What is MDS?: Courses, Fees, Top Institutes, Careers & Salary 2025

An MDS degree is a postgraduate Dental course. It gives specialised knowledge and training to students in order to assist them to acquire advanced clinical skills, critical thinking, and research abilities. The Master of Dental Surgery programme will equip students for specialised oral health care and procedures.

MDS, or Master of Dental Surgery, is a medical speciality that focuses solely on the mouth, jaw, dental region, and other facial areas. It focuses on oral and dental hygiene, anatomy, issues, diagnosis, treatment, prevention, intervention, and rehabilitation. The course is designed to provide an in-depth understanding of detailed themes connected to oral and dental health and cleanliness. MDS is a three-year programme. 

Useful Links for MDS courses:

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Students who complete MDS courses obtain decent careers. MDS salaries range from INR 4 Lakhs and INR 8 Lakhs each year. Students who complete the MDS programme can work in the following fields:

• Dental Departments of Hospitals

• Dental Clinics

• Academic Institutions

• Pharmaceutical Research Centres for Oral care products

• Private Dental Clinics

Candidates with an MDS degree will never lack job opportunities. MDS is one of the Medical degrees and is in high demand, and is recruiting in renowned organizations including Fortis Healthcare, Apollo Hospitals, Dental Clinics, ICMR, AIIMS, Health Centers, etc. MDS graduates earn a good amount of salary in India. People often suffer from various oral problems, and come to an oral specialist. The average salary of an MDS graduate is INR 5,00,000.

No, MDS is not same as MBBS.

The main difference between the MBBS and MD is that applicants who want to pursue a career in medicine enrol in the MBBS, which is an undergraduate programme. On the other hand, those who have finished their MBBS might pursue the postgraduate degree of MD.

The primary distinction between the MBBS and MD is that the MBBS is an undergraduate study pursued by applicants who desire to pursue a profession in medicine. MD, on the other hand, is a postgraduate course that applicants who have completed their MBBS can pursue.

A postgraduate degree in Dental sciences is known as an MDS or Master of Dental Surgery. For students who already hold a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) degree, there is a three-year programme. The ability to select a speciality allows students to finish with an MDS degree, which is crucial. Maxillofacial surgery, orthodontics, prosthodontics, and periodontology are a few popular areas of expertise.

Students with an MDS degree have a wide range of work opportunities in both public and commercial hospitals. Candidates can apply for job profiles in a research area where they find treatments for disorders of the mouth. Dentist, dental hygienist, clinical research scientist, general practitioner, lecturer, etc. are a few popular career profiles.

A minimum age of 20 is required for the candidate. Candidates must possess a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) degree from a college or university that has received DCI accreditation. He or she must be a permanent or temporary member of either the State Dental Council (SDC) or the Dental Council of India (DCI).

National Eligibility Requirements NEET MDS, or Entrance Test for Masters of Dentistry Surgery, is an entrance test administered by NBE for admission to all postgraduate dentistry programmes offered by universities in India.

For admission to MDS at AIIMS Delhi, there is no age limit that a student needs to meet to be eligible for the exam. The only minimum requirement for admission to MDS is as follows:

• A pass in MBBS/ BDS degree from a recognised institute
• Candidates must have completed 12 months of internship on or before July 31 of the year of admission

The selection process for MDS is simple you need to apply for undergraduate medical counseling through your NEET mark.The NEET MDS cutoff 2025 score for general category students is 261, while for SC/ ST/ OBC category aspirants, the cutoff is 227.

Scholarships for Master of Dental Surgery (MDS full form) students can provide financial assistance to help cover the costs of tuition, living expenses, and other educational-related expenses. These MDS course scholarships are offered by various institutions, organizations, and government bodies.

Here are some common sources of MDS course scholarships:

• Dr Panjabrao Deshmukh Hostel Maintenance Allowance Scheme

• Rajarshri Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj Fee Reimbursement Scholarship Scheme

• Minority Scholarship, Maharashtra

Candidates seeking admission to the MDS course should meet the minimum requirements that is given below:

• Candidates must have completed their BDS graduation from a dental college recognised by the Dental Council of India (DCI).
• Candidates must have obtained a minimum of 55% in all BDS subjects.
• Candidates must complete their BDS internship before enrolling in the MDS course.

