BDS Syllabus and Subjects
Latest Updates for BDS
- 18 December 2024 :
NEET MDS 2025 exam will be conducted on Jan 31, 2025. The application forms are expected to be released in the first week of Dec 2024.
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.
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 | Semester II |
| General Human Anatomy including Embryology and Histology | Dental Materials |
| General Human Physiology and Biochemistry, Nutrition, and Dietetics | Preclinical Prosthodontics and Crown and Bridge |
| Dental Anatomy, embryology, and Oral Histology | - |
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
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 | Semester IV |
| General Pathology and Microbiology | Preclinical Prosthodontics and Crown & Bridge |
| General and Dental Pharmacology and Therapeutics | Oral Pathology & Oral Microbiology |
| Preclinical Conservative Dentistry | - |
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 | Semester VI |
| General Medicine | Oral And Maxillofacial Surgery |
| General Surgery | Oral Medicine And Radiology |
| Oral Pathology & Microbiology | Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopedics |
| Conservative Dentistry And Endodontics | 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
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 | Semester VIII |
| Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics | Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery |
| Oral Medicine and Radiology | Prosthodontics and Crown & Bridge |
| Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry | Conservative Dentistry And Endodontics |
| Periodontology | 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
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 Oral Histology |
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, And Fistulae, 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 |
MGR Medical University BDS Second Semester Syllabus |
| General Human Physiology and Biochemistry | Oral Histology and Embryology |
| Histology and Embryology in General Anatomy | Dental Anatomy |
|
MGR Medical University BDS 3rd Semester Syllabus |
MGR Medical University BDS 4th Semester Syllabus |
| Fundamentals of General Pathology and Microbiology |
Pharmacy and Therapeutics in General and Dental Practice |
| Understanding Dental Materials | Conservative Dentistry Prior to Clinical -Practice |
| - | Pre-Clinical Prosthodontics Crown & Bridge |
|
MGR Medical University BDS 5th Semester Syllabus |
MGR Medical University BDS 6th Semester Syllabus |
| Understanding General Medicine | Oral Pathology |
| Fundamentals of General Surgery | Oral Microbiology Concepts |
| - | Minor Project |
|
MGR Medical University BDS 7th Semester Syllabus |
MGR Medical University BDS 8th Semester Syllabus |
| Dental Paediatrics and Preventive Care | Periodontology Concepts |
| Advanced Concepts of Prosthodontics and Crown and Bridge | Public Health Dentistry |
| Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics Concepts | Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery |
| Oral Medicine and Radiology Fundamentals | Project Report/Viva |
| Clinical Internship | - |
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 |
BDS Second Semester Syllabus |
| General Anatomy | General Physiology |
| General Biochemistry | Dental Anatomy and Histology |
|
BDS Third Semester Syllabus |
BDS Fourth Semester Syllabus |
| General Pharmacology | General Pathology |
| General Microbiology | Dental Material Sciences |
| Communication Skill Development Course | - |
|
BDS Fifth Semester Syllabus |
BDS Sixth Semester Syllabus |
| General Medicine Concepts | Oral Pathology |
| General Surgery Concepts | Skill Enhancement Course |
| - | Short Term Project |
|
BDS 7th Semester Syllabus |
BDS 8th Semester Syllabus |
| Oral Medicine and Radiology | Oral Surgery |
| Preventive and Community Dentistry | Conservative Dentistry |
| Periodontics | Prosthodontics |
| Fundamentals of Orthodontics | Project Report |
| Pediatric Dentistry | - |
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.
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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BDS Fee Structure
FAQs on BDS Syllabus and Subjects
Q: What is the 1st year syllabus of BDS?
A: The 1st year syllabus of the BDS includes subjects like Dental Materials, General Human Anatomy including Embryology and Histology, Dental Anatomy, embryology, and Oral Histology, etc.
Q: What are the core subjects of BDS?
A: The core subjects of the BDS syllabus are General Pathology, Microbiology, General and Dental Pharmacology, Dental Therapeutics, etc.
Q: What are the practical subjects in BDS?
A: A few of the practical subjects of the BDS syllabus are Recording blood pressure, Demonstration of Staining Techniques, Pharmacotherapeutics, Drug-induced Clinical Conditions, etc.
Q: What are the BDS projects?
A: Some popular BDS project topics are Dental Anxiety, Smoking, and Alcohol Use in Dental Patients, Implementation of Dental Coverage, Understanding how dentists feel about educating their patients, etc.
Q: What are the important books for BDS?
A: A few popular reference books include Wheeler's Dental Anatomy, Physiology, and Occlusion by Stanley Nelson, Phillips' Science of Dental Materials by Kenneth J. Anusavice, Manual of Oral Histology and Oral Pathology by Maji Jose, etc.
