Master of Dental Surgery
Master of Dental Surgery or MDS course is a master level degree for students who have graduated in Dental Science(BDS). MDS provides aspirants with training in different disciplines in dentistry. The main objective of the course is to train students to become registered dental specialists. The MDS course prepares candidates to be both practitioners and advisory consultants in their chosen areas of specialization.
Acquiring skills in advanced techniques and methods penetrating to dental care and solution are some of the add-on aid for the individuals pursuing MDS as their professional degree. Completing the Masters Course within the stipulated time will end up getting some lucrative job offers from some of the renowned and prestigious organizations.
The Master of Dental Surgery course further aims to develop research skills, advanced clinical skills, and critical skills that are important for specialist registration. MDS is a full time degree of 3 years duration with specialisations for diseases related to Tooth, Jaw and other Facial tissues, dental science is dealing to help in maintaining oral health. Moreover, for surgeries such as dental implants, artificial replacements, treating Jaw and Gum related diseases and surgeries, correcting misaligned/dispositioned teeth and jaw, treating dental tissues, facial diseases diagnosis and surgeries and also, cosmetic treatments.
Courses
Master of Dental Surgery (MDS) is a 3 years duration course which has multiple specializations as follows:
- Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
- Oral Medicine and Radiology
- Oral Pathology and Microbiology
- Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopaedics
- Paedodontics and Preventive Dentistry
- Periodontology
- Prosthodontics and Crown & Bridge
- Public Health Dentistry
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Dental Sciences: PhD in Dental Sciences is a full-time 3 years Doctorate course. Many colleges offer PhD Dental Sciences courses in India. Every college has their own eligibility criteria, admission process, and fees structure. Admission for PhD in Dental Sciences is based on merit list or entrance-based. Most of the colleges select students based on the marks obtained in their master’s degree or an equivalent degree. Some reputed colleges conduct entrance exams for this course admission.
After completion of this course, graduates may work in fields like Dental Clinics, Hospitals, Health Centres, Research Institutes, Dental Colleges, Pharmaceutical Industries, etc. These professionals may work in positions like Dentist, Ceramist, Oral Pathologist, Professor, Medical Consultant, etc. The average salary for these professional’s ranges between INR 2 to INR 20 lakhs as per their experience and expertise in this field.
The average fee for this course ranges between INR 10,000 to INR 15 lakhs based on the candidate’s marks obtained in their master’s degree or entrance exams.
In this course, students receive various forms of treatments including Dental materials, Surgical procedures, Oral histology, Pedodontics, Radiology, Dental anatomy, Oral Pathology, Oral medicine, Community dentistry, etc. Students also study function, structure, and path function of stomatognathic and cranio-cervical region. The curriculum includes Oral pathology, Orofacial pain, advanced radiology, Advanced Oral medicine, and Drug interactions in Dentistry.
Required Skills and Aptitude
The nature of the job of an MDS requires responsibility, sincerity, self-confidence and distinct skills. The essential skills required to be a successful MDS are listed below:
- Communication Skill
- Critical Thinking and Problem Solving Skill
- Diagnosis Skill
- Interpersonal Skill
- Perseverance and Endurance
- Time Management Skill
- Use of modern treatment techniques
Eligibility Criteria
Followings are the eligibility criteria for admission to MDS.
- Candidates must have BDS degree from a dental college/institute recognised by Dental Council India
- They must have completed their Internship for BDS before taking admission in MDS course
- Some dental colleges mention minimum marks in the qualifying degree examination for admissions to MDS course such as 55% marks in aggregate of all subjects in BDS course
- Candidates must have obtained merit ranks in MDS Entrance Exams- NEET MDS
Entrance Examination
Admission for all MDS courses is based on an entrance examination NEET MDS (National Eligibility Cum entrance Test) conducted by NTA (National Testing Agency).
Job Profiles
Some of the job profiles for MDS are as follows:
- Dental Surgeon
- Dentist
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
- Orthodontist
- Periodontist
- Private Practitioners
- Professor/ Researcher
- Prosthodontist
Top Recruiters
MDS specialists have huge opportunities in both private and government sectors. They can work as both faculty and specialized dental practitioners. The Following are some of the jobs of these professionals:
- Dental Laboratories
- Dental product manufacturers
- Government hospitals
- Health Insurance Companies
- Medical Colleges
- Private Super Speciality Hospitals
- Research Institutes
Institutions
National level Institutions offering MDS
Institutes offering PhD in Dentistry
Questions & Answers
Q) Is MDS necessary after BDS?
A) Job Security. MDS undoubtedly seems a better and a more secure option for a BDS Graduate in the long run since it offers higher security. MDS Professionals have the options to rise to high positions in the Academics as well as the Administrative departments of the Dental Colleges.
Q) How should I prepare for NEET MDS?
A) NEET MDS Preparation includes the following:
- Decipher the most asked topics.
- Decode the semantics of previous year papers of MDS.
- Limit gazing too deep into the topics.
- Make a note of high yielding topics and begin with these topics in the first phase of your preparation.
- Take guidance from your seniors.
Q) How many seats are in NEET MDS?
A) Through NEET MDS entrance exam, a total of 6,501 seats are offered for admission to 50% All India Quota (AIQ), 50% state quota for all deemed/central universities.
Q) Is there any negative marking in NEET MDS 2020?
A) The examination comprises 240 Multiple Choices, single correct response questions in English language only. Time allotted is 3hrs. There shall be 25% negative marking for incorrect answers. No marks will be deducted for unattempted questions.
Q) Do MDS students get paid?
A) 50, 000 per month as per their performance in government colleges. MDS staff are employed in Govt. Colleges as staff also and salary increases along with experience. The pay in private institutions for dentists is determined on the basis of their skill and talent.