As dental students approach the end of their undergraduate training, hands-on exposure to core clinical procedures is important. Dental education in India, as outlined by the Dental Council of India (DCI), emphasizes competency-based training that equips students with both theoretical knowledge and practical experience in operative dentistry, oral surgery, prosthodontics, and related disciplines (DCI BDS Course Regulations, 2007). [1]
Below are five fundamental procedures and experiences that dental students are encouraged to undertake before graduating according to an ongoing discussion started by Dr. Lakshmi Bharathi in MedBound Hub.
Students are expected to carry out at least one RCT on an anterior or premolar tooth using hand files. Rotary instrumentation, though widely practiced in clinical settings, is often introduced as an advanced option in undergraduate programs. Mastery of hand filing techniques provides students with foundational understanding of root canal anatomy, disinfection, and obturation (Nair, 2004, International Endodontic Journal). Exposure to RCT, prepares graduates to manage common dental pathologies like pulpitis and periapical abscesses in general practice.
Minor oral surgeries such as frenectomy, crown lengthening, and surgical extractions provide students with an understanding of surgical protocols, hemostasis, suturing techniques, and post-operative care. Assisting or performing a basic procedure under supervision helps students develop surgical hand skills and reinforces the importance of sterile technique. According to a study published in the Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (Jerjes et al., 2010),[2] undergraduate exposure to oral surgery significantly improves graduates’ preparedness for clinical practice.
Observation and assistance in an operation theatre setting is an integral learning experience. Joining postgraduate trainees and faculty in surgical units allows dental students to understand anesthesia protocols, patient positioning, surgical asepsis, and teamwork in complex cases such as orthognathic surgeries or oral tumor resections. OT exposure broadens a student’s perspective on interdisciplinary collaboration, especially with anesthesiologists and maxillofacial surgeons.
While BDS curricula may not require independent placement of implants, assisting in a case offers insights into surgical flow, drilling protocols, implant placement, and prosthetic considerations. A survey published in the European Journal of Dental Education (Mattheos et al., 2010) [3]reported that students who observed or assisted in implant surgeries had better conceptual understanding and showed greater interest in advanced implant training during postgraduate education.
Contributing to academic research, whether through papers, posters, or scientific articles, is a core expectation in dental school. Engaging in research exposes students to evidence-based practice, scientific writing, and critical thinking. It also builds academic credentials for postgraduate opportunities. Dental conferences can make a good platform for more academic reach.
Competency in these procedures aligns with the global shift toward outcome-based dental education. The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes that dental graduates should not only be technically competent but also capable of integrating research, clinical judgment, and ethical practice.
In India, many dental colleges operate as independent institutions which limits opportunities for undergraduate students to gain exposure to advanced surgical procedures, operation theatre environments, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Unlike integrated medical-dental campuses, standalone colleges often face challenges in providing sufficient patient flow for complex cases, which restricts students’ ability to perform or even assist in procedures such as implant placements or minor oral surgeries. As a result, many graduates rely on postgraduate training or private practice experience to bridge these gaps in clinical exposure.
1. Dental Council of India. BDS Course Regulations. New Delhi: DCI, 2007. https://dciindia.gov.in/Rule_Regulation/Revised_BDS_Course_Regulation_2007.pdf
2. P. N. R. Nair, “Pathogenesis of Apical Periodontitis and the Causes of Endodontic Failures,” Critical Reviews in Oral Biology & Medicine 15, no. 6 (2004): 348–81, accessed September 8, 2025, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15574679/.
3. H. De Bruyn, S. Koole, N. Mattheos, and N. P. Lang, “A Survey on Undergraduate Implant Dentistry Education in Europe,” European Journal of Dental Education 13, Suppl. 1 (2009): 3–9, accessed September 8, 2025, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19281509/.
(Rh/Eth/TL/MSM)