The Master of Dental Surgery (MDS) degree provides graduate training in different disciplines in dentistry. The aim of each discipline programme is to prepare graduate students to become registered dental specialists. The programmes foster development of critical analysis, research skills, and advanced clinical skills that will be recognised for specialist registration. The programmes prepare students to be both practitioners and advisory consultants in their chosen areas of specialisation. Within each programme, papers on research methods and practice, advanced clinical science, and advanced clinical practice are included.
Because of the different training requirements for registration in each area of specialisation, the programme entry requirements and lengths vary.
The programme of study shall consist of papers and a research dissertation as specified for one of the following endorsements:
Regulations for the Degree of Master of Dental Surgery (MDS)
Admission to the Programme
Structure of the Programme
Duration of the Programme
Examinations
Examination of the Dissertation
Level of Award of the Degree
The degree may be awarded with distinction or with credit.
Variations
On the recommendation of the Faculty, the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Health Sciences) may, in exceptional circumstances, approve a course of study which does not comply with these regulations.
Highlights
| Course Level | Master’s degree |
| Full-Form | Master of Dental Surgery |
| Duration | 3 years |
| Examination type | Yearly |
| Eligibility | Minimum 50% in BDS, Entrance test score |
| Admission Process | Merit and Entrance based |
| Course Fee | Government: Approx INR 2,000 Private: Approx INR 17,00,000 |
| Average Salary | INR 5,00,000 |
| Top Recruiting Companies | Private: Fortis Healthcare , MAX Healthcare , Care Hospitals, Apollo Hospitals, Dental clinics, Nursing Homes Government: Indian Council of Medical Research, AIIMS, State Hospitals, Health Centers, Public Health Centers |
| Job Positions | Dentist/ Dental surgeon in clinics and hospitals Dental Hygienist Academic Lecturer Clinical Research Scientist General Practitioner |
Benefits
Syllabus
The syllabus for Master of Dental Surgery (MDS) typically includes the following topics:
The syllabus of MDS covers extensive studies regarding each specialization subject.
| Didactic Lectures | Joint Clinical Meetings with Allied Specialties |
|---|---|
| Seminars | Weekly Journal Clubs |
| Demonstrations | Submission of Dissertation Thesis, Models, Radiographs and Photographs |
| Laboratory Techniques | The students will work on patients in the clinics under the supervision of teachers |
| Clinical Case Conference | The students will undertake the laboratory work for the patients who are under their treatment |
| Structured Lecture Programs | Training in Methodology of Teaching – Candidates will attend the undergraduate classes to learn the methodology of teaching and will be encouraged to teach undergraduate students. |
Fee
The fee for a Master of Dental Surgery (MDS) varies depending on the institution. In India, the fee ranges from INR 5 lakhs to INR 20 lakhs.
Skills Required:
The following skills are required for a career in dentistry:
Cut off
The cut off for admission to a Master of Dental Surgery (MDS) varies depending on the institution. In India, the cut off is typically around 50% for general category students and 60% for reserved category students.
Specializations
Specialization in MDS does not mean separate courses but students can choose from a wide variety of courses to choose one specific subject as the specialization. The candidate may refer to the following list of subjects, offered as a specialization in Master of Dental Surgery.
Top Recruiters
Some of the top recruiters for Master of Dental Surgery (MDS) graduates include:
Salary
The salary for a Master of Dental Surgery (MDS) graduate varies depending on the specialization and the level of experience. In India, the average salary for a Master of Dental Surgery (MDS) graduate is around INR 5 lakhs per year.
Job Profiles
Some of the job profiles available for Master of Dental Surgery (MDS) graduates include:
Career Opportunities and Job Prospects
The career opportunities and job prospects for Master of Dental Surgery (MDS) graduates are excellent. There is a high demand for these professionals in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and government agencies.
