Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) is a professional undergraduate degree program that prepares students to become qualified dental surgeons. The program focuses on oral health, dental anatomy, preventive dentistry, and clinical dental procedures. BDS equips students with the knowledge, technical skills, and clinical experience necessary to diagnose, treat, and prevent dental and oral diseases.

Course Duration and Structure

BDS is usually a 5-year program, including a 4-year academic study divided into 8 semesters and 1 year of compulsory internship (rotatory clinical training). The curriculum combines classroom lectures, laboratory practice, clinical training, and hands-on patient care to provide comprehensive dental education.

Core Subjects in BDS

Some of the major subjects included in the BDS program are:

Anatomy, Physiology, and Biochemistry
Dental Anatomy and Oral Histology
Pathology and Microbiology
Pharmacology and General Medicine
Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics
Prosthodontics and Orthodontics
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Periodontology and Community Dentistry
Pediatric Dentistry
Oral Radiology and Diagnosis

Skills You Will Gain

Students pursuing BDS develop a variety of professional skills, such as:

Diagnosing and treating oral and dental diseases
Performing dental procedures like filling, extraction, and cleaning
Patient care and communication skills
Clinical decision-making and problem-solving
Knowledge of dental instruments and laboratory techniques
Preventive dentistry and oral health education

Career Opportunities After BDS

Graduates of BDS can explore diverse career opportunities, including:

Dental Surgeon / Dentist in hospitals and clinics
Orthodontist, Prosthodontist, or Endodontist (with specialization)
Dental Consultant in public health programs
Academic Lecturer in dental colleges
Dental Researcher
Entrepreneur (private dental clinic)

BDS graduates can work in hospitals, private dental clinics, government health programs, dental colleges, research institutes, and international dental organizations.

Scope of BDS in Nepal

With growing awareness of oral health and the expansion of healthcare services in Nepal, BDS graduates are in demand. Opportunities exist in:

Government and private hospitals
Dental clinics and specialty dental centers
Public health and community dentistry programs
Academic institutions and research organizations
NGOs and international dental health programs

Internship and Practical Training

BDS programs include hands-on clinical training and internships in hospitals and dental clinics. Students gain practical experience in patient diagnosis, treatment planning, and dental procedures, which is essential for building a professional career in dentistry.

Further Study Options

After completing BDS, students can pursue:

Master’s degree (MDS) in various dental specialties such as Orthodontics, Periodontology, Oral Surgery, or Prosthodontics
Certification courses in advanced dental techniques
PhD in Dental Science for research and academic careers

Why Choose BDS?

Bachelor of Dental Surgery is an ideal program for students interested in healthcare, oral health, and patient care. It offers strong career prospects, opportunities for specialization, practical training, and the chance to make a positive impact on people’s oral health and overall well-being.