Candidates must take the following dental entrance exams to be eligible for MDS admission:

NEET MDS: NEET MDS is a national-level entrance test conducted by the National Board of Examinations (NBE) for admission to Masters in Dental Sciences (MDS). The exam is scheduled for May 2024.

INI CET: INI CET, or Institutes of National Importance Combined Entrance Test, is a test that one must take to become eligible for admission into premier institutes or institutes of national importance in India. These institutes play a vital role in creating highly skilled individuals, which in turn contribute to the nation's development. INI CET is required for admission into several colleges across various fields. Registration for the January session of INI CET began on September 15, 2023, and ended on October 5. The exam will be conducted on November 5 in computer-based mode.

NEET PG: NEET PG is a national-level entrance exam for postgraduate studies conducted by the National Board of Examinations (NBE). The exam is typically held in the first week of March.

Refer to the table below for their exam dates:

NEET MDS stands for National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for Masters of Dental Surgery. The exam is conducted for providing admissions to all the postgraduate dental courses offered by the institutions in India. The exam is conducted by National Board of Education (NBE) in computer-based mode. NBE holds the exam annually for allotment of around 6200 MDS seats under 50% All India Quota and 50% state quota. After the exam, MCC conducts online counselling for allotment of seats. Only those who qualify the exam with minimum cut off marks qualify for the counselling rounds.

Read more: MDS Admission 

Yes, you can join MDS colleges without appearing for NEET MDS. You can appear for the below-mentioned entrance exams to get accepted into MDS Colleges in India:

• INI CET: INI CET is an abbreviation for Institutes of National Importance Combined Entrance Test. The title INI is granted by the Act of Parliament of India to premier institutes or institutes of national importance. These institutions play a crucial role in creating highly skilled individuals, which in turn helps in the development of the nation directly or indirectly. Several colleges in various fields are conferred with this prestigious title, and to get admission into these institutes, one must appear for INI CET to become eligible. The registration for the INI CET January session began on September 15, 2023, and concluded on October 5. The INI CET exam will be held on November 5 in computer-based mode.
• NEET PG: NEET PG is a national-level PG entrance exam conducted by the NBE(National Board of Examinations). The exams are usually conducted in the first week of March.

Given below is the schedule for NEET PG and INI CET:

 Below mentioned are some of the colleges accepting NEET PG and INI CET:

Preparing for an MDS course entrance exam requires dedication, a well-structured study plan, and effective study strategies. Here are some tips to help you prepare for MDS course entrance exams successfully:

• Develop a comprehensive study plan that outlines what you need to cover and how you will allocate your study time. 

• MDS entrance exams typically test your knowledge in oral pathology, oral medicine, oral and maxillofacial surgery, prosthodontics, orthodontics, periodontics, and other dental specializations. Focus on strengthening your understanding of these core subjects.

• Time management is crucial. Allocate sufficient time to each subject based on its weightage in the exam. Prioritize the topics that carry more marks.

• Solve practice questions and take mock tests to familiarize yourself with the exam pattern. 

• Study previous years' question papers to understand the types of questions that are commonly asked and the level of difficulty.

• During the actual exam, answer the questions you are confident about first and then return to more challenging ones if time allows. 

Candidates must note that book preferences can vary from person to person, and it's a good idea to choose books that align with your specific needs and preferences. Given below is a table of some recommended books for MDS course entrance exams in India.

The admission criteria for MDS courses typically rely on entrance exam performance. Normally, the minimum scores required for admission are disclosed by the relevant medical colleges or counselling authorities during the admission process.

Individuals who surpass the minimum cutoff for INI CET are eligible to engage in the INI CET counselling phase. The cutoff ranking offers candidates an understanding of their potential admission opportunities in particular categories and programs.

