SGT University
- Fees: ₹ 1102500
- Exams: NEET MDS
What is Public Health Dentistry
Public Health Dentistry (DPH) is the branch of dentistry that promotes professional oral health care by providing preventive and curative methods for oral infections to the community or population instead of handling individual patients at the clinic. Public Health Dentists responsibility is to encourage the oral health of society and generate consciousness about it within the popular of all age groups. With the increasing population, it becomes complicated to provide equal health services to the communities, and dental care is most often overlooked by people as compared to any other health inspection.
People, especially in rural zones or impoverished areas, have a general idea that brushing teeth twice a day is the only oral care you would ever need, but it is more than that. Oral care requires proper checkups every six months, just like any separate body checkup. Lack of education and loss of understanding are the prime elements of its laxity, and to encourage this at the public level that is when Public Health Dentistry comes to the rescue.
Eligibility Criteria (UG & PG) of Public Health Dentistry
Public Health Dentistry is a postgraduate course and the aspirants interested in pursuing it must have completed their Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) degree from a college or a university in India and issued by the Dental Council of India (DCI) with the approval of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) and the work experience as a practitioner for a certain period is required before enrolling in the course.
However, there is an exception, aspirants who have completed their Bachelor of Dental Surgery degree (BDS) from Jammu and Kashmir are not eligible to give NEET MDS exam. Only the Government of India will nominate certain candidates and those candidates need to submit the duly signed affidavit stating that the Government of India (GoI) nominated the candidate is going to be eligible to give this exam.
A minimum aggregate score of 55 per cent or equivalent CGPA at the level of graduation is also a must.
Public Health Dentistry Entrance Exams
Public Health Dentistry is a post-graduation course, so it requires fulfilment of a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) or MBBS first then only the pupil is eligible to give an entrance exam for further studying this course.
National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for Master of Dental Surgery (NEET MDS)- It is a national level entrance exam held for the selection of eminent candidates into Masters of Dental Surgery (MDS). A graduate has to clear the expected cut-off along with an aptitude test which comprises group discussion and personal interview (PI) as a part of the counselling procedure to get admission into Government college and overall 273 colleges in India accept admission for MDS through this exam. 6,501 seats out of which nearly 20,000 students apply for this examination.
| NEET MDS Application Form | NEET MDS Dates | NEET MDS Eligibility |
| NEET MDS Exam Pattern | NEET MDS Results | NEET MDS Cut off |
College Predictors VIEW ALL
Scope of Public Health Dentistry in India and Abroad
MDS in Public Health Dentistry is an emerging field and has a good scope. Most of the Primary Health Dentists are primarily recruited in government background and there is more of an office work which includes gathering data and information and then working on to correct the loopholes in the public health sector. The work also includes working in government-funded dental clinics and hospitals, practitioners of the discipline in railways, community healthcare services, and military hospitals. It does not include actual training, but with work experience in this field, one can get involved in the planning of various policies concerning oral care and public oral hygiene.
Apart from working in government or doing desk job one can also as work as a Professor in the academic sector as well and jobs in various private NGOs working for the welfare of the society and public health are also available and the salary varies depending on the sector you work at but on an average Public, Health Dentist earns Rs four lakhs to twenty Lakhs per annum.
Course Fees Public Health Dentistry
| Minimum Fees | Maximum Fees | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Private | Government | Private | Government | |
| UG |
15.00 Lakhs
M.D.S. in Public Health Dentistry at Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kochi Campus
|
46.00 K
M.D.S. in Public Health Dentistry at University of Delhi, Delhi
|
15.00 Lakhs
M.D.S. in Public Health Dentistry at Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kochi Campus
|
46.00 K
M.D.S. in Public Health Dentistry at University of Delhi, Delhi
|
| PG |
47.00 K
M.Sc. in Public Health Dentistry at Shri Venkateshwara University, Amroha
|
70.50 K
M.D.S. in Public Health Dentistry at Dr YSR University of Health Sciences, Vijayawada
|
41.24 Lakhs
M.D.S. in Public Health Dentistry at Amrita School of Dentistry, Kochi
|
2.23 Lakhs
M.D.S. in Public Health Dentistry at King George's Medical University, Lucknow
|
| DOCTORAL |
2.02 Lakhs
Ph.D in Public Health Dentistry at Teerthanker Mahaveer University, Moradabad
|
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Data not available
|
9.12 Lakhs
Ph.D in Public Health Dentistry at Shree Guru Gobind Singh Tricentenary University, Gurgaon
|
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Data not available
|
| DIPLOMA |
5.74 Lakhs
Diploma in Public Health Dentistry at Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara University, Dharwad
|
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Data not available
|
5.74 Lakhs
Diploma in Public Health Dentistry at Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara University, Dharwad
|
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Data not available
|
Course Subjects
- Microbiology
- Health care
- Research methods and statistics
MDS in Public Health Dentistry Subjects
MDS in Public Health Dentistry is a two years postgraduate degree which comprises of four semesters and various subjects that provide knowledge. Here is the table shown for the subjects included in Public Health Dentistry.
