Quick Summary
- Master of Dental Surgery (MDS) is a specialized area of medical science. It deals in dental, oral, jaw, and facial sections.
- 329 dental colleges in India provide the MDS course for all students.
- Candidates must appear for an entrance exam to be eligible for an MDS admission.
- NEET PG for MDS, AIIMS PG, and AIPGDEE are some of the prominent exams for the course.
Table of Contents
The Master of Dental Surgery (MDS) course is an important medical field in India. Individuals who hold this degree specialize in diagnosis and treatment. They also study the prevention of various health issues relating to the teeth and mouth. These dentists are usually responsible for teeth cleaning. They also treat other restorative procedures, like crowns and bridges.
Aspirants gain in-depth knowledge and hands-on experience solving several real-life medical problems. This happens especially during the MDS ( Master of Dental Surgery) course duration. The teachings associated with oral and dental ailments are delivered through various specializations. This further helps them achieve professional skills. They do this by undergoing internships, practical classes, and laboratory training. Candidates wishing to build a career in the oral and dental fields can pursue this course.
After the MDS program, all graduates gather specialized knowledge and skills. These specialties open doors to several career opportunities in various fields of dentistry. Several MDS graduates choose to start their dental practice. They may join some of the established private dental clinics. Others can further widen their scope with super specialty courses after MDS.
What is a Master of Dental Surgery (MDS)?
Master of Dental Surgery is a specialized area of medical science. It focuses on oral, jaw, dental, and other treatments. The Master of Dental Surgery duration in India is three years. Candidates with a Bachelor’s degree in Dental Science can apply for this course.
MDS admission happens based on entrance examinations. The prominent entrance examinations for dental courses in India include
- NEET for MDS
- AIIMS PG
- AIPGDEE
These examinations happen at the state or national level. The average annual MDS course fee varies. It depends on the institute the candidate is applying to.
The Master of Dental Surgery course in India offers several career benefits, including:
- Master of Dental Surgery provides a safe and secure career path for candidates. These individuals pursue courses from top-notch colleges in India. Many of these institutes offer a 100% job guarantee to students.
- Upon completion, candidates can choose to specialize in a particular area of practice.
- Super specialty courses after MDS enable students to gain further expertise in dentistry. It increases their chances of securing higher-level positions in healthcare institutions.
Why Choose Master of Dental Surgery?
MDS (Master of Dental Surgery) offers advanced training, allowing dentists to specialize in areas like oral surgery, orthodontics, and periodontics. The program builds in-depth knowledge and expertise for complex dental procedures, preparing graduates to handle intricate cases with confidence and precision.
An MDS degree boosts career prospects, providing access to higher-paying specialist roles, academic positions, and research opportunities. As the demand for advanced dental care grows, MDS graduates are highly valued in both private and public sectors, ensuring a fulfilling and successful career in dentistry.
MDS Course Details and Duration
As mentioned earlier, the MDS course duration is three years in India. It is a full-time program offered by various educational institutes across the country. Post-graduate diploma students in dentistry can complete this course in two years.
The MDS program offers various specializations. It includes
- Periodontology
- Oral and maxillofacial Surgery
- Radiology, Orthodontics
- Prosthodontics
- Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics
- Oral Medicine
The MDS syllabus is categorized into six semesters. It emphasizes comprehensive knowledge acquisition for students. This facilitates understanding of various disease conditions, diagnoses, and treatments.
