A hugely popular medical qualification, the Bachelor in Dental Surgery or BDS is 5-year course, which includes a year-long internship. The reimbursement is among the highest in the field and private practise often proves lucrative. Hence, a number of medical aspirants take up BDS every year. The course begins with an introduction to human anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, oral anatomy, dental materials, and progresses to Oral Diagnosis, pathology, surgery, and prosthodontics. It is comprehensive and prepares the students for professional work, which may include everything from filling cavities and cleaning teeth, to performing complicated root canal operations. There is also an intensive on-going practical component, and at the end of 4 years, students are required to take up a year-long internship at a dental facility, such as the dental department in a hospital or a dental clinic. Like any medical degree, BDS is highly demanding and most institutes have strict promotion policies. Students may be required to repeat a year if they fail a module.
Admission to BDS is based on competitive entrance tests and it’s best to check with the institutes of your choice on their eligibility criteria, syllabus, and placements.