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
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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.
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The MDS program offers specialisations such as Periodontology, Prosthodontics, Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Radiology, Orthodontics, and Oral Medicine.
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In India, there are more than 200 colleges that offer MDS programs to aspiring students and conduct entrance examinations.
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The BDS students need to qualify the competitive examinations like NEET MDS or AIIMS PG to be admitted to the MDS program.
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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.
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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.
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Subject Title |
Subject Details |
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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:
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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:
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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:
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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:
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Applied Pharmacology |
Applied Pharmacology is a hard topic. It needs memorisation. It has hard components of maths. In its syllabus includes the following:
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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:
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Semester |
Core/ ELective |
Subject Title |
Subject Details |
|---|---|---|---|
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1. Etiopathogenesis Of Periodontal Diseases, Applied Basic Sciences |
Diagnosis, Treatment, Preventive Periodontology, and Implantology (Elective) |
Recent Advances in Periodontics
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The most important etiological cause for periodontal disease is the bacteria. These bacteria are capable of activating the immune response including the inflammatory response. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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
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Applied Basic Sciences (Core)
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Recent Advances in Orthodontics
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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. |
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6. Didactic Lectures, Seminars, Weekly Journal Clubs
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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
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Specialisation |
Subjects |
Details |
|---|---|---|
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Oral Pathology and Microbiology
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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. |
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Periodontology |
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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. |
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Oral Medicine and Radiology
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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. |
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Prosthodontics |
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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 |
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Preventive Dentistry |
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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. |
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Conservative Dentistry |
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The specialisation is also known as operative dentistry. It covers the development and composition of enamel. |
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Periodontics |
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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 |
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Oral and Maxillofacial surgery |
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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. |
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Orthodontics and Dentofacial surgery |
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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:
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Subject |
Book Title |
Author |
Description |
|---|---|---|---|
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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. |
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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. |
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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 |
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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. |
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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:
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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Popular Private MDS (Master of Dental Surgery) Colleges in India
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Popular MDS (Master of Dental Surgery) Specializations
Popular Specializations
- Orthodontics
251 Colleges
- Prosthodontics
248 Colleges
- Periodontology
241 Colleges
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
200 Colleges
- Oral Medicine & Radiology
169 Colleges
- Oral Pathology
162