MDS Syllabus & Subjects 2026: Download Semester-wise PDF, Important Books

Parul ThapaAssistant Manager
Master of Dental Surgery (MDS) is a master’s program. It is related to the anatomy of teeth and mouth. Students studying the Bachelors of Dental Surgery (BDS) can apply for the program. The program focuses on managing oral and dental hygiene and care and provides training for handling such issues. Students wishing to take the BDS course should be at least 17 years of age with 10+2.
Syllabus: Important Facts for MDS
-
The duration of the MDS program is 3 years and is a full-time course that can be pursued through several colleges in India. However, students with a post-graduate diploma in dentistry can complete the course in 2 years.
-
The MDS program offers specialisations such as Periodontology, Prosthodontics, Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Radiology, Orthodontics, and Oral Medicine.
-
In India, there are more than 200 colleges that offer MDS programs to aspiring students and conduct entrance examinations.
-
The BDS students need to qualify the competitive examinations like NEET MDS or AIIMS PG to be admitted to the MDS program.
-
MDS syllabus in Government Dental College and Hospital. The Government Dental College and Hospital is one of the best institutes for studying the MDS program in India.
-
MDS syllabus in All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Delhi
List of Subjects in MDS
The students who aspire to study Master of Dental Surgery (MDS) must clear the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance test- Master of Dental Surgery (NEET-MDS). The National Board of Examinations (NBE) conducts the examination every year to test the ability of the aspiring candidates. The NBE was founded in 1975 and is regulated as an autonomous body under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.
Typical Core Subjects for MDS
MDS syllabus are huge. Before you think further about whether to pursue MDS as a career option, study the typical core subjects for MDS that you can expect.
|
Subject Title |
Subject Details |
|---|---|
|
Applied Anatomy and Histology |
Applied Anatomy and Histology is the study of living things. Histology is the study of the area of cell structure and discussion of the basic tissue of musculoskeletal anatomy and mammalian biology.
Its syllabus includes the following:
|
|
Oral Histology |
The microscopic study of Oral Mucosa is known as Oral Histology. Oral Histology also includes mechanisms of keratinisation, structure variation concerning functional requirements, clinical parts of the gingiva, Dentogingival & Mucocutaneous junctions & lingual papillae.
Its syllabus includes the following:
|
|
Applied Oralanatomy |
Studying about the mouth is known as applied oral anatomy. It is also called the buccal cavity or oral cavity. The boundaries of a mouth are defined by its lips, cheeks, soft and hard palates, and glottis.
Its syllabus includes the following:
|
|
Applied General and Oral Physiology and Biochemistry |
Applied oral physiology in its broad term means the mastication process, the role of phosphorus and calcium for normal growth and development of the teeth and the necessity of saliva for keeping the oral cavity moist. In its syllabus includes the following:
|
|
Applied Pharmacology |
Applied Pharmacology is a hard topic. It needs memorisation. It has hard components of maths. In its syllabus includes the following:
|
Detailed Syllabus for MDS
The MDS program is divided into 6 semesters that are spread over 3 years. The semester-wise and year-wise breakup of the syllabus is mentioned below:
|
Semester |
Core/ ELective |
Subject Title |
Subject Details |
|---|---|---|---|
|
1. Etiopathogenesis Of Periodontal Diseases, Applied Basic Sciences |
Diagnosis, Treatment, Preventive Periodontology, and Implantology (Elective) |
Recent Advances in Periodontics
|
The most important etiological cause for periodontal disease is the bacteria. These bacteria are capable of activating the immune response including the inflammatory response. |
|
2. The branch I Oral and Maxillo- facial Surgery, Minor Oral Surgery and Trauma |
Maxillofacial Surgery (Core), Recent Advances in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (Core) |
Recent Advances in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery |
The oral and Maxillo- Facial Surgery is a part of surgery that focuses on the reconstructive surgery of the oral cavity, the face, facial trauma, mouth, head and neck, jaws and the facial cosmetic surgery. |
|
3. Oral Pathology, Oral Microbiology & Forensic Odontology, Laboratory And Histopathological Techniques |
Applied Basic Sciences (Core) |
Recent Advances in Oral Pathology |
It is a branch of dental science where aspirants need to study the diagnosis of mouth and jaw diseases, which is also known as the oral cavity. |
|
4. Endodontics, Conservative Dentistry, including Preventive dentistry and Dental Materials |
Applied Basic Sciences (Core) |
Recent Advances in Conservative Dentistry |
This specialised branch of Dentistry deals with the diagnosis and management of injured, defective, infected and decayed teeth for smoothing teeth functions. |
|
5. Growth and Development, Basics in orthodontics, Diagnosis & Radiology, Bio-Mechanic & various Orthodontics Tissue Changes, Techniques & Treatment Planning, Submission of Dissertation Thesis, Models, Radiographs, and Photographs
|
Applied Basic Sciences (Core)
|
Recent Advances in Orthodontics
|
In this branch, aspirants need to learn about the stability of the results of orthodontics as well as orthodontic treatment for its development and growth. |
|
6. Didactic Lectures, Seminars, Weekly Journal Clubs
|
Structured Lecture Programs (Elective) |
Clinical Case Conference |
An explanation is given on scientific information on oral delivery in an organised and systematic manner by an expert in this field. This is considered the most popular and oldest method of teaching. |
Specialisations offered in MD
The students aspiring to take up a Master of Dental Surgery (MDS) as a career choice can choose from different specialisations such as
|
Specialisation |
Subjects |
Details |
|---|---|---|
|
Oral Pathology and Microbiology
|
|
The students opting for this particular specialisation would learn the principle behind the routine and special techniques used for histopathology. The specialisation teaches the principles of histochemistry and Immunochemistry. The program also teaches the study of applied and special pathology of oral tissues. |
|
Periodontology |
|
The specialisation teaches the treatment and management of diseases concerning the structure of teeth, including diseases of gums, periodontal membranes, cementum, and aloe vera bone. |
|
Oral Medicine and Radiology
|
|
The students opt for Oral Medicine and Radiology specialisation study and learn to identify and manage the complex diseases affecting the mouth and the jaws. The students learn the use of Radiology in the diagnosis of the disease using advanced imaging methods and equipment. |
|
Prosthodontics |
|
The students aiming for Prosthodontics as a specialisation learn the process of designing, manufacturing, and fitting artificial teeth, dentures, dental implants, and dental crowns. The specialisation teaches the students the management and care of the patients who require surgery, radiotherapy, or chemotherapy for head or neck cancer |
|
Preventive Dentistry |
|
The specialisation enables the students to understand the importance of good oral health. It includes the benefit of regular visits to the dentist for oral examination and to develop healthy habits like brushing and flossing. |
|
Conservative Dentistry |
|
The specialisation is also known as operative dentistry. It covers the development and composition of enamel. |
|
Periodontics |
|
The students aiming for Periodontics will learn about the structure and function of alveolar bone and gums. It also trains the students to manage tooth decay, and oral hygiene |
|
Oral and Maxillofacial surgery |
|
The specialisation prepares the students for a branch of dentistry that deals with the diagnosis and surgical treatment of a disease. It covers the defects, injuries, and diseases of the hard and soft tissue of the oral and maxillofacial area. |
|
Orthodontics and Dentofacial surgery |
|
The specialisation provides training to aspiring students in the field of orthodontics and Dentofacial surgery. It includes topics such as putting on braces and moulding teeth, invis-aligning of teeth, and removing retainers. |
Books and Authors related to MDS