| Semester I | Semester II |
| Applied Basic Science | Branch I Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery |
| Diagnosis, Treatment, Preventive Periodontology and Implantology | Minor Oral Surgery and Trauma |
| Recent Advances in Periodontics | Branch I Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery |
| Etiopathogenesis Of Periodontal Diseases | Maxillofacial Surgery |
| Recent Advances in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery | |
| Semester III | Semester IV |
| Oral Pathology, Oral Microbiology & Forensic Odontology | Conservative Dentistry, including Preventive dentistry and Dental Materials |
| Recent Advances In Oral Pathology | Endodontics |
| Laboratory And Histopathological Techniques | Applied Basic Sciences |
| Applied Basic Sciences | Recent Advances in Conservative Dentistry |
| Semester V | Semester VI |
| Applied Basic Sciences | Seminars |
| Recent Advances in Orthodontics | Demonstrations |
| Growth and Development, Basics in Orthodontics, Diagnosis & Radiology | Didactic Lectures |
| Bio-Mechanics & Various Orthodontics Tissue Changes, Techniques & Treatment Planning | Structured Lecture Programs |
| Submission of Dissertation Thesis, Models, Radiographs, and Photographs | Clinical Case Conference |
| Training in Methodology of Teaching |
Popular MDS Specializations in India
The students studying MDS in India can choose from different specializations. These are:
| Specialization | Subjects | Details |
| Oral Pathology and Microbiology | Applied Anatomy and HistologyApplied OralanotomyOral HistologyOral Physiology and BiochemistryApplied PharmacologyApplied General and Oral Pathology and Microbiology | An Oral Pathologist can join a government or private dental college. They can teach oral history, applied anatomy, and pharmacology. |
| Periodontology | Oral AnatomyOrthodonticsPedodonticsOrthodonticsOral Medicine and RadiologyPharmacologyDental materialsOral surgeryConservative surgery | A Periodontist can teach periodontology. This includes topics like periodontal anatomy, etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal diseases. |
| Oral Medicine and Radiology | Oral MedicineClinical pathologyFusospirochetal infectionsGingival enlargementsDiseases of salivary glandsHistory of RadiologyForensic Odontology | This professional can teach oral medicine, oral diagnosis, and oral radiology. |
| Prosthodontics | Applied Anatomy and HistologyEmbryologyApplied Oral AnatomyOral HistologyApplied General and Oral Physiology and BiochemistryApplied PharmacologyRemovable Prosthodontics | This professional can teach topics such as complete dentures and removable partial dentures. It includes fixed prosthodontics and implant prosthodontics. |
| Preventive Dentistry | Applied AnatomyPreventive DentistryCommunity DentistryEpidemiologyClinical Paediatric DentistryDental Plaque | This dental specialist can work in dental public health and community dentistry. They can teach preventive measures for dental caries and periodontal diseases. |
| Oral and Maxillofacial surgery | Prosthodontics and Crown & BridgeOral and Maxillofacial SurgeryConservative Dentistry and EndodonticsPublic Health Dentistry | Clinical Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons contribute to teaching dentoalveolar surgery. It includes maxillofacial trauma, orthognathic surgery, and oral pathology. |
| Orthodontics and Dentofacial surgery | Orthodontic HistoryConcepts of Occlusion and EstheticsAetiology and Classification of MalocclusionCephalometricsMyofunctional orthodonticsCleft lip and palate rehabilitationBiology of tooth movement | Clinical Orthodontists can join a dental college to teach orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics. These subjects include diagnosis, treatment planning, and management of malocclusions. |
MDS Colleges in India with Fees
Top Private MDS Colleges in India
| Rank | College Name | Location | Annual Fees (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Manipal College of Dental Sciences (MCODS) | Manipal | ₹12-15 lakhs |
| 2 | Saveetha Dental College | Chennai | ₹10-12 lakhs |
| 3 | SRM Dental College | Chennai | ₹7-10 lakhs |
| 4 | A.B. Shetty Memorial Institute of Dental Sciences | Mangalore | ₹8-10 lakhs |
| 5 | S.D.M. College of Dental Sciences | Dharwad | ₹6-8 lakhs |
| 6 | Dr. D.Y. Patil Dental College | Navi Mumbai | ₹10-12 lakhs |
| 7 | Bharati Vidyapeeth Dental College | Pune | ₹6-9 lakhs |
| 8 | Amrita School of Dentistry | Kochi | ₹9-11 lakhs |
| 9 | M.S. Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences | Bangalore | ₹8-10 lakhs |
| 10 | KLE Vishwanath Katti Institute of Dental Sciences | Belagavi | ₹7-9 lakhs |
Top Government MDS Colleges in India
| Rank | College Name | Location | Annual Fees (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) | New Delhi | ₹1,500 – ₹5,000 |
| 2 | Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences | New Delhi | ₹10,000 – ₹20,000 |
| 3 | Government Dental College and Hospital | Mumbai | ₹20,000 – ₹50,000 |
| 4 | Nair Hospital Dental College | Mumbai | ₹30,000 – ₹60,000 |
| 5 | PGIMER (Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research) | Chandigarh | ₹10,000 – ₹30,000 |
Employment Area
MDS graduates have diverse career options and can work in hospitals, healthcare facilities, and educational institutions. They also have the opportunity to start their private practice. Below are some common employment areas for MDS degree holders:
- Dental Clinics
- Government Hospitals
- Dental Colleges and Universities
- Pharmaceutical Companies
- Dental Product Manufacturers
- Private Practice
Eligibility Criteria for MDS Programs
The candidates must know the eligibility criteria for the entrance exam for MDS. The criteria for the course are as follows:
- The candidate must have a Bachelor’s Degree in Dental Science. It can be from any MCI-affiliated and recognized dental college in India.
