BDS syllabus aims to make the students successful dental professionals. BDS stands for Bachelor of Dental Surgery, and it is one of the most popular medical courses in India. Students who wish to become dentists must study the full BDS syllabus, which includes theory, clinical training, and internships.
To get admission into the BDS course, students must qualify for NEET. Once admitted, the BDS syllabus covers a total of 5 years, including 1 year of compulsory internship. The syllabus includes all key subjects in dentistry, medicine, and surgery.
BDS Cut Off for NEET 2025
BDS Syllabus Overview
In India, the BDS syllabus is regulated by the Dental Council of India (DCI). The BDS course is divided into four academic years, followed by a one-year internship. The BDS syllabus is updated regularly to include modern dental techniques and practices. Students are required to attend both theory and practical classes. The BDS syllabus includes subjects like Dental Anatomy, Oral Pathology, General Medicine, and Oral Surgery. From the later years, the syllabus becomes more clinical and practical in orientation, with direct patient contact.
The comprehensive BDS course syllabus for all years is outlined below, year-wise, with all the topics and subjects. The detailed syllabus of the BDS course for all years is explained below, year by year, with all subjects and topics.
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Subjects in BDS Course
The BDS course includes more than 20 subjects throughout the 5-year program. These subjects are taught through lectures, labs, and clinics. Every year, new subjects are added based on the level of learning.
Here are the major subjects included in the BDS syllabus:
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General Human Anatomy and Physiology
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Dental Materials
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General Pathology and Microbiology
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Oral Anatomy, Histology, and Embryology
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Pharmacology and Therapeutics
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Oral Pathology and Oral Microbiology
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Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics
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Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopaedics
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Periodontology
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Prosthodontics
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Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
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Public Health Dentistry
These subjects are organized in the BDS syllabus year-wise. The first two years focus more on basic medical subjects, and the third and fourth years are focused on dental sciences and surgery.
If you want to take a drop for NEET 2026, then enroll for the NEET Online Courses by PW.
BDS Syllabus Year-Wise
Let us now understand the BDS syllabus year-wise, including all the subjects, topics, and training provided in each academic year. This will give you a complete view of how the course progresses year by year.
BDS First Year Syllabus (2025–2026)
The first year is focused on building the foundation in human anatomy and physiology. It also introduces students to dental materials and oral histology.
| BDS First Year Syllabus (2025–2026) |
| Subject Name |
Detailed Syllabus |
| 1. General Human Anatomy including Embryology & Histology |
Introduction to human body, Bones, muscles, joints, blood vessels, Nervous system: brain, spinal cordHead and neck anatomy in detail. Embryological development of face, skull, palate, teeth, Histology of oral tissues and organs |
| 2. General Human Physiology including Biochemistry |
Cell structure and functions: Blood and circulation, Respiratory, digestive, and excretory systems, Endocrine and nervous systems. Metabolism: proteins, fats, carbohydrates, Enzymes, hormones, vitamins |
| 3. Dental Anatomy, Embryology & Oral Histology |
Tooth morphology of all permanent and deciduous teeth. Development of teeth and supporting structures, Histology of enamel, dentin, cementum, pulp, Tooth eruption and sheddingCarving exercises in wax models |
BDS Colleges in India
BDS Second Year Syllabus (2026–2027)
In the second year, students move into deeper subjects such as pathology, microbiology, and pharmacology. They also begin learning about oral pathology and general medicine.
| BDS Second Year Syllabus (2026–2027) |
| Subject Name |
Detailed Syllabus |
| 1. General Pathology and Microbiology |
Cell injury and adaptation. Inflammation, healing, and repair: Immunology and hypersensitivity disorders and neoplasia. Bacteriology, virology, mycologySterilization and disinfection |
| 2. General and Dental Pharmacology and Therapeutics |
General pharmacological principles: Drugs acting on various systemsAnalgesics, antibiotics, and anti-inflammatory drugs. Local anesthesia, general anesthesia, interactions, and toxicity |
| 3. Dental Materials |
Physical and chemical properties of materials Impression materials, cements, alloys Acrylics, ceramics, composites Casting procedures, soldering, welding Biocompatibility and manipulation |
| 4. Preclinical Conservative Dentistry |
Introduction to cavity preparation, Tooth cutting and restoration designs, Wax carving and cavity simulation, Basic restorative materials, and their handling |
| 5. Preclinical Prosthodontics and Crown & Bridge |
Overview of edentulous mouthImpression making, cast pouring. Complete denture theory and laboratory steps. Occlusion concepts and denture retention |
BDS Third Year Syllabus (2027–2028)
The third year of the BDS syllabus includes more clinical exposure. Students begin to learn about dental surgeries, periodontics, and radiology.
| BDS Third Year Syllabus (2027–2028) |
| Subject Name |
Detailed Syllabus |
| 1. General Medicine |
Cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal systems, Infectious diseases: tuberculosis, hepatitis, HIV. Diabetes, immunological and endocrine disordersMedical emergencies in a dental clinic |
| 2. General Surgery |
Basic surgical principles: Wound healing, inflammation, hemorrhage, Sterilization and suturing, Management of surgical infections, Maxillofacial trauma, and surgical procedures |
| 3. Oral Pathology & Oral Microbiology |
Oral mucosal lesions, Dental caries, pulp and periapical diseases, Odontogenic and non-odontogenic cysts and tumors, Salivary gland diseases, Benign and malignant oral neoplasms Oral cancer screening and biopsy |
| 4. Public Health Dentistry (Community Dentistry) |
Dental public health concepts, Epidemiology and survey methods, Water fluoridation, National health programs, School dental health, Field visits and camps |
BDS Fourth Year Syllabus (2028–2029)
In the fourth year, the BDS syllabus includes advanced topics in surgery, prosthodontics, and orthodontics. Students perform complex dental procedures under supervision.
| BDS Fourth Year Syllabus (2028–2029) |
| Subject Name |
Detailed Syllabus |
| 1. Oral Medicine and Radiology |
Diagnosis of oral diseases, Oral manifestations of systemic conditions, Radiographic techniques: IOPA, OPG, CBCT. Radiation safety and film processing, Interpretation of radiographs, Clinical diagnosis and investigations |
| 2. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery |
Extraction techniques, Minor surgical procedures, Management of impacted teeth, TMJ disorders, cysts and tumors, Maxillofacial trauma, Preprosthetic surgery |
| 3. Periodontology |
Gingival and periodontal diseases: Scaling, root planing, and polishing. Periodontal surgery techniques. Occlusal traumaMaintenance therapy |
| 4. Prosthodontics and Crown & Bridge |
Complete and partial dentures, Fixed partial dentures, Implant prosthodontics (basic), Occlusion concepts and clinical procedures |
| 5. Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics |
Operative procedures: amalgam, composite, GIC, Root canal treatment, Post and core, Bleaching, and aesthetic restorations |
| 6. Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopaedics |
Malocclusion classification, Growth and development, Removable and fixed appliances, Myofunctional appliances planning and mechanics |
| 7. Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry |
Child psychology, Management of primary and mixed dentition, Preventive strategies: fluoride, sealants, Behavior management, Pediatric endodontics |
| 8. Public Health Dentistry |
Revisited in a clinical context, Field work and oral health surveys, Community treatment planning, Mobile dental vans, school camps |
