Foreign Dental Screening Test (FDST)
Overview
A mandatory screening test for Indian citizens or Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs) who have completed a primary dental qualification (BDS or equivalent), Postgraduate Diploma, or Postgraduate Dental qualification (MDS or equivalent) from a foreign dental institution recognized by the Dental Council of India (DCI), enabling them to register and practice dentistry in India.
Focus
Assessing the candidate’s dental knowledge and clinical skills to ensure they meet the standards required for dental practice in India, covering subjects like basic sciences (for BDS) and specialty-specific topics (for MDS/PG Diploma), with a viva-voce examination for MDS/PG Diploma candidates.
Educational Qualification
- For FDST (BDS): A primary dental qualification (BDS or equivalent) from a foreign dental institution recognized by the concerned authority of the respective country and listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools or approved by the DCI.
- For FDST (MDS/PG Diploma): A Postgraduate Diploma or Postgraduate Dental qualification (MDS or equivalent) from a foreign dental institution recognized by the concerned authority of the respective country and approved by the DCI.
- Candidates must have qualified NEET-UG (for BDS) or fulfilled DCI-specified admission criteria for the foreign dental program.
Admission Process
- Complete Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (PCB) with at least 50% marks (40% for SC/ST/OBC, as per DCI norms) and qualify for NEET-UG (mandatory for BDS track) or meet the admission criteria of the foreign dental institution.
- Pursue a primary dental qualification (BDS or equivalent, typically 4–5 years, including internship in some countries) or a Postgraduate Diploma/MDS (2–3 years post-BDS) from a recognized foreign dental institution.
- Obtain an Eligibility Certificate from the DCI (mandatory for Indian citizens before joining the foreign dental course, as per DCI regulations).
- Qualify for FDST (conducted once or twice yearly, e.g., January 12, 2025, for BDS and February 9, 2025, for MDS/PG Diploma) by scoring at least 50% in each paper (for BDS and MDS/PG Diploma) and, for MDS/PG Diploma, an additional 50% in the viva-voce examination. Register with the DCI or State Dental Council to practice dentistry in India.