- The person must have scored a total of 50% marks in their bachelor’s degree.
- Candidates who have completed a two-year PG Diploma in Dental Surgery can also do the course.
- A few institutes ask for a one-year internship certificate from candidates for MDS.
- Candidates who want to practice after MDS must register with the Dental Council of India (DCI).
MDS Admission Process
The MDS admission procedure in India may vary among different institutions. Candidates should note that specific details may vary. They must check with dental colleges and examination authorities for up-to-date information.
The admission procedure is as follows:
1. Check Eligibility
- Qualifying Examination: Candidates must have a BDS degree from any institute. It should come under the Dental Council India
- Percentage: Candidates must score 55% marks in total of all subjects in the BDS course
2. Choose Entrance Exams
These exams include:
- NEET MDS
- INI CET
- AIIMS PG
- AIPGDEE
3. Appear for and Pass Entrance Exams
- Attend the MDS exam on the scheduled dates and venues.
- Adhere to the specific exam guidelines and instructions.
4. Take Part in the Counseling or Admission Process
The counseling process involves seat allotment. Candidates need to submit their documents for verification and confirm their MDS admission with fee payment.
Entrance Exams for MDS Admissions
The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for MDS is also known as NEET MDS. It is an entrance exam for admission to postgraduate dental courses. Several medical institutions in India offer NEET PG for MDS. Itis an eligibility-cum-ranking examination conducted annually in online mode.
You can find many Master of Dental Surgery (MDS) seats that fall under these categories:
- 50% All India Quota (AIQ)
- 50% state quota seats
- 100% seats in private colleges and central or deemed universities
| NEET MDS Question Paper Details | |
| Total Number of Questions | 240 |
| Number of Parts | 2 |
| Questions in Part A | 100 |
| Questions in Part B | 140 |
| Total Time Allotted | 3 hours |
Scoring well on the NEET PG exam is important for securing good ranks and getting MDS admission. Other associated benefits include:
- The number of MDS seats available in India is less than in other countries. Better marks increase your chances of getting a seat in a preferred institute.
- Several reputed dental colleges and institutes have higher cut-off scores. Scoring well ensures you can seek admission to the institute of your choice.
- A few educational institutes also offer scholarship opportunities. These scholarships go to meritorious students who have scored well on their NEET entrance exams.
MDS Exam Pattern
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Mode of Exam | Computer-based test (CBT) |
| Duration | 3 hours (180 minutes) |
| Total Questions | 240 Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs) |
| Marking Scheme | +4 marks for correct answers -1 mark for incorrect answers 0 marks for unanswered questions |
| Syllabus | BDS curriculum topics including: Basic Sciences (Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry) Clinical Subjects (Oral Medicine, Prosthodontics, Orthodontics, Endodontics) |
| Language | English |
This format helps candidates understand the structure of the MDS entrance exam effectively.
Super Specialty Options after MDS
Super specialization refers to an advanced level of training and specialization. Any professional can pursue it after completing their MDS degree. You may find several super specialty programs in MDS specializations. These include but are not limited to:
- Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery: The specialization involves craniomaxillofacial surgery. It covers defects, injuries, and hard and soft tissue diseases in maxillofacial areas.
- Orthodontics (e.g., Dentofacial Orthopedics): The specialization includes topics such as dentofacial orthopedics. It involves putting on braces and molding teeth and then removing retainers.
