INTRODUCTION
The Master of Dental Surgery (MDS) is a three-year post-graduate professional course in Dental Studies and Surgery. Dental Studies or Dental Medicine is a branch of Medicine that consists of the study, diagnosis, prevention and treatment of diseases, disorders, problems and conditions of the oral cavity, oral mucosa and of related structures and tissues, particularly in the jaw and facial area. The field of Dentistry also includes other related structures like supporting tissues, muscular tissues, lymphatic vessels, nervous system, vascular and anatomical structures. The course is usually undertaken after a four-year Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) graduate professional degree program and a one year Internship The course provides in-depth knowledge about Dental Medicine and covers and emphasizes on the theoretical, practical and the fundamental applications of Dentistry. It is an interdisciplinary subject that also involves the basic concepts of Biology, Life Science and Physics. The course aims at providing advanced academic training for the dental students who want to specialize and broaden their understanding of oral and dental sciences.
The MDS course curriculum is reviewed and approved by the Dental Council of India (DCI) and provides a thorough understanding of the theories, dental procedures and hands-on experience related to oral treatment and oral medicine. The course involves various specializations like:
- Conservative Dentistry & Endodontics
- Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
- Orthodontics
- Prosthodontics
- Pedodontics
- Periodontics
- Oral Medicine and Radiology
- Oral Pathology
- Public Health Dentistry
The course enhances personal skills like communication, patience, compassion, understanding, attention to detail and mental alertness; and professional skills like theoretical knowledge, planning and execution, scientific reasoning and problem-solving.
SCOPE OF MDS
MDS graduates have multiple opportunities in the fields of Medicine, Surgery, Research and Technology. Opportunities can be found in:
- Students can contribute as scientists in national laboratories and organizations like:
- Indian Dental Association (IDA)
- National Board for Certification in Dental Laboratory Technology
- The National Association of Dental Laboratories (NADL)
- National Oral Cancer Registry (NOCR)
- Pascal International
- North Delhi Dental Centre
- Dental Lab India
- Dental Ceramists India Private Limited (DCIPL)
- Students can become Research Associates in research institutes like:
- Dental Lab India
- Orion Dental Laboratory
- Consortium for Scientific Research (CSR)
- Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER)
- National Dentex Corporation
- Students can assist in laboratories and institutes of Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) like:
- Regional Research Laboratories
- Hennessy Dental Laboratory
- National Institute of Science (NIS)
- Dental Technology Services
- National Institute of Science, Technology and Development Studies (NISTADS)
- Central Glass & Ceramic Research Institute
- Orion Dental Laboratory
- Students can contribute in paediatric, adult and geriatric research services
- Teaching positions in medical degree colleges, hospitals and medical universities
- Tutoring in Science for reputed coaching institutes
- Professional certifications in specializations like:
- Conservative Dentistry & Endodontics
- Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
- Orthodontics
- Prosthodontics
- Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry
- Periodontics
- Oral Medicine and Radiology
- Oral Pathology
- Public Health Dentistry
ADMISSION AND ELIGIBILITY
Colleges and universities offer admission on the basis of four main modes of admission:
- All India Merit Quota – colleges invite for application through Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) Counselling
- State Government Merit Quota – colleges invite for application through Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA) Counselling
- Management Quota – students can approach the college administration for Direct Admission after Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA) and Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) Counselling
- NRI Quota – NRI and Foreign students can approach the college administration for Direct Admission after Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA) and Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) Counselling
Important considerations for admission:
- Marks in BDS degree
- Qualification in NEET MDS
Important points to consider for eligibility to do MDS:
- Minimum 50% aggregate marks in BDS degree from any University in India or abroad recognised by DCI for General Category
- Minimum 45% aggregate marks in BDS degree from any University in India or abroad recognised by DCI for People with Disability Category
- Minimum 40% aggregate marks in BDS degree from any University in India or abroad recognised by DCI for SC/ST/OBC Category
- Minimum 50% aggregate marks in PG Diploma recognized by the DCI
- The candidate should have obtained provisional or permanent registration with the State Dental Council
- The candidate should have completed compulsory rotatory Internship of one year in an approved/recognized dental college
- The candidate should have qualified in the NEET MDS Examination
COURSE CURRICULUM
The entire program of MDS is divided into three years with each year split into two semesters. In the three-year duration, the academic curriculum is covered with additional skill-enhancing programs and workshops.
The course consists of:
- Important subjects and topics included:
- Prosthodontics
- Crown & Bridge
- Periodontology
- Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
- Conservative Dentistry
- Endodontics
- Orthodontics
- Dentofacial Orthopaedics
- Oral & Maxillofacial Pathology
- Oral Microbiology
- Public Health Dentistry
- Paediatric Dentistry
- Oral Medicine
- Oral Radiology
- Practical classes, demonstrations and assessments
- Academic initiatives like seminars, group discussions, grand rounds, case demonstrations, clinics, journal review meetings, clinicopathological conferences and clinical meetings
- Teaching and Training Program of undergraduate students – laboratory, experimental work and research studies.
