MDS Admission: Eligibility, Branches, Career & Top Colleges

MDS stands for Master of Dental Surgery. It's a postgraduate degree awarded in the field of dentistry, typically lasting three years. The program includes one year of mandatory training. After MBBS, MDS is one of the most sought-after degrees in medical science, enabling graduates to become expert dentists. Dental schools train you to work in government or private hospitals, or to open your own clinic. Beyond serving people, a career in dental science is highly attractive right now. Demand for MDS graduates is strong abroad as well.

Eligibility for MDS Course

The basic qualification for the MDS course is a BDS degree. You must hold a Bachelor's degree in Dental Surgery or a provisional passing certificate in BDS, or an equivalent qualification from any Indian dental university recognized by the Dental Council of India (DCI). Additionally, you must have completed or be in the process of completing a one-year internship or practical training. This training must be done in a dental college approved or recognized by the Government of India.

Branches of MDS

To pursue MDS, you first need to select a specialization. The main branches are:

Oral Maxillofacial Surgery (OMFS or OMS): Specializes in surgery of the face, mouth, and jaws. Oral surgeons treat conditions, defects, injuries, and aesthetic aspects of these areas.
Operative Dentistry: Focuses on restoring defective parts of teeth caused by trauma, disease, or abnormal development to normal health, function, and aesthetics.
Prosthetic Dentistry or Prosthodontics: Also known as Restorative Dentistry, this branch deals with procedures to keep your mouth healthy and functional. This includes making dentures, placing dental implants, filling cavities, and fitting crowns.
Orthodontics: A special branch that focuses on correcting bites, occlusion, and the straightness of teeth. Orthodontists perform functions like taking cephalometric and panoramic X-rays, impressions, bonding, and making orthodontic adjustments.
Paedodontics: This branch deals with children's teeth, specializing in the care and management of dental health from birth through adolescence. It's also known as pediatric dentistry.
Preventive Dentistry: As the name suggests, this area helps avoid cavities, gum disease, and enamel wear through proper care. It includes daily brushing, flossing, routine cleanings, sealants, X-rays, and fluoride treatments.
Periodontics: Periodontists specialize in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal (gum) disease. They are also experts in treating oral inflammation and placing dental implants.

Internship

The internship provides practical knowledge of what you've studied in theory. It's a chance to refine your skills and gain hands-on experience before starting your actual career.

Career After MDS

After completing MDS, you have numerous options. Dentists can find employment in both government and private sectors, though many choose private practice. Potential job roles include:

Dental Surgeon
Oral Pathologist
Consultant
Community Dentist
Dental Forensic Expert
Professor/Lecturer
Public Health Specialist

Areas of Working After MDS

If you prefer employment, several fields offer high respect and good salaries:

Dental Clinics and Hospitals
Dental Equipment Manufacturers
Dental Products Manufacturers
Dental Laboratories
Dental Colleges & Research Institutes
Military Services
Pharmaceutical Companies
Private Practice
Research Institutes

Dentistry in the Army

The Army Dental Corps is a collaborative branch of the Army Medical Corps. The Chief of the Dental Corps holds the rank of Colonel and is also called the Deputy Director of Dental Services. The Navy and Air Force have separate dental departments. Recruitment often begins with a short service commission, with a permanent commission offered to some selected officers later.

Other Courses After BDS

Besides MDS, other postgraduate courses are available in dentistry, such as Post-Graduate Diploma programs. These can focus on specific branches like Endodontics or Orthodontics, or provide broader training. Common diplomas include:

Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Dentistry
PG Diploma in Endodontic Practice
Postgraduate Diploma in Dental Studies
PG Diploma in Clinical Research
Diploma in Advanced Restorative Dentistry
PG Diploma in Implant Dentistry
PG Diploma in Dental Education

MDS courses are three years long and can be costly unless you secure a government seat. Diploma courses are often shorter (two years or less) and can be a more focused way to learn a new dental skill.