Oral Histology | Behavioral Sciences |
Microbiology | Practice Management |
Applied Pharmacology | Planning and Evaluation |
Oral Biology and Genetics | Preventive Dentistry |
Dental Public Health | Evaluation of Quality of Dental Care |
Epidemiology of Oral Diseases and Conditions | Delivery of Dental Care |
General Epidemiology | Oral Survey Procedures |
Nutrition in Public Health | Forensic Medicine and Pathology |
Public Health Practice and Administration System in India | Payment of Dental Care |
Research method and Biostatics | Certain subjects also vary from institution to institution. |
Health Care Delivery System | Ethics and Jurisprudence |
Public Health Education | Environmental Health |
Careers in Public Health Dentistry
As mentioned earlier, with the rise of public health awareness the demand for Public Health Dentists is high especially in the government sector which means a handsome salary, job security, and above all one will serve its nation by contributing towards the society and raising awareness about a particular thing is itself a good amount of work along with researches, surveys, and other analysis but it will help you grow as a person too and this job requires a good amount of skill sets, patience, endurance and an attitude of learning something new.
Upcoming trends
The government is focusing more on public health as compared to earlier and as for the oral care of the population Public Health Dentists are in high demand and their demand will continue to rise for the next few years and this will also lead to advancement in trends and topics in dentistry. Some upcoming trends in dentistry which will contribute to Public Health Dentistry includes. And this will only continue to rise by the passage of time.
| Robot Dentists Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Robotics | Digital Impressions |
| Dental 3D Printers | Automated Patient tracking and Management Software |
| Laser Dentistry | Natural Dental Products |
Job Profiles and Top Recruiters
Public Health Dentistry Job Profiles and Top Recruiters-
Public Health Dentistry is still an unexplored job that is in high demand and will continue to rise for the next half-century, especially by the government as it contributes significantly to public health services and people are still unaware of proper oral care and oral hygiene, so the government is hiring Public Health Dentists to fill this role. Hospitals, integrative healthcare clinics, physician practises, public health clinics, and other healthcare settings are among the government recruiters.
Some job profiles that fall under Public Health Dentistry are as follows:
Job Profile | Description |
Healthcare Administrator | Healthcare Administrator works to look at non-clinical operations led by the Public Health Organizations such as hospitals, medical facilities, and other medical departments, and he works to look at various public health care threats and works with his team to counter that. |
Dental Surgeon | Dental Surgeon masters in doing surgeries related to oral care such as tooth removal or a root canal and even removal of an oral tumour, if expertise. |
Community Counsellor | Community Counsellor provides counselling to the community or population and discuss problems related to oral care and raise awareness about oral hygiene. |
Public Health Inspector | Public Health Inspectors works to promote counterattacks from health hazards throughout and also enforces public health policies. |
Community Program Manager | Community Program Manager works to develop new strategies and programs that need to be carried out for public health care. He leads and manages the entire process with his team. |
Professor | One who studied Public Health Dentistry can also become a professor in a college or university if not interested in doing the main fieldwork as a Public Health Dentist |
Public Health Dentistry Top Recruiters
Because of the shortage of Public Health Dentists, they are in high demand, especially in the government sector they get jobs if they have the right skills required. Public Health Scientists can also work with NGOs whether to be government-funded or private to serve society.
Average Salary
Average Salary after Public Health Dentistry Course
As the demand for Public Health Dentists is on the rise, they are paid high. The average salary of Public Health Dentists ranges from anything between Rs. 4 Lakhs to Rs. 6 Lakhs per annum. But it primarily varies on the job position. Here is the list of the salary of certain job positions of Public Health Dentist below.
Job Positions | Salary |
Healthcare Administrator | Rs. 8 Lakhs p.a. (Approx.) |
Dental Surgeon | Rs. 3.5 Lakhs p.a. (Approx.) |
Community Counselor | Rs. 4 Lakhs p.a. (Approx.) |
Public Health Inspector | Rs. 5 Lakhs p.a. (Approx.) |
Community Program Manager | Rs. 20 Lakhs p.a. (Approx.) |
Professor | Rs. 6 Lakhs p.a. (Approx.) |
Required Skillset for Public Health Dentistry
Practical knowledge along with theoretical knowledge is equal in dentistry, but the requirement of skill sets extends more when one aims to become a Public Health Dentist. Therefore, skill-sets are the most important aspects of Public Health Dentistry.
Here is a list of some major skill sets for Public Health Dentistry:
Good Analytical Skills- Research, data collection, surveys, and analysis needs to be carried out by the Public Health Dentist frequently to keep a record of the population along with coming up with the ideas to spread more awareness about oral care.
Communications Skills- Both verbal and written communication skills are required in this field as it requires explaining about oral care and dental health initiatives to the public and writing surveys, records, discussing current and upcoming policies with the lawmakers requires excellent communication skills.