Scope
It is needless to say that in the Medical profession, career growth is always uprising due to ever increasing demand. Additionally, due to the poor oral health condition with several oral addictions of common people, this country always needs potent and qualified Dental professionals. In addition to the master’s degree, an Master of Dental Surgery candidate can further improve his or her career in two broad ways:
Employment Areas
Master of Dental Surgery (MDS) graduates can find employment in a variety of areas, including:
Top Colleges in India and Fees
Some of the top colleges in India for Master of Dental Surgery (MDS) include:
The eligibility criteria for admission to the MDS course are as follows:
Going to the dentist often is an inherent part of taking good care of your oral health. Those visits can be minor, with only dental cleaning needed, but can also lead to serious procedures, especially if there’s a lot of work that needs to be done. When you’re in the hands of a good dentist, those procedures aren’t just done in the most detailed and successful way possible. The dental staff also takes pride in making their patients feel comfortable and at ease, despite the anxiety.
Truth be told, many patients may fear visiting a dentist. So, if you experience that as well, you’re not alone. It’s normal to be on the lookout for different effective ways to calm yourself in preparation for a dental appointment. That way, you won’t have to be so fearful of the dental procedure you’re going through.
That being said, here you’ll come across ten of those strategies.
Have All Your Dental And Medical Records Ready.
If you’re moving to another dentist for the procedure, such as a specialist, prepare all your dental records. If your dentist is the one doing the procedure you need and there’s no need to move to another dentist, your medical records are what you need to have.
Those records are necessary – they will let your dentist know the background of your overall health. Perhaps there could be some medications you’re currently taking that are not safe to take together with a certain medicine your dentist may prescribe. Safety is a vital component of a successful dental procedure, so there should be no compromise on this matter.
Be Informed.
Having as much background information as you can about your dental procedure is another important thing you need to do. The more you know, the better. That way, you can also actively avoid any possible risks or side effects of the dental procedure. When you know what to expect, you also don’t have to feel too fearful of what the dentist will be doing.
When you have that proper sit-down talk with your dentist, lay all your questions on the table. Don’t rush those meetings. Whatever concerns you have, talk about it. The more patient your dentist is in answering those concerns, the higher the comfort you have that you’re in good hands.
Discuss Your Fears With Your Dentist.
During that conversation in the second point above, make it a point also to discuss more of your fears. When you’re that transparent, the dentist can also give you the assurance you need. Many of the fears you may have could be drawn simply because you don’t know what to expect. You also might have received the wrong information elsewhere.
There’s no better professional to debunk those fears than your dentist. You have to trust in their expertise and capabilities. Take their word for it, that the dentist has spent years of study to complete what they now know how to do.
Some patients have pre-existing conditions that render their immune systems weak. If you’re one of them, you may be prescribed medications by your dentist in the weeks leading to your procedure. Antibiotics, for instance, can be given before, on the course, and after your dental procedure.
If you’re asked to take any medicine before a certain dental procedure, be sure to follow it thoroughly. Take your dentist’s word for it – it’s for your own good. Those antibiotics can help protect your body from any risk of infection that may possibly arise.
Book A Ride Home.
You never know how long the effects of the oral anesthesia given to you during the procedure may last. Especially for patients who suffer from extreme dental anxiety, it’s normal to be sedated during dental treatment. Nitrous oxide, or any anesthetic, may impair your judgment and senses temporarily, making it unsafe for you to drive yourself home.
This is the reason why it’s a prudent move to make sure you have a ride home. If you live alone but you have friends or family nearby willing to take you home, there’s no harm in giving them a call a few days prior.
If nobody you know can do it, then at the very least take a cab or any other form of public transportation in your area.
Plan The Schedule Wisely.
When your dentist informs you that you need to undergo a specific dental procedure, check your schedule as soon as possible. If you work on weekdays, at the very least book the procedure on a Friday or Saturday morning. This gives you the weekend to relax, in case of any discomfort, without missing too many days at work.
Aside from work, consider all other obligations you need to do as well. Especially if you’re a parent, there are surely other obligations you have to meet: kids’ activities, school activities, and whatnot. Planning your schedule wisely is important, so you can make all the necessary arrangements, just in case you need to rest.
As you plan your schedule, you may want to call family beforehand, as well. Just in case you feel ill after the procedure, it’s good to have arrangements made with your relatives to have the kids sleep over for a few days, while you rest and recover. You never know how you’re going to feel after your procedure, especially those that entail oral surgery. Making possible sleepover arrangements beforehand ensures certainty that you’ve got family too, who have time to spare, to care for the kids.