Many books are available in the market that covers the MDS syllabus. But among them, the name of the best books, along with their authors’ names, are mentioned below:
|
Subject |
Book Title |
Author |
Description |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Dentistry Entrance examination |
Dental Byte |
Dr. Gowrishankar |
The book is a must-have for students preparing to clear the MDS entrance Examination. It has around 20 solved question papers with detailed and explanatory answers that would benefit students preparing for the examination. |
|
Oral Medicine and Radiology |
TextBook of Oral Medicine |
Ghom Anil Govindrao |
The book explains the correlation between radiology and the clinical treatment of diseases. It covers many crucial topics, such as non-surgical management of temporomandibular joint disorder and dental treatment using general anaesthesia. |
|
Oral and Maxillofacial surgery |
Peterson’s Principles of Maxillofacial Surgery |
Miloro |
The book discusses the topic of oral and maxillofacial surgery. The language of the book is easy to understand, and the topic is well explained |
|
Paediatric or Pedonotics |
Mcdonald and Avery- Dentistry for the Child & Adolescent |
Shanthala |
The book explains the concept of dental care for children, pre-teens, and teenagers. It explains the techniques to manage and care for children and adolescent dental problems. |
|
Periodontics |
Eley and Manson’s- Outline of Periodontics |
J.D Manson, Barry M. Eley |
The book explains the topic of periodontics. The book is an important book for undergraduates |
Entrance Exams for MDS
The National Testing Agency conducts NEET MDS 2022 examination. MDS exam is conducted to pursue admission in the graduate and undergraduate medical courses in different medical institutions. The application process for NEET 2022 is conducted in two phases. Before the exam, the first phase is conducted. On the other hand, the registration for the second phase is conducted after the exam as well as before the declaration of the NEET result.
The entrance examinations for Master of Dental Surgery (MDS) have around 300 questions with multiple-choice questions (MCQs). The students need to clear the examination to become eligible for pursuing the MDS program. There are many examinations for MDS, some of which are:
-
All India Post Graduate Medical/ Dental Entrance Examination: This exam is conducted every year for the aspirants who want to pursue MDS courses in the colleges located in India. The syllabus covered in this examination is Oral Pathology and Microbiology, Periodontology, Oral Medicine and Radiology, Prosthodontics, Preventive Dentistry, Conservative Dentistry, and Periodontics. The competition is very hard as lakhs of aspirants appear in this exam yearly.
-
All India Institute of Medical Science Entrance Exam: This is also a very hard entrance exam conducted by AIIMS, New Delhi, for the MDS aspirants. The syllabus covered in this examination are Oral Pathology and Microbiology, Periodontology, Oral Medicine and Radiology, Prosthodontics, Preventive Dentistry, Conservative Dentistry, Periodontics, etc.
-
Annamalai University MDS Entrance Exam: For pursuing an MDS degree from Annamalai University aspirants need to appear in the Annamalai University MDS Entrance exam. They also accept TANCET and NEET scores for pursuing MDS courses. This entrance exam is of a moderate level. The revised syllabus for this entrance exam includes Oral Pathology and Microbiology, Periodontology, Oral Medicine and Radiology, Prosthodontics, Preventive Dentistry, Conservative Dentistry, Periodontics etc.
-
Bangalore University MDS Entrance Exam: Appearing in Bangalore University MDS entrance exam is necessary for pursuing MDS course from Bangalore University. This University also follows the same syllabus as other MDS entrance exam syllabi. And the level of entrance exam is of moderate level.
-
Delhi University MDS Entrance Exam: Delhi University also conducts an MDS entrance exam for pursuing admission in dental PG courses. This examination is hard as the competition level is very high. In its syllabus, topics like Oral Pathology and Microbiology, Periodontology, Oral Medicine and Radiology, Prosthodontics, Preventive Dentistry, Conservative Dentistry, and Periodontics, etc., are included.
