Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) is the foundational undergraduate program in the field of dentistry, designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and clinical experience necessary to diagnose, prevent, and treat oral diseases and disorders. BDS degree is a prerequisite for becoming a licensed dental practitioner in Nepal.
The BDS curriculum integrates theoretical studies in basic medical and dental sciences such as anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pathology, microbiology and pharmacology with clinical training in various dental specialties like oral medicine, oral surgery, periodontics, prosthodontics, conservative dentistry,orthodontics, pedodontics and community dentistry. Over the typical duration of five and half years (including one year of compulsory rotatory internship), students gain comprehensive exposure to patient care, ethics, and modern dental technologies.
By the end of the program, graduates are well prepared to enter professional dental practice, pursue postgraduate education, or contribute to public health and research initiatives. The BDS degree thus plays a crucial role in shaping competent, ethical, and compassionate dental professionals.
BDS Course Outline
Duration: 5 1/2 Years
- 4 1/2 Years Academic Study
- 1 Year Compulsory Rotatory Internship
Year-wise Course Structure
First Year
- General Human Anatomy including Embryology and Histology
- General Human Physiology and Biochemistry, Nutrition and Dietetics
- General Human Pathology
- Microbiology & Pharmacology
- Dental Materials
Second Year
- General Human Anatomy including Embryology and Histology
- General Human Physiology and Biochemistry, Nutrition and Dietetics
- General Human Pathology
- Microbiology & Pharmacolog
- Oral Anatomy
- Preclinical Prosthodontics
- Preclinical Conservative Dentistry
Third Year
- General Medicine
- General Surgery Including General Anesthesia
- Oral Pathology and Oral Microbiology
- Foreinsic odontology
Fourth Year 1st phase
- Oral Medicine and Radiology
- Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry
- Orthodontics and DentofacialOrthopedics
- Public Health Dentistry
Fourth Year 2nd phase
- Periodontology
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
- Prosthodontics and Crown & Bridge
- Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics
Internship (1 Year Rotatory)
Compulsory rotatory postings across all clinical departments:
- Oral Surgery
- Prosthodontics
- Conservative Dentistry
- Periodontics
- Orthodontics
- Pedodontics
- Oral Medicine and Radiology
- Public Health Dentistry
Teaching Methodology
- Didactic Lectures
- Practical and Clinical Training
- Seminars and Group Discussions
- Research Projects and Assignments
- Community Outreach Programs
Evaluation
- Internal Assessments (Theory + Practical)
- University Examinations (at the end of each year)
- Practical/Clinical Examinations
- Viva Voce
Scope of the BDS Program
The Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) offers a wide and rewarding scope, both in terms of career opportunities and further academic advancement. As the foundational professional degree in dentistry, it opens multiple avenues in clinical practice, public health, education, and research.
- Clinical Practice
After completing BDS and registration with the Nepal Medical Council , graduates can begin practicing as general dentists in private clinics, hospitals, or polyclinics. They can also open their own dental practice and provide preventive, diagnostic, and restorative treatments independently.
- Postgraduate Specialization (MDS)
BDS graduates can pursue a Master in Dental Surgery (MDS) in various specialties such as Orthodontics, Periodontics, Oral Surgery, or Endodontics, leading to more focused and higher-paying career paths.
- Government and Public Health Services
BDS holders are eligible for dental surgeon posts in government hospitals, defense services, and rural health missions. Opportunities also exist in community health programs and public health policy implementation.
- Hospital Administration and Health Management
Dentists can pursue degrees in hospital management or public health and work in administrative roles within hospitals, NGOs, or international health organizations.
- Opportunities Abroad
BDS graduates can qualify for dental licensure exams in countries like the USA, UK, Canada, or Australia, after meeting specific requirements (such as NBDE, ORE, or ADC exams), opening doors to international practice.