Avoid Eating, If Necessary.
If the dentist tells you to avoid certain foods and liquids at certain hours of the day, follow the same advice as well. Fasting is often required, especially if you’re going to be given anesthesia. Usually, you’ll be asked not to eat or drink anything on the night before your surgery. It’s a must to follow your doctor’s orders. This is required to prevent the risk of aspiration, or a serious condition that occurs when your stomach’s contents enter your lungs.
Depending on the type of procedure you may be getting, you could also be advised to take in a soft diet only after your procedure. Make this a part of your preparation process.
On the week leading to your dental procedure, stock up on soups, oatmeal, porridge, ice cream, and yogurt, among others. Make those a part of your grocery list. That way, those are all ready for when your procedure day comes. It saves you the hassle of going to the grocery store or ordering in when all you want to do is rest.
Prepare Insurance Information.
If you have health insurance coverage which includes dental treatments, be sure to prepare all those as well. Inform your insurance provider about your upcoming dental procedure, just so they’re aware of your claims.
For those who don’t have insurance coverage, then prepare the needed payment, too. Like any medical treatment, dental procedures can be quite expensive. So, be ready to cover that expense.
Have The Household Chores Taken Cared Of.
To help you heal faster and better, your dentist may recommend you to take it easy at home. Rest when you can. Also, you may need to avoid any strenuous or laborious work. If you’re in charge of the daily household chores, this also means you may have to arrange for help, even if it’s just for that week.
Call a cleaner to visit your home, if you must. Arrange this ahead of time, so they can come over and take care of your chores during the week, however often you need them. The extra amount you pay for the cleaner is worth it when it’s your health and safety that’s at stake. It may only be a small dental operation. But, if the dentist says you have to rest, then take their word for it.
Another solution you can also opt to do is to deep clean your house on the days before your surgery. Use as much of your pre-surgery energy to do as any chores as you can, so don’t have to be bothered to do any deep cleaning after.
Sleep Well.
On the days leading to your dental procedure, you also have to sleep well. Avoid staying up late for the time being. If there are invites to get-togethers or parties, it might be best not to go. This tip is definitely non-negotiable on the night before the dental procedure
Giving your brain enough time to rest can help calm your nerves and dispel anxiety. When you lack sleep, your cognitive ability is severely affected. You can be in a good mood for your surgery when sleep has affected your body positively, giving you time to stay refreshed and well-invigorated.
Conclusion.
No matter how diligent you are with your oral care at home, there really is no substitute for the expert touch only dentists can do. Depending on the state of your oral health’s overall situation, dental procedures may be necessary. This can cause anxiety, fear, and stress in some patients – you included. If you suffer from the same, consider yourself lucky to have gone through the tips above. When you can ease your worries and calm your fears, going to the dentist no longer has to be something you’ll be worried about.
Disclaimer: The statements, opinions, and data contained in these publications are solely those of the individual authors and contributors and not of Credihealth and the editor(s).
The admission process for Master of Dental Surgery (MDS) varies depending on the institution. However, the following are some of the common steps involved in the admission process:
The application process for MDS also varies depending on the institution. However, the following are some of the common steps involved in the application process:
The application fee for MDS varies depending on the institution. However, the fee is typically around INR 1000 to INR 2000.
Here are some of the documents that are required for the application process:
The documents required for the application process may vary depending on the institution. It is advisable to check the requirements with the respective institution before applying.
The admission process for MDS can be competitive, so it is important to start preparing early. Here are some tips on how to prepare for the admission process:
Here are some additional tips that may be helpful:
Candidates who seek admission in MDS course should fulfil the eligibility requirements given below:
Candidates must have BDS degree from a dental college/institute recognised by Dental Council India
They should 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 any of the Dental Entrance Exams as mentioned below
Master of Dental Surgery For Entrance Exams
Admission to MDS courses is based on Medical Entrance Exams that need to be qualified to become eligible for admission to dental institutes and colleges in India. Some of the MDS entrance exams are as follows:
