BDS

The Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) is the undergraduate degree awarded to students who complete the necessary education and training to practice as a dentist. This degree is equivalent to the Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) and Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degrees awarded in countries like the United States and Canada.

Overview

The BDS degree is required to become a licensed dentist in many countries including the United Kingdom, India, Pakistan, Australia, and New Zealand. The program typically lasts between four to six years, depending on the country and the specific curriculum structure. The course of study combines biomedical sciences and clinical skills training to prepare students for diagnosing and treating oral diseases and anomalies.

Curriculum

The curriculum for the BDS degree generally includes subjects such as:

• Human Anatomy
• Physiology
• Biochemistry
• Pharmacology
• Microbiology
• Pathology
• Dental Materials
• Prosthodontics
• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Periodontology
• Orthodontics
• Pediatric Dentistry
• Public Health Dentistry

Clinical training is a significant component of the BDS program, where students participate in supervised patient care in various dental disciplines.

Admission Requirements

Admission to BDS programs typically requires completion of secondary education with a focus on science subjects such as biology, chemistry, and physics. Most institutions also require candidates to pass an entrance examination.

Licensing and Practice

Graduates of BDS programs must obtain a license to practice, which usually involves passing additional examinations such as a practical exam and a theory exam. The licensing requirements vary by country.

Global Recognition and Equivalence

While the BDS degree is widely recognized, some countries may require additional qualifications or examinations for foreign-trained dentists to practice locally.

See Also

• Dental Education
• Dentistry
• Dental Degrees