MDS (Master of Dental Surgery) Course, Admission Process, Subjects, Fees, Career

MDS (Master of Dental Surgery) Course, Admission Process, Subjects, Fees, Career

Edited By Nizamudheen O | Updated on Jun 06, 2024 08:50 AM IST | #M.D.S.

MDS full form is Master of Dental Surgery. MDS is a postgraduate degree programme in the field of dentistry. In India, approximately 313 colleges are offering the MDS course. Of them, around 59 colleges are government and more than 250 colleges are private.

Admission into the MDS course is given based on entrance exams. In 2021-22 placements, 142 out of 190 students of JIPMER Puducherry got placed. The median salary package of students who graduated in 2021-22 from PGIMER Chandigarh and AIIMS Delhi is Rs. 17 LPA and Rs. 20 LPA respectively.

What is the MDS Full form?

The full form of MDS is Master of Dental Surgery. MDS is a three-year postgraduate degree programme. Candidates who want to pursue a career as a dental surgeon or want to advance their career after becoming a dentist can pursue the BDS course.

Highlights- MDS (Master of Dental Surgery)

Particulars

Details

Name of Degree

Master of Dental Surgery (MDS)

Level

Postgraduate

Duration

Three years

Semester/Yearly

Semester

Admission Process

Entrance test followed by counselling by the authorities

Eligibility Criteria

Bachelor's degree

Course Fee

Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 57.96 Lakhs

Career Opportunities

Dental Technician, Prosthodontist, Dental Hygienist, Dental Consultant and Dentist

Top Recruiters

All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Apollo Group, Indian Nursing Council, Fortis Hospitals, Manipal Group and Medica

MDS Fees Structure

MDS fees vary based on the medical college students opt out for admission. MDS fees in private colleges begin from Rs. 1 Lakh and can go to Rs. 57.96 Lakhs. The fee in the government colleges is between Rs. 50,00 and Rs. 5.23 Lakhs.

Why Choose MDS?

MDS is one of the highest academic degrees in the field of dentistry that helps one become an expert in this field. The course makes an individual more focused in the field of dentistry and provides many career options like dentist, dental technician and the like.

Also, one can become a professor in a dental school or college. Having a master's degree in dentistry opens several doors for jobs overseas. Graduates can opt for research in dentistry that can help them to explore a particular area.

MDS Eligibility Criteria

Before applying, aspirants need to fulfil the MDS eligibility criteria as prescribed by the National Board Of Examinations. Students are accepted for the MDS degree programme through the NEET MDS examination. Candidates can check the basic eligibility criteria of MDS below.

  • He or she must be an Indian citizen. Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) and Persons with Indian Origin (PIOs) are also eligible to take the entrance test.
  • Aspirants need to complete their BDS degree which must be recognised by DCI
  • One should have a provisional or permanent registration certificate issued by DCI or State Dental Council (SDC) by March 31, of the particular academic year.
  • Candidates must possess the compulsory rotatory internship of a year which must be approved by DCI.
  • PG dental graduates should be 21 years of age.
  • It is mandatory to appear for the entrance exam and secure the NEET MDS cutoff to pass the entrance examination.

MDS Course Duration

Master of Dental Surgery is a three-year duration course. It is structured in six different semesters. However, candidates with a postgraduate diploma can complete their MDS degree within two years of span.

Skills Required for MDS Degree

Students who want to pursue a Master of Dental Surgery degree programme must possess certain skills. They can be handy while pursuing the courses as well as in the future. Some of the skills required while doing the MDS are listed below:

  • Communication Skills
  • Physical Strength
  • Patience
  • Empathy
  • Attention to Detail
  • Critical Thinking

MDS Application Process

Admission into MDS is based on the candidates’ scores in the entrance examination, namely, NEET MDS and INI CET. The detailed application process is provided below:

  • For admissions, one must secure the minimum qualifying percentile to pass the entrance exam.
  • The cutoff percentile and scores will be released along with the result.
  • Aspirants who will qualify for the exam will be eligible for the counselling process and admission procedure.
  • Shortlisted candidates will be required to get their documents verified at the time of reporting at the allotted colleges.
  • The admission to MDS specialisations will be done based on preferences chosen, rank secured in the exam, seat availability, reservation criteria and other factors.
  • The MDS fees should be paid to reserve a seat in an allotted MDS college.

Top MDS EntranceExams

The following are the MDS entrance exams conducted by respective authorities for admission to the Master of Dental Surgery. As mentioned above, aspirants need to qualify for these exams to be admitted to the course. MDS entrance tests are tabulated below:

ExamLevelConducting BodyExam Schedule

NEET MDS

National

National Board of Examinations in Medical Science

NEET MDS Exam Schedule

INI CET

National

AIIMS New Delhi

INI CET Exam Schedule

MDS Cut off

MDS cut-off is required to determine the student's merit for admission in the MDS degree programme in various medical colleges in India. For MDS degree programmes, the NEET MDS cut-off is the main criterion that every medical college accepts for the admission process. MDS cutoff is based on the number of students appearing for the NEET MDS examination, the previous year’s cutoff, and the question paper.