Below, candidates can refer to the table for INICET cutoff lists for various prominent colleges offering Master of Dental Surgery (MDS full form in Medical) in India.

The greatest MDS course is Oral Medicine and Radiology. This course covers patient history taking, clinical examination, diagnosis, investigations, radiographic evaluation, and medical management of oral cavity abnormalities.

The specialisation of Diagnosis & Radiology focuses on the diagnosis and medical management of disorders of the Head and Neck. It is a unique dental speciality that integrates Oral Medicine and Craniofacial Radiology. It acts as a link between dentistry and medicine, assisting in the early detection of numerous systemic disorders with oral signs. In such cases, an Oral Medicine, Diagnosis, and Radiology Specialist can determine whether investigations or tests are required to confirm the diagnosis. The majority of the disorders treated by this specialist are chronic diseases, which have a substantial psychological and physical impact on a patient's quality of life. 

Master of Dental Surgery (MDS) is a highly demanding course that requires a lot of hard work and dedication from the students. The course is designed to provide advanced training in various aspects of Dentistry, including oral surgery, Periodontics, Prosthodontics, and Endodontics, among others.

The curriculum of MDS is rigorous and includes both theoretical and practical components. Students are required to attend lectures, seminars, and hands-on training sessions to acquire the necessary skills and knowledge to become a competent Dentist. The course also involves conducting research and presenting papers on various topics related to Dentistry.

The MDS syllabus is generally considered moderate to difficult because it demands both theoretical mastery and clinical expertise. Students are expected to specialize deeply in one dental field like Prosthodontics, Orthodontics, or Oral Surgery.
MDS involves rigorous academics, hands-on surgeries, seminars, research projects, and clinical case management. Dedication, time management, and genuine interest in dentistry are key to handling the syllabus well.

Following your BDS, earning a Master of Dental Surgery (MDS) degree can provide you with a more in-depth understanding of the field. It is the highest educational degree in the field of dentistry and will help you find a job as a dentist at a reputable institution.

Students with an MDS degree are qualified for a variety of professions in public and commercial hospitals. There are employment openings in the research industry for those who want to focus on developing solutions for dental ailments. Dentist, Dental Hygienist, Clinical Research Scientist, General Practitioner, Lecturer, and more popular career job profiles. These job positions pay between INR 3,00,000 and INR 12,00,000 LPA. Salary is heavily influenced by the candidate's experience, expertise, and talents.

MDS is a postgraduate course that will propel you to the top of your academic career. MDS can work as a staff member at any college. Not that a BDS cannot join, but there are no promotions and the starting income is lower. However, for an MDS, there is regular advancement and a greater starting wage.

The BDS programme is India's sole certified professional dental undergraduate course, lasting five years. Simultaneously, MDS is a master's degree that graduates in Dental Science can obtain after completing their undergraduate study.

After completing a MDS degree, there are several career pathways and opportunities available for dentists to further advance their education, skills, and professional growth:

• Clinical Practice: Many MDS graduates choose to pursue careers in clinical practice, either by joining established dental clinics or setting up their own private practices. 

• Academia and Research: Some MDS graduates opt for careers in academia and research. Pursuing a PhD in Dentistry or a related field can further enhance opportunities in academia and research.

• Continuing Education and Certification: MDS graduates can engage in continuing education programs, workshops, and conferences to stay updated with the latest developments and earn additional certifications to enhance their skills and credentials.

There are numerous specialisations offered by MDS Colleges in India. Some of them are mentioned below:

After BDS, you could do a management course in hospital administration or MBA in Hospital Management. If you're not interested in the field, you could always write civil services exam and get into a govt job.

Or, you could go into the research field by doing a Masters course in the public health dentistry and later Ph.D in the same subject. You could also try going abroad to pursue Masters or practice.

MDS courses are PG degree focusing on advanced dental specialities, while BDS is an undergraduate degree providing general dental education.

Candidates can check the table below to see the comparison between the two courses.

Note: This information is sourced from the official website and may vary.

MDS courses are specialized PG degree in Dental studies, while MBBS is an undergraduate degree in medicine that covers a broader range of medical disciplines.