- Guided Dissertations and Projects for practical exposure
- Certification and Foundation Courses for holistic development
- Study Tours to reputed national laboratories, research institutions and industries, under the supervision of the department
- Seminars
- Lectures by experienced faculty and scientists
- Workshops
- Tutorials, Conferences and Brainstorming Sessions
QUALIFYING ENTRANCE EXAMINATIONS
In order to get admission through Merit into reputed colleges in India, qualification in NEET MDS is important. The examination is considered for national, state and institution- specific admission. The examination:
- Is MANDATORY for all admission categories
- Consist of objective type questions with MCQs
- Syllabus includes:
- General Anatomy including embryology and histology
- General human physiology and Biochemistry
- Dental Anatomy, Embryology & Oral Histology
- General Pathology and Microbiology
- General and Dental Pharmacology and Therapeutics
- General Medicine
- General Surgery
- Dental Materials
- Oral Pathology and Oral Microbiology
- Oral Medicine and Radiology
- Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry
- Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopedics
- Periodontology
- Prosthodontics and Crown & Bridge
- Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
- Public Health Dentistry
- 240 questions for 960 marks
- A maximum of 4 options will be given to aspirants
- + 4 marks for every correct answer
- - 1 mark for every wrong answer
- 0 marks for no answer/ multiple answers
- Cut-off:
- General Category – 50th Percentile (Score 286)
- People with Disability Category – 45th Percentile (Score 268)
- SC/ ST/ OBC Category – 40th Percentile (Score 250)
FUTURE PROSPECTS
After successful completion of MDS course, students have opportunities as:
- Research Associate in national and international research laboratories
- Teacher, Professor or Lecturer in medical schools, colleges or universities
- Research Scientist
- Public and Private companies and MNCs
- Master in Public Health (MPH)
- MBA Healthcare Analytics and Healthcare Management
- PhD in any specialization
- Diploma in subjects like Radiology and Maxillofacial Surgery
INTERNSHIPS AND PROJECTS
The course curriculum of MDS includes opportunities for students to obtain practical exposure. Summer internships, dissertations and projects provide a strong foundation for a career in Medicine and Research. Points to remember:
- Students are trained to write a clear scientific report that includes a theoretical background, experiment description, presentation of methodology, analysis of results, careful interpretation and evaluation of data and conclusion
- The Research Project is an opportunity to get hands-on training and laboratory exposure
In the final evaluation, class assignments, end-semester exam results, internships and project reports are taken into account for a candidate to earn their MDS degree.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
Multiple career opportunities are available in public and private academic institutions, research laboratories, pharmaceutical companies, manufacturing companies, corporates, MNCs and medical industries.
Potential career roles:
- Research Scientist
- Lecturer/Professor
- General Practitioner
- Dental Surgeon
- Oral Surgeon
- Radiation Technician
- Endodontists
- Ceramist
- Dental Assistant
- Dental Hygienist
- Oral Forensic Scientist
- Oral Pathologist
- Dental Lab Technician
- Research Analyst
- Medical Writer
- Research Analyst
- Consultant
- Radiologist
- Online Tutor
- Subject Matter Expert (SME)
- Science Mentor
- Lab Assistant
- Training Manager
- Auditor
- Research Associate
- Junior Research Fellow
- Senior Research Fellow
- Research Scientist
POPULAR RECRUITERS
Graduates can find employment in many public and private hospitals and clinics. Popular recruiters are:
- Schools
- Colleges
- Research Centers
- Fortis Healthcare
- Max Healthcare
- Care Hospitals
- Hosmat Hospital
- Apollo Hospital
- Vikram Hospital
- Columbia Asia
- Aster Healthcare
- AIIMS
- Wockhardt Hospital
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
- Apollo Hospitals
- National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER)
SALARY PACKAGE
Fresh graduates can easily get jobs in popular hospitals, clinical research organizations and dental clinics. Job positions start as Trainee and gradually proceed to Senior Associate/Scientist. With more career exposure, project experience, skills and certifications, a salary hike of about 20% to 25% is guaranteed together with additional benefits and bonuses.
The average salary after MDS ranges between 5 LPA to 10 LPA. The lowest salary expected (for a fresh graduate) is between 3.5 LPA to 5 LPA and with work experience increases the package would be to 20 LPA to 25 LPA.
CONCLUSION
MDS is the second most popular medical postgraduate degree in India. The three-year professional course is designed to prepare students for a sustainable and practical career in Medicine and Surgery. The curriculum consists of strong theoretical concepts, practical experiments and skill-building courses and programs that create a balance between academics and practical exposure. This degree is available for students all over India and admission is subject to eligibility criteria and NEET MDS qualification. Multiple internships, projects and career opportunities are available in various reputed hospitals and clinics in India. There is also plenty of professional scope in hospitals abroad.