What are the MDS Eligibility and Admission Criteria?




MDS Degree

Introduction

Numerous specialisation options exist in the area of dentistry, and earning a Master of Dental Surgery (MDS) has grown in popularity among recent dental graduates. Additionally, there are approximately 7,000 MDS Dental seats available in more than 200 dental colleges in India. But, comprehending the MDS Course eligibility requirements and procedure can be challenging.

Given this circumstance, our blog aims to provide comprehensive information to aspiring dental professionals who are planning to join MDS curricula.

Master of Dental Surgery- Course Information

The MDS programme aims to educate students on the medical side of dentistry. Additionally, it gives students in-depth knowledge of dentistry through a variety of specialisations and practical training that will aid them in pursuing a successful career in dental and oral health. Furthermore, this course curriculum includes seminars, class discussions, lectures, workshops, conferences, etc, for students' overall development.

Below are some MDS course details, as offered by one of India's top colleges, Mansarovar Dental College:

Level of Study Postgraduate
Master of Dental Surgery course duration 3 years (full-time course)
Minimum Requirement Complete a BDS programme at a college or university that has been accredited by the Dental Council of India.
Admission Process Both merit and entrance-based
Average Course Fee Ranges between INR 4 to 5 lakhs per year

The prominent MDS subjects available at the Mansarovar Dental College include:

  • Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics
  • Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics
  • Periodontics
  • Prosthodontics and Crown & Bridge

Also Read: Career Options After MDS In Oral Medicine And Radiology?

What Components Make up the MDS Eligibility Criteria?

Candidates must meet specific eligibility requirements in order to be accepted into a Master of Dental Surgery programme. Nevertheless, maximum dental institutions generally adhere to the following standards:

Educational Qualification

Applicants must obtain a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) degree from an accredited dental college. Moreover, the Dental Council of India or any other comparable authority in one's country must accredit the institution where one obtains their BDS degree.

Internship Completion

The MDS eligibility criterion also mandates candidates to complete a one-year mandatory rotational internship after receiving their BDS degree. Additionally, the internship must be completed in a dental college or hospital that has been approved by the Dental Council of India.

Minimum Percentage

Many universities have established minimal academic standards, frequently in the form of a minimum passing score on the BDS exams. For instance, some universities may demand an overall BDS exam score of at least 50%, while others may have greater or lower requirements, depending on a variety of factors.

Also Read: Why is an MDS Degree Required After BDS?

Admission Process for a Master of Dental Surgery Course

The MDS admission process normally has several stages, and each institution may have its unique procedure. However, the general steps, which are likewise followed by the Mansarovar Dental College are as follows:

Step 1: Application Form

The application form must be completed either online or in person at the college's admissions office by interested applicants. However, the form often asks for biographical information, academic background, an internship completion certificate, and documentation of Dental Council registration. It is, therefore, essential to thoroughly complete the application form and attach all required papers in the manner stated.

Step 2: Entrance Examination

Performance in a national-level or institution-specific entrance exam is frequently a requirement for admission to MDS studies. Nevertheless, Mansarovar Dental College requires applicants to register for the NEET PG exam, which evaluates applicants' dental knowledge, understanding, and problem-solving skills. Furthermore, there are additional prerequisites determining NEET MDS eligibility.

Step 3: Release of Merit List

Based on students' test results, the institution creates a merit list following the entrance exam. When creating the final merit list, it occasionally also takes into account things like prior academic performance, professional experience, and other things. And, candidates that reach the cutoff requirement are shortlisted for subsequent rounds of selection.

Step 4: Counseling and Seat Allocation

After being shortlisted, candidates are called for counselling sessions so they can practise their chosen expertise. Additionally, throughout the counselling procedure, the college assigns seats to candidates depending on the merit list and the availability of seats. Therefore, students who are offered a seat must finish the admission in MDS requirements, such as document verification and fee payment, within the allotted period.

Can I do MDS without NEET?

Since the dental institutes spread out across the nation severely demand a legitimate NEET score from the applicants, students are not allowed to pursue an MDS without taking the National Eligibility Cum Entrance Test (NEET). And, as per the latest updates of 2023, the NEET MDS qualification marks is 272 for the General category candidates, while for the SC/ST/OBC candidates, it is 238. Nevertheless, the National Board of Examinations (NBE) administers the NEET MDS (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for Master of Dental Surgery) at the national level to determine applicants' eligibility for admission to various MDS programmes.

Requirements of NEET MDS

Take a glimpse of the eligibility criteria for NEET MDS 2023:

  • Candidates must be at least 20 years old.
  • Applicants must possess a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) from a university that has been approved by DCI.
  • He/She must be registered (permanently or provisionally) with the State Dental Council (SDC) or the Dental Council of India (DCI).
  • Additionally, students must have finished a 12-month obligatory rotational internship.

Final Thoughts

For dental graduates, pursuing a Master of Dental Surgery (MDS) can be a fruitful endeavour. Aspiring applicants must therefore be aware of the MDS eligibility and admission requirements. We believe that our blog will be useful in providing a summary of the overall admissions procedure, the value of entrance examinations, merit lists, and other elements. Furthermore, following these guidelines can enhance your chances of securing admission to the desired programme and embarking on a fulfilling career in dentistry.

FAQ's


1. Which of the top profiles may you pursue after earning an MDS?

You can work as a dentist, dental researcher, dental hygienist, practitioner, etc, after completing an MDS course. Additionally, MDS degree holders may earn an average annual salary of between INR 6.3 to 7 LPA.

2. How many attempts are there for NEET MDS?

A maximum of three attempts at the NEET MDS are permitted. Additionally, the maximum age is 25 years for unreserved categories and 30 years for reserved categories, meaning that reserved category candidates have a 5-year age relaxation.

3. What is a good NEET MDS score?

In our country, a score of 650 or higher is regarded as a respectable NEET MDS result, which shall enable you to enrol in some of India's top dental institutions.

4. Is BDS compulsory for MDS?

Yes, BDS is the only accredited and acknowledged dental programme in India that is required to pursue a career in dentistry. So, obtaining this degree from a dental college or institute approved by the Dental Council of India marks a mandatory MDS eligibility criterion.

5. What are the advantages of pursuing an MDS course?

  • Higher Education Knowledge
  • Specialised Dental Studies
  • Increased Research Opportunities
  • Extended Career Pathways
  • Handsome Salary Package

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