MDS syllabus

The MDS syllabus includes both Applied Basic Sciences and subjects of the concerned speciality. The syllabus in Applied Basic Sciences varies according to the particular speciality, also aspirants need to acquire adequate knowledge in other subjects related to their respective specialities. The topics that are covered in the MDS syllabus are mentioned below:

Periodontology

Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics

Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery

Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics

Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology and Oral Microbiology

Public Health Dentistry

Pediatric Dentistry

Oral Medicine & Radiology

Prosthodontics and Crown & Bridge

-

Top MDS Colleges by Locations

Many public and private medical colleges and dental colleges offer MDS courses. Some of the top colleges offering MDS in various Indian major cities are listed below:

Top MDS Colleges by States

MDS gives several job opportunities in dentistry. Listed below are some of the top institutions offering MDS in various states:

MDS Specialisations

The course of MDS covers different specialisations. Candidates can choose the specialisation as per their taste and preferences. Some of the MDS specialisations are listed below:

  • Oral Pathology & Microbiology
  • Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopedics
  • Oral Medicine & Radiology
  • Pediatric Dentistry
  • Paedodontics & Preventive Dentistry

What after MDS?

In India, the Master of Dental Surgery (MDS) degree has a huge scope and is expanding quickly every day. The relevant skills, qualifications, and practice location all play a major role in this. The graduates can work in private and government hospitals and clinics. They can also further study in a similar field and join research programmes.

Careers Opportunities after MDS

The job opportunities available for MDS graduates have been mentioned below. One can earn a better income through the below available jobs.

Dental Surgeon: Dental surgeons are medical professionals who identify and treat oral and dental conditions. They diagnose and treat gum, tooth, and other oral disorders as well as create dentures. They assist the patients by educating them on oral hygiene practices and ways to preserve healthy teeth and gums.

Dentist: Dentists check, diagnose and treat diseases related to teeth or oral cavities. They advise patients on how to maintain tooth hygiene, things to follow to keep a healthy gum and more.

Lecturer: Senior doctors with an MD or MDS degree who have professional experience teaching in medical colleges. Most of the time, the physicians affiliated with government hospitals serve as consulting instructors for the students at the affiliated colleges.

Top Recruiters

Some of the top recruiters that hire MDS graduates are mentioned below:

  • All India Institute of Medical Sciences
  • Apollo Group
  • Indian Nursing Council
  • Fortis Hospitals
  • Manipal Group
  • Medica

Salary after MDS Degree

The salary of dental graduates depends upon their calibre and experience. Aspirants can earn a handsome salary both in the private and government sectors. Below, we have mentioned the salary after the MDS degree:

Job ProfilesAverage Salary

Dental Surgeon

Rs. 4.2 LPA

Dentist

Rs. 3.6 LPA

Lecturer

Rs. 4.0 LPA

Source: Ambitionbox

Note: These salary figures may vary depending on various factors, such as designation, experience, skills, and job location.

Employment Areas

MDS graduates can join hospitals, other healthcare facilities, and universities. Students who have pursued MDS can also practise individually. Below, we have mentioned some of the employment areas after graduating with an MDS degree programme:

  • Dental Clinics
  • Government hospitals
  • Dental Institutions
  • Pharmaceutical Companies
  • Dental Products Manufactures
  • Private Practice

Top Private MDS Colleges in India with Fees

In India, there are several private MDS colleges. Private university education is significantly more expensive than public university education. Some of the top private MDS Colleges are discussed below:

Top Government MDS Colleges in India with Fees

Attending a government-run college is less expensive than attending a private college. The following are some of the best government MDS colleges:

CollegesFees
AIIMS Delhi

-

AIIMS Jodhpur

-

AIIMS Raipur

Rs. 5,000

KGMU Lucknow

Rs. 2.23 Lakhs

IMS BHU

Rs. 1.08 Lakhs

JIPMER Puducherry

Rs. 43,000

LHMC Delhi

-

UPUMS Saifai

-

MDS is a postgraduate programme in dentistry. MDS graduates can work in clinics and private and government hospitals as dentists, dental surgeons and more.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is doing MDS very difficult?

It depends on each student. MDS is much harder than BDS and your journey during MDS will be very different from undergraduate.

2. Is MDS a good career option after BDS?

MDS is a must after completion of the BDS course. The awareness is going to increase regarding the further specialities of dentistry and being well-versed in one can give lots of confidence to candidates.

3. What are the number of seats available for MDS courses?

A total of 6377 MDS seats are available in 259 colleges in India including AIIMS, JIPMER and PGIMER.