Candidates can check the table below to see the comparison between the two courses.

Note: This information is sourced from the official website and may vary.

MDS courses are PG degrees in dental surgery, focusing on advanced Dental specialities, while MS is a postgraduate degree in medicine or surgery, covering a variety of medical disciplines and specialities.

Candidates can check the table below to see the comparison between the two courses.

Note: This information is sourced from the official website and may vary.

MDS courses are PG programmes in Dental surgery, focusing specifically on dental specialities, while MD is a postgraduate degree in medicine, covering a wide range of medical fields and specialities beyond dentistry.

Candidates can check the table below to see the comparison between the two courses.

Note: This information is sourced from the official website and may vary.

Yes, Please refer to the table below for affordable MDS colleges in India in North side along with their tuition fees and accepted entrance exam:

Disclaimer: This information is sourced from official website and may vary.

Given below are some of the best MDS Colleges in Uttar Pradesh:

Below mentioned are some of the Best MDS Colleges in Delhi/NCR:

For more information around MDS colleges in top states of India, click here.

There are approximately 30+ Government MDS colleges in India and given below is the list of those Colleges with their tuition fees and eligibility/entrance exams if any:

Disclaimer: This information is sourced from official website and may vary.

College ranking matters significantly when selecting an MDS course. A reputed college offers better faculty, superior clinical exposure, advanced lab facilities, and excellent placement opportunities.

Higher-ranked institutions also have stronger patient inflow for clinical practice, updated technology, and research opportunities. Choosing a well-ranked college can improve your career prospects and open doors for fellowships, teaching, and international opportunities.

The level-wise annual salary after completing MDS can vary based on several factors, including the specialisation chosen, the location of practice, years of experience, and the type of employment. Different dental specialities may command different salary levels. It's important to note that the figures provided here are general estimates and may vary:

• Entry-Level: INR 4 - 10 LPA

• Mid-Level: INR 10 - 15 LPA

• Senior-Level: INR 15 - 30 LPA

The average salary for an MDS graduate is INR 11.7 LPA. On the other hand, the average salary for a BDS graduate is INR 3.4 LPA.

Further, both BDS and MDS professionals have the potential to earn competitive salaries, and the specific factors influencing earnings can vary. Individuals should consider their career goals, specialization, location, and other relevant factors when evaluating earning potential in the dental field. Additionally, continuous professional development, staying updated with industry trends, and effective patient management can contribute to long-term success in the dental profession.

The salary of a dentist with a Master of Dental Surgery (MDS) degree in India can vary depending on several factors such as location, years of experience, specialization, and the type of practice (government, private, or corporate). 

Here's a general overview of the salary levels for MDS dentists in India:

• Entry-Level: INR 30,000 - 50,000 per month

• Mid-Level: INR 50,000 - INR 1 Lacs per month

• Senior-Level: INR 1 - 3 LPA

In India, BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery) and MDS (Master of Dental Surgery) are two distinct levels of Dental education, each with its own curriculum, focus, and career outcomes. 

Here are the key differences between BDS and MDS courses:

BDS is a 5-year undergraduate dental programme that includes both theoretical and practical training in various aspects of dentistry. The curriculum covers subjects such as dental anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pathology, microbiology, and clinical dentistry.

MDS is a postgraduate dental programme that generally has a duration of 3 years. The MDS curriculum involves advanced study and training in the chosen specialization, along with research and clinical practice.

No, pursuing MDS after BDS is not compulsory. MDS is a postgraduate specialisation in dentistry, and individuals can choose whether or not to pursue further education after completing their BDS degree. 

After completing BDS, graduates are eligible to practice as general dentists and can provide a range of dental services. 

If a dentist's career goals align with general dental practice, and they are satisfied with the scope of services offered with a BDS degree, pursuing MDS may not be necessary.

No, MDS graduates cannot be called doctor. Typically, the term doctor is reserved for individuals who hold a doctoral degree, such as a PhD, an MD (Doctor of Medicine), or a professional doctorate in fields like Psychology.

