MDS, which stands for Master of Dental Surgery, is a three-year postgraduate program that offers advanced training in different areas of dentistry. It is designed for dental graduates who want to gain deeper knowledge and skills in specialisations such as Oral Surgery, Orthodontics, Prosthodontics, and more.
To be eligible for MDS, candidates must have completed a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) from a recognised college along with a one-year rotatory internship. Most colleges also require at least 50% marks in BDS to apply.
Admission to MDS courses is mainly through entrance exams, with NEET MDS being the most commonly accepted across India. Other notable exams include AIIMS PG and COMEDK PGET. These exams test your understanding of dental subjects and play a key role in getting admission to top dental colleges for MDS.
MDS stands for Master of Dental Surgery. It is a postgraduate degree that dental students can do after completing BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery). Through this course, dentists can specialize in different areas of dentistry like Oral Surgery, Orthodontics, Prosthodontics, and many more.
This degree helps dentists gain expert knowledge and advanced skills in a specific dental field, so they can treat patients better and grow in their career.
The MDS (Master of Dental Surgery) is a 3-year postgraduate course for students who have completed BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery). This course offers advanced training in different branches of dentistry like Oral Surgery, Orthodontics, and more.
Here’s a quick overview
Field | Details |
Course Name | MDS |
Full Form | Master of Dental Surgery |
Course Duration | 3 Years |
Eligibility | Must have a BDS degree from a recognized college |
Entrance Exam | NEET MDS (national-level exam) or state/university-level exams |
The MDS syllabus may vary slightly depending on the specialization (like Oral Surgery, Orthodontics, Prosthodontics, etc.), but it generally includes theory, practical training, and research work. Here’s a general idea of what students learn during the 3-year course:
Year | Subject Area | Details |
1st Year | Applied Basic Sciences | Anatomy, Physio logy, Biochemistry, Pathology, Microbiology. |
Research Methodology & Biostatistics | Basics of research, statistical methods, data analysis. | |
Introduction to Specialisation | Introduction to specialisation topics, literature review. | |
2nd Year | Advanced Specialisation Subjects | In-depth study of specialisation topics (e.g., Oral Surgery, Prosthodontics, Orthodontics). |
Clinical Practice | Hands-on training, patient management, case studies. | |
Seminars and Workshops | Participation in seminars, case discussions, and workshops. | |
3rd Year | Clinical & Practical Training | Advanced clinical procedures, surgeries, and treatment planning. |
Dissertation/Thesis Work | Research project, thesis submission, viva voce. | |
Final Examination Preparation | Revision of the entire syllabus, mock exams, and clinical exams. |
Note : Each MDS specialisation has specific subjects related to that field. Students are also evaluated through internal assessments, practical tests, and a final exam at the end of the course.
MDS lets dentists specialize in different areas of dental care. This helps them become experts in a particular field. Here are some common specialisations and what they focus on:
Specialization | What It Focuses On |
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery | Surgery of the mouth, jaws, and face |
Conservative Dentistry & Endodontics | Treating tooth decay and performing root canals |
Prosthodontics & Crown & Bridge | Replacing missing teeth with dentures, crowns, or bridges |
Periodontology | Prevention and treatment of gum diseases |
Oral Pathology & Microbiology | Diagnosing diseases inside the mouth |
Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopedics | Fixing crooked teeth and jaw alignment |
Pediatric Dentistry | Dental care specially for children |
Public Health Dentistry | Promoting oral health and preventing dental problems in communities |
Oral Medicine & Radiology | Diagnosing mouth diseases using X-rays and other scans |
The main exam to get admission in MDS courses in India is:
To apply for MDS, you need to fulfill these requirements:
Note: Some colleges may have slightly different rules, so always check the eligibility details of the college you want to apply to.
The usual steps to get admission in MDS are
Specialization | Approximate Total Fees |
Endodontics (Root Canal Treatment) | ₹21–60 lakhs |
Orthodontics (Braces & Alignment) | ₹21–60 lakhs |
Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery | ₹21–60 lakhs |
Prosthodontics (Dental Prosthetics) | ₹21–35 lakhs |
Pediatric Dentistry (Children’s Dental Care) | ₹12–30 lakhs |
Periodontics (Gum Treatment) | ₹11–24 lakhs |
Oral Medicine & Radiology | ₹9–15 lakhs |
Oral Pathology & Microbiology | ₹6–15 lakhs |
Public Health Dentistry | ₹12–18 lakhs |
Here are some of the well-known colleges offering MDS courses in India:
Feature | BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery) | MDS (Master of Dental Surgery) |
Degree Level | Undergraduate | Postgraduate |
Duration | 5 years (including 1-year internship) | 3 years |
Focus | General dental education and basic procedures | Specialized training in a specific area of dentistry |
Eligibility | Completion of 10+2 with science subjects and NEET qualification | BDS degree from a recognized institution and qualifying entrance exams |
Scope | Basic dental care, preventive treatments | Advanced treatments, surgeries, research, and teaching |
Career Options | General dentist, dental officer in armed forces, private practice | Specialist dentist (e.g., Orthodontist, Oral Surgeon), lecturer, researcher |
Entrance Exam | NEET (for BDS admission) | NEET MDS or other state-level exams |
MDS (Master of Dental Surgery) is a postgraduate degree that allows dentists to specialize in specific areas of dental care. Building upon the foundation of a BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery), MDS provides in-depth knowledge and advanced skills in fields like Orthodontics, Oral Surgery, and more.
Pursuing an MDS involves dedicated academic preparation, including excelling in BDS and clearing competitive entrance exams like NEET MDS. With commitment and hard work, dentists can achieve expertise in their chosen specialization, leading to enhanced career opportunities and the ability to offer advanced treatments to patients.
Q1: How many years does it take to complete MDS after BDS?
Ans: The MDS program typically takes 3 years to complete after finishing your BDS degree.
Q2: Which is better: BDS or MDS?
Ans: MDS offers specialization in a specific dental field, leading to higher earning potential and more diverse career opportunities compared to BDS, which provides general dental education.
Q3: Can I pursue MDS after completing MBBS?
Ans: No, MDS is specifically designed for those who have completed a BDS degree. MBBS graduates can pursue postgraduate degrees like MD or MS in medical fields.
Q4: Is NEET mandatory for MDS admission?
Ans: Yes, NEET MDS is the mandatory entrance exam for admission to MDS programs in India. All candidates must qualify in this exam to secure a seat in MDS courses.