4. Is doing MDS really worth a career prospect?

People who have done MDS not just for salary but also it upgrades their career and self-esteem. But after M.D.S. it will take at least 2 to 3 years to practice, till then the profit will be low, so patience is the key to success.

5. I want to prepare for MDS. How do I start?

BDS graduates need to start preparing for MDS from the internship level. Also, it is crucial to start learning things during practice.

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Questions related to M.D.S.

Have a question related to M.D.S. ?

Hello Nikita,

With a rank of 52 in the INICET MDS November 2024, you have a promising chance of securing a seat, particularly in highly regarded institutions. Here are some key points to consider:

  1. Past Cutoffs : Analyzing previous years' cutoffs for MDS courses shows that top ranks typically secure seats in reputable institutions, such as AIIMS New Delhi and JIPMER.

  2. Seat Availability : The allocation depends on the seat matrix, which may vary by the number of seats and the category under which you apply.

  3. Institution Preferences : Prioritize participation in all counseling rounds, as seats often become available as higher-ranked candidates finalize their choices.

  4. Backup Planning : Consider options at newer or less competitive AIIMS campuses for better chances.

This combination should give you a clear pathway toward securing a spot in an esteemed dental institution.

To know more about the cutoffs, visit : https://medicine.careers360.com/articles/ini-cet-seat-matrix

Or you can use the college predictor to predict whether you can get seat of not : https://medicine.careers360.com/ini-cet-college-predictor

Hope it helps !

Hi

PhD courses after completing MDS in the dental field at KNRUHS ( Kaloji Narayana Rao University of Health Sciences ) . courses generally focus on advanced research and academic excellence .

Here's some potential PhD courses :

1. PhD in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

Focuses on depth research into surgical procedures , facial trauma , jaw diseases and reconstruction techniques .

2. PhD in Prosthodontics

Specializes in advanced prosthetic designs , maxillofacial prosthetics and rehabilitation for patients with missing teeth / oral structures .

3. PhD in Periodontics

Emphasizes research in periodontal disease prevention , treatment , implant dentistry and regeneration of gum tissue .

4. PhD in Orthodontics

Centers on innovative orthodontic procedures , biomechanics , craniofacial growth and technology development for dental alignment .

5. PhD in Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics

Deals with restorative dentistry techniques , root canal therapies  and research into dental biomaterials .

For more details check out link given below :

https://www.careers360.com/university/kaloji-narayana-rao-university-of-health-sciences-warangal

Hello aspirant,

The counseling process for NEET MDS 2024 is now complete. The final seat allocation outcome for the Online Stray Vacancy Round, or Round 4, was announced on September 7, 2024. Out of 159 available seats, seats have been awarded to as many as 40 contenders. The period of the institute reporting process was September 9, 2024, to September 14, 2024. The NEET MDS counseling 2024 is now in its last and final round. In the event that there are open seats, MCC may declare additional rounds. Nonetheless, the counseling procedure might begin over in light of the modified cutoff.

Thank you

Hope it helps you

Hey there! Thanks for reaching out to Careers360 about this. I understand your concern about the MDS 2024 situation.

Oof, that's a tricky spot you're in with the MGR University eligibility certificate application being closed. I can see why you're worried about future state counselling.

To be honest, the eligibility certificate is usually pretty crucial for state counselling. But don't panic just yet - sometimes there are exceptions or alternative processes, especially if there have been recent changes to cut-offs or timelines.

Here's what I'd suggest:

1. Try contacting MGR University directly. They might have some guidance for students in your situation.

2. Keep an eye out for any announcements from the state counselling authority. They might address this issue if other students are in the same boat.

3. It might be worth checking with other MDS aspirants or recent candidates on forums or social media groups. Sometimes other students have helpful info or workarounds.

If you'd like, I can try to find some more specific information about the MDS counselling process in your state. Just let me know if that would be helpful.

Hang in there! These admission processes can be stressful, but there's often a solution if we dig a bit deeper.

Hello aspirant,

If you were unable to lock your choices in Round 4 MDS counseling and it's still showing unlocked, you should contact the counseling authorities immediately.

There might be a technical glitch or a specific reason why you couldn't lock your choices. It's important to address this issue promptly to avoid losing your seat or facing any other consequences.

Here are some steps you can take:

  1. Contact Counseling Authorities: Reach out to the relevant counseling authorities through their helpline, website, or email. Explain your situation and ask for assistance in locking your choices.
  2. Check for Deadlines: Ensure that you are within the deadline for locking your choices. If the deadline has passed, you may need to explore other options or wait for the next round.
  3. Technical Issues: If you suspect a technical issue, provide as much detail as possible to the authorities so they can troubleshoot the problem.

By taking these steps, you can hopefully resolve the issue and ensure that your choices are locked in for Round 4 MDS counseling.


I hope this information helps you.





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