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)