Teamwork- Leadership along with teamwork is required in this field as one person cannot carry out all the tasks, so every Public Health Dentist has a small team he works and coordinates with.
Patience and Endurance- It is one of the most important characteristics every Public Health Dentist must possess as this field requires long working hours and the strength to endure the pressure of the work is the most.
Public Health Dentists must move their residence as per the work requirements because if you are working in a government sector, transfers of the employees occur every few years.
Course Curriculum for Public Health Dentistry
Curriculum for MDS in Public Health Dentistry imparts theoretical and practical knowledge to contribute towards all-round development. Combining the various concepts of Dental public health & Dental Epidemiology, Preventive Dentistry, Environmental Health, Public Health Practice & Administration Family planning, Behavioural Sciences, Public health nutrition, Public health education, Epidemiology, and Biostatistics. All these are the key concepts which to be studied in Public Health Dentistry along with practical knowledge which involves working in this field as an intern or as an assistant and doing regular researches and surveys helps to gain experience.
Popular Public Health Dentistry Entrance Exams in India
Popular Public Health Dentistry Colleges in India VIEW ALL
KUHS Thrissur
- Exams: NEET MDS
YSRUHS Vijayawada
- Exams: NEET PG
RUHS Jaipur
- Exams: NEET MDS
MMU Mullana
- Exams: NEET MDS
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Question: What’s the major dentist between the dentist and public health dentist?
Answer :
The difference is that Public Health Dentists also carry the same undergraduate degree as any other clinical dentist but the work of Public Health Dentists is not treating individual patients but the community and they also work to raise awareness about public oral care and the other hazards related to it.
Question: How much money is spent to pursue this course?
Answer :
It varies from institution to institution. If the institution is government-funded it varies anywhere between 50,000-80,000 Rupees and if the institution is private it can cost anywhere up to 35,00,000 Rupees.
Question: How much is the weekly work duration of a Public Health Dentist?
Answer :
Public Health Dentist works anywhere between 36 to 40 hours a week and this can vary depending on the job position and various other factors.
Question: Is there any undergraduate program for Public Health Dentistry?
Answer :
No, Public Health Dentistry is a three years postgraduate master’s degree and the person is eligible for this course only when they have completed their Bachelor in Dental Surgery (BDS) and have a dental certificate issued by DCI.
Question: Does Public Health Dentistry require infield work?
Answer :
Public Health Dentistry is more of office work as you have to make reports, surveys, and carry out analysis for the promotion of oral care. But, depending on the position you’re allowed it also requires going to local communities and carrying out their oral checkup.
Questions related to Public Health Dentistry
Showing 3 out of 3 Questions
53 Views
I have got AIR 8540 in neetmds , how about to choose public health dentistry, will there be a scope n worth to do it . will I get in state councelling .
30th Sep, 2021
Hello Buddy! Hope you're doing good.
MDS in Public Health Dentistry has fair scope ,if you do it in colleges which will allow you to do clinical work on patients and study as well. Many dental colleges hold comprehensive clinics where the PGs of the Non-Clinical departments are given clinical exposure in treating patients and performing all kinds of treatment. This allows you to keep your avenues open and arms you to be able to have your own dental practice.
A master’s degree in public health will create more career opportunities in the field of social work. You can work at Health facilities which deal with wellness, illness, nutrition and overall health consciousness. It is perhaps the most direct way to engage with the public and see their health improve.
One can earn INR 15,000 to Rs. 30,000 as freshers per month depending on the type of jobs they have applied for and the hospitals or dental clinics where they are working and after pursuing MDS the chances of earning a better salary are high as an MDS usually makes 4 to 6 lakh per annum.
With your AIR 8540, there's scope of getting a seat, you can apply for your all india counselling as well as your state counselling or if you want then some other state's counselling too. If you want you can also go through the link :-
https://www.careers360.com/courses/public-health-dentistry-course
Hope this will help.
ALL THE BEST! WORK HARD !!
Answer later 194 Views
Scope of MDS in public health dentistry in India
21st Oct, 2020
Hi Aspirant,
As in India, Public Health Dentistry is a branch of general dentistry that involves dispensing professional oral health care at the community level. M.D.S in Public Health Dentistry is a 3-year full-time post graduate course divided across 4 semesters. Public Health Dentistry is a branch of general dentistry that involves dispensing professional oral health care at the community level.
Students enrolled to the course are trained to practice the discipline towards prevention and control of dental diseases.
72 Views
does govt dental college shimla offer mds in public health dentistry?if yes whats the criteria?
23rd Dec, 2019
Hey Shivani.
Yes. H.P Goverment Dental college, Shimla does offer MDS in public health dentistry.
For an admission here you have to take NEET PG and should have a BDS degree from any dental college recognized by DCI and should have completed an internship. You have to know that this college only offers 15-20 seats in public health dentistry.
hope this helped
all the best
