syllabus | |
|---|---|
| Oral Pathology | Short Term Project |
| Skill Enhancement Course | |
| BDS Seventh Semester Syllabus | |
|---|---|
| Oral Medicine and Radiology | Fundamentals of Orthodontics |
| Preventive and Community Dentistry | Pediatric Dentistry |
| Periodontics | |
| BDS Eighth Semester Syllabus | |
|---|---|
| Oral Surgery | Prosthodontics |
| Conservative Dentistry | Project Report |
BDS Rotatory Internship
Students have to do a compulsory rotatory internship in hospitals in different departments to gain practical knowledge and hands-on experience in dealing with patients and their issues. Following given is the period that students need to spend in each unit:
| Department | Period of Posting |
| Prosthodontics | 1 and a half Months |
| Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery | 1 and a half Months |
| Oral Medicine & Radiology | 1 Month |
| Periodontics | 1 Month |
| Conservative Dentist | 1 Month |
| Pedodontics | 1 Month |
| Oral Pathology & Microbiology | 15 days |
| Orthodontics | 1 Month |
| Community Dentist/Rural Service | 3 Months |
| Elective | 15 days |
| Total | 12 months |
Bachelor of Dental Science Course Structure
The BDS course syllabus comprises four parts: foundation, core, electives, and projects. The course curriculum consists of General Pathology, Microbiology, General and Dental Pharmacology, Preclinical Conservative Dentistry, General Human Anatomy, etc. Some of the BDS course details are as follows:
- VIII Semesters
- Core Subjects
- Elective Subjects
- Seminars
- Internship
- Project Submission
- Viva
Bachelor of Dental Science Teaching Methodology and Techniques
The Bachelor of Dental Science degree course includes various teaching methods and techniques necessary for the students to seek better knowledge about the course that provides hands-on experience. Some of the various teaching methodologies and techniques adopted in the course curriculum are given below:
- Group Projects
- Case Methodology
- Workshop
- Lectures
- Live Demonstrations
Bachelor of Dental Science Projects
Students pursuing the Bachelor of Dental Science course can take up various project topics such as Regenerative endodontics, tooth enamel regeneration, Forensic dentistry, etc. Some of the popular projects Topics under the BDS syllabus are given below:
- Dental Anxiety, Smoking, and Alcohol Use in Dental Patients
- Implementation of Dental Coverage
- To determine the effect of tumor microenvironment stiffness on osteosarcoma growth.
- To investigate the physiological or behavioral contributions to dental pain perception in dental patients.
- To understand how dentists feel about educating their patients.
Read More: MBBS vs BDS
Career Scope After BDS
The Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) opens diverse career pathways in dental clinics, hospitals, academic institutions, public health organizations, and the healthcare industry. BDS graduates are trained to diagnose and treat oral health issues, perform surgeries, and educate patients on preventive dental care.
Added below are some major areas of recruitment and associated job roles:
| Area of Recruitment | Job Roles |
|---|---|
| Dental Clinics & Hospitals | Dental Surgeon, Associate Dentist, Dental Officer, Oral Health Consultant |
| Government Health Departments | Dental Officer, Public Health Dentist, Oral Care Specialist |
| Dental Colleges & Universities | Lecturer, Clinical Instructor, Demonstrator, Research Associate |
| Private Practice | Independent Dental Practitioner, Cosmetic Dentist |
| Dental Equipment & Product Companies | Product Consultant, Dental Sales Executive, Clinical Trainer |
| Research & Development | Dental Researcher, Clinical Trial Assistant, Documentation Executive |
| NGOs & Public Health NGOs | Community Dentist, Outreach Coordinator, Health Awareness Campaign Lead |
BDS Job Roles
These job roles are typically entry-level or early-career opportunities, along with their estimated pay scale per annum:
| Job Profiles | Average Salary (INR) |
|---|---|
| Associate Dentist | 3.0 – 5.0 LPA |
| Dental Surgeon | 4.0 – 6.0 LPA |
| Public Health Dentist | 3.0 – 4.5 LPA |
| Clinical Instructor | 2.5 – 3.5 LPA |
| Cosmetic Dentist (Junior Level) | 3.5 – 5.5 LPA |
| Dental Consultant (Product Firms) | 3.0 – 4.0 LPA |
Read More: Courses and Career Options After BDS
Bachelor of Dental Science Reference Books
BDS books help students to understand key topics like oral medicine, radiography, community dentistry, preventive dentistry, public health for dental professionals, etc. Some of the renowned BDS books are given below:
| Books | Topics Covered | Authors |
| Wheeler's Dental Anatomy, Physiology, and Occlusion | Dental Anatomy, Physiology, Occlusion, etc. | Stanley Nelson |
| Phillips' Science of Dental Materials | Dental Materials Science, Material Properties, Biomaterials, etc. | Kenneth J. Anusavice |
| Davidson's Principles and Practice of Medicine | General Medicine Principles, Internal Medicine, etc. | Stanley Davidson |
| Manual of Oral Histology and Oral Pathology | Oral Histology, Oral Pathology, Histopathology of Oral Diseases, etc. | Maji Jose |
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FAQs on BDS Syllabus and Subjects
Q: What is the 1st year syllabus of BDS?
Q: What are the core subjects of BDS?
Q: What are the practical subjects in BDS?
Q: What are the BDS projects?
Q: What are the important books for BDS?