In the context of a Master of Dental Surgery (MDS) degree, graduates are not usually referred to as doctors unless they also hold an additional doctoral degree.

Admission to the MDS course in India typically requires clearing the NEET MDS entrance exam. Without appearing for NEET MDS, getting admission into a recognised or top dental college is not possible.

In some rare cases, private colleges may offer seats through management quotas. However, even then, qualifying NEET MDS with minimum marks is mandatory as per government regulations.

Yes, there is good demand for MDS graduates, particularly in specialised fields like Oral Surgery, Endodontics, and Prosthodontics. With rising Dental awareness, cosmetic dentistry, and healthcare needs, MDS professionals are well sought-after.
MDS graduates can work in hospitals, private clinics, research centers, or as faculty in dental colleges.

Opening private practices or pursuing overseas opportunities are also viable and profitable career options.

For students passionate about dentistry, the MDS course is definitely worth the investment. It opens higher-paying roles, academic careers, and the ability to run specialised Dental practices.
Although MDS can be expensive, the long-term returns — in terms of salary, career growth, and professional reputation — make it a smart investment, especially when pursued from a good institution.

The primary selection criterion for an MDS course in India is performance in the NEET MDS exam. Candidates must score above the cutoff marks and secure a rank high enough for their preferred specialization.

In addition to entrance scores, some institutes may consider academic records (BDS marks), internships, and personal interviews during counseling. Reservation categories and state quotas also influence seat allotment.

The NEET MDS entrance exam is conducted online as a computer-based test (CBT). Candidates have to take the exam at designated centers, answering multiple-choice questions on a computer.
The exam tests knowledge across all subjects of the BDS curriculum. The online mode ensures faster evaluation and a smoother, transparent admission process compared to traditional offline exams.

Students who have a strong passion for dentistry and are committed to mastering a specialised field should pursue the MDS course. Those who enjoy clinical practice, patient care, and academic research will thrive.

• Students with excellent manual dexterity and attention to detail.
• Those interested in specializing in fields like Orthodontics, Prosthodontics, etc.
• Students passionate about teaching or conducting dental research.

If you are deeply interested in dentistry and want to specialize beyond BDS, the MDS course might be ideal for you. Consider your long-term career goals and passion for clinical excellence.

• You enjoy diagnosing and solving complex dental cases.

• You are willing to invest 3 more years in deep specialization.

• You seek a career with higher earning potential and academic opportunities.

The MDS course not only sharpens dental knowledge but also builds leadership and critical thinking skills. Here's what you develop:

• Advanced clinical and surgical skills.

• Research, analytical, and problem-solving skills.

• Communication, teamwork, and patient management abilities.

Before committing, it's important to assess your real interest in dental specialization. Volunteering, internships, and speaking to current MDS students can help.

• Shadow MDS professionals during internships.

• Attend Dental seminars or workshops to experience specialised dentistry.

• Reflect on your motivation: is it genuine passion or external pressure?

MDS admissions require specific academic and identity documents. Make sure to prepare these:

• BDS degree and internship completion certificate.

• NEET MDS scorecard and admit card.

• Identity proof (Aadhaar, Passport), caste certificate (if applicable), and passport-sized photographs.

Some subjects in MDS can be highly challenging due to their complexity and depth. Here's what students usually find tough:

• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (high clinical exposure needed).

• Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics (microscopic precision work).

• Periodontology (advanced surgical procedures).

Choosing the right MDS college is crucial for career growth. Consider factors like clinical exposure, faculty strength, and placement support.

• Check the college's NIRF ranking and MDS specialisation strengths.

• Compare patient inflow and clinical facilities for hands-on training.

• Review alumni success stories, research opportunities, and fee structures.

MDS graduates are in demand across multiple industries beyond private practice. Here's a table summarizing it:

To thrive after an MDS degree, you need a mix of technical and soft skills. Here's the essentials:

• Expertise in dental diagnosis, treatment planning, and surgical precision.

• Excellent communication and patient counseling skills.

• Time management, leadership, and continuous learning attitude.a