- Endodontics: This specialization is also known as operative dentistry. It often includes processes like microsurgery. These cover the development and composition of tooth enamel in certain cases.
Pursuing super specialty courses after MDS offers several benefits for dental professionals:
- Enhanced career prospects with lucrative job opportunities. It involves leadership roles, academic positions, and specialized practice settings.
- Intensive training and hands-on experience to improve clinical skills.
- Networking and collaboration with experts and peers from the same field. This helps garner further in-depth knowledge.
Career Opportunities with an MDS Degree
Students can get lucrative job opportunities after completing their respective MDS courses. The salary for these individuals ranges from INR 6,00,000 to INR 50,00,000 LPA. Students can find employment in the following sectors after completing the dentistry course:
- Dental Departments of Hospitals
- Dental Clinics
- Academic Institutions
- Pharmaceutical Research Centres for Oral Care Products
- Private Dental Clinics
The Final Word on Pursuing MDS in India
Students preparing to become dentists must prepare themselves for MDS admission. They can do this after completing their respective bachelor’s degrees. They must know “what is MDS course” before preparing for the entrance exams.
The MDS course fees are reasonable, and it is a safe and secure option. The program is for those aspiring to become successful healthcare professionals. That is why they must prepare themselves well to appear for the entrance exams. This will help them seek MDS admission at an educational institute.
Also Read:
DLMT Course- Do a Medical Course without NEET
MDS vs BDS
BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery) and MDS (Master of Dental Surgery) are both dentistry degrees but differ in scope and specialization:
| Feature | BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery) | MDS (Master of Dental Surgery) |
|---|---|---|
| Degree Level | Undergraduate | Postgraduate |
| Duration | 5 years (including 1-year internship) | 3 years |
| Focus | General dental practice | Specialization in a specific dental field |
| Scope | Basic dental procedures, oral hygiene, preventive care | Advanced clinical procedures, research, teaching |
| Career Options | General dentist, dental officer, private practice | Specialist dentist, lecturer, researcher, consultant |
| Salary | Generally lower compared to MDS | Higher compared to BDS |
| Entrance Exam | Typically not required | NEET MDS or state-level exams |
Conclusion
The Master of Dental Surgery (MDS) is a specialized postgraduate degree that builds on the knowledge gained in a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS). MDS graduates focus on specific areas of dental care, allowing them to provide advanced treatments and expert services to patients.
To pursue MDS, students must do well in their BDS degree and clear competitive entrance exams like NEET MDS. With strong dedication and effort, aspiring dentists can succeed in this challenging but rewarding field.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the eligibility criteria for enrolling in an MDS program?
Interested students must have completed their undergraduate degree from a recognized board and have a score of 55% to be eligible for MDS admission. These candidates must appear for an entrance exam and hold registration with the State Dental Council (SDC) or DCI. If they pass the exam, the candidates can also apply for other super specialty courses after MDS.
How competitive is the admission process for MDS?
The MDS admission process is competitive in India. Candidates must get top scores in NEET MDS, among other important exams. This helps increase their chances of admission to government MDS colleges. They can apply to all kinds of private colleges. It depends on their eligibility criteria and entrance exam scores.
What are the career prospects after an MDS degree?
After completing their MDS degree, students will have lucrative career opportunities. They can pursue various roles in dental products manufacturing companies and government hospitals. It also applies to private hospitals, dental clinics, dental institutions, and pharmaceutical companies. Additionally, some may choose to start their private clinics. It all depends on the specific career prospects one wants to pursue in the future.
Are there any online resources recommended for NEET-PG preparation?
NEET PG for MDS is a competitive exam that demands extensive preparation. To prepare, you can utilize online question banks and sample papers. Additionally, platforms like Chegg offer comprehensive preparation guides. It applies to exams like MDS. You can approach the platform at any time to seek expert help. This must relate to the dentistry programs you want to apply for.
What is a Master of Dental Surgery?
The Master of Dental Surgery (MDS) is a three-year postgraduate program specializing in oral, jaw, dental, and facial structures. Eligibility requires a Bachelor’s degree in Dental Science (BDS), often with a one-year internship.
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