- Popular MDS (Master of Dental Surgery) Colleges in India
- Popular Private MDS (Master of Dental Surgery) Colleges in India
- Popular MDS (Master of Dental Surgery) Specializations
- Most Popular Courses
Popular MDS (Master of Dental Surgery) Colleges in India
#1 NIRF
#3 NIRF
#8 NIRF
Popular Private MDS (Master of Dental Surgery) Colleges in India
Medicine & Health Sciences Applications open. Apply Now
Medicine & Health Sciences Applications open. Apply Now
Medicine & Health Sciences Applications open. Apply Now
Medicine & Health Sciences Applications open. Apply Now
Popular MDS (Master of Dental Surgery) Specializations
Popular Specializations
- Prosthodontics
246 Colleges
- Orthodontics
246 Colleges
- Periodontology
239 Colleges
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
197 Colleges
- Oral Medicine & Radiology
166 Colleges
- Oral Pathology
159 Colleges
- Endodontics
113 Colleges
- Public Health
81 Colleges
- Microbiology
26 Colleges
- Orthopaedics
16 Colleges
Most Popular Courses
News & Updates
Student Forum
Answered 2 weeks ago
Yes, you could get into AIIMS Hyderabad with an INI CET rank of 1200 if you belong to the General AI category. For this category, the last round cutoff ranged from 178 to 25908 for the MD and MS courses.
Students can refer to the table below to know which courses can be availed with a rank of 1200 i
N
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 weeks ago
AIIMS Hyderabad INI CET cutoff 2026 was concluded after the release of the final round of cutoff for various All India categories.
For the General AI category, the overall cutoff ranged from 178 to 25908 for various MD and MS courses. To know the cutoff range for all other categories, see the table
N
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 weeks ago
Since AIIMS Rishikesh accepts the INI CET entrance examination for admission to the MD, MDS, MS, DM, and MCh courses. The merit/rank list will also be released on the official AIIMS portal.
- Go to the AIIMS exam portal
- Click on Academic Courses
- Choose the Postgraduate courses option
- Click on INI CET exam
N
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 weeks ago
Yes, you could get into AIIMS Rishikesh with a 10,000 rank if you belong to the General AI category. For this category, the AIIMS Rishikesh INI CET cutoff 2026 for the last round ranged between 3 to 26590. Hence, you can get admission at this institute.
Refer to the table below to know which course
N
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 weeks ago
AIIMS Bhopal cutoff 2026 was released for various All India categories for admission to the MD, MS and MDS courses based on the students' performance in the INI CET entrance examination.
For the General AI category, the overall cutoff ranged from 8 to 9729. Among all the MDS courses, the toughest br
N
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 weeks ago
The AIIMS Bhopal INI CET cutoff 2026 has been announced for several All India categories, including the SC AI category. The cutoff was concluded for the January session, with the results being released for a total of 3 rounds for the MD, MDS and MS courses.
For the SC AI category, the overall cutoff
N
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 weeks ago
PGIMER INI CET cutoff 2026 was concluded after the release of the final round for admission to the MD, MS and MDS courses.
For the OBC category students belonging to the All India quota, the final round cutoff ranged from 72 to 15018 for the above-mentioned courses. As per this range, the toughest a
N
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 weeks ago
Candidates are required to keep the following documents ready while applying for Terna Dental College and Hospital MDS course:
- Nationality and Domicile Certificate or Indian Passport
- NEET – 2026 Mark sheet
- Allotment / Selection letter / Merit list – 2026 (net copy)
- Aadhar Card (scan original & submit xe
Answered 2 months ago
SMS Medical College offers MD across several specialisations. The duration for MD at SMS Jaipur is 3 years. The eligibility for MD courses at SMS Medical College is graduation/ bachelor's degree in any stream with at least 50% and a valid score in NEET PG.
Taking an Exam? Selecting a College?
Find insights & recommendations on colleges and exams that you won't find anywhere else
On Shiksha, get access to
- 66k Colleges
- 1k Exams
- 699k Reviews
- 1850k Answers
- B Pharmacy
- BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery)
- BHMS (Bachelor of Homeopathic Medicine & Surgery)
- BMLT (Bachelor in Medical Laboratory Technology)
- BPT (Bachelor of Physiotherapy)
- D Pharma
- M.Pharmacy (Master of Pharmacy)
- MPH (Master of Public Health)
- Pharm d doctor of pharmacy
- BAMS (Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery)
- DMLT
Can I get AIIMS Hyderabad with a rank of 1200?