What is a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS)? A Comprehensive Guide for Aspiring Dentists

The Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) is an undergraduate degree that serves as the gateway to a career in dentistry. This five-year program is structured to provide students with a deep understanding of oral health, dental practices, and surgical procedures. The BDS curriculum includes courses in basic medical sciences such as anatomy, physiology, and pathology, along with dental-specific subjects like dental materials, dental radiology, oral surgery, and orthodontics.

The BDS program equips students with a strong foundation in both theoretical concepts and practical expertise. The first two years generally focus on core subjects like human anatomy, biochemistry, and oral health basics. In the later years, the program becomes more hands-on, with students being introduced to clinical training. Clinical exposure allows students to treat real patients, under the supervision of experienced faculty, in a controlled and supervised environment. This is where they learn to perform procedures such as tooth extractions, filling cavities, and scaling.

A significant aspect of the Bachelor of Dental Surgery program is its emphasis on ethical and professional behavior. Aspiring dentists must understand the importance of maintaining patient confidentiality, ensuring patient comfort, and adhering to the highest standards of care. Graduates of the BDS program become licensed dentists, qualified to diagnose and treat a variety of dental issues, from routine checkups to complex surgeries.

For those interested in specializing, the BDS degree also provides a foundation for advanced studies. After completing their Bachelor of Dental Surgery, students can pursue further specialization in areas such as orthodontics, periodontics, or endodontics by enrolling in Master’s programs. A BDS is more than just a degree—it’s the beginning of a rewarding career dedicated to improving people’s oral health.

Guru Nanak Dev Dental College & Research Institute Bachelor of dental surgery
Author: Guru Nanak Dev Dental College & Research Institute Bachelor of dental surgery

Sh. Bhagwan Dass Arora Ex. Minister Punjab who had a strong belief, dedication and determination to serve the sick and poor and to uplift the standards of medical education, conceived an idea of establishing a dental college and hospital at Sunam. On August 4th 1996, he along with Sh. Ashok Bansal Advocate and Dr. Vikram Sharma formed Bhagwan Dass Charitable Trust and started Guru Nanak Dev Dental College and Research Institute in the year 1997. Sunam, the birth place of famous freedom fighter Shaheed Udham Singh is situated in the heart of the Malwa region of Punjab state. The town is well connected by road and rail to all major cities across India including Jammu and Kashmir. It is approximately 15 km from Sangrur district headquarters and 65 kms from Patiala and 90 Kms from Ludhiana. It is connected by air as well, the nearest airport being Chandigarh which is approximately 110 kms away.

Guru Nanak Dev Dental College & Research Institute Bachelor of dental surgery

Sh. Bhagwan Dass Arora Ex. Minister Punjab who had a strong belief, dedication and determination to serve the sick and poor and to uplift the standards of medical education, conceived an idea of establishing a dental college and hospital at Sunam. On August 4th 1996, he along with Sh. Ashok Bansal Advocate and Dr. Vikram Sharma formed Bhagwan Dass Charitable Trust and started Guru Nanak Dev Dental College and Research Institute in the year 1997. Sunam, the birth place of famous freedom fighter Shaheed Udham Singh is situated in the heart of the Malwa region of Punjab state. The town is well connected by road and rail to all major cities across India including Jammu and Kashmir. It is approximately 15 km from Sangrur district headquarters and 65 kms from Patiala and 90 Kms from Ludhiana. It is connected by air as well, the nearest airport being Chandigarh which is approximately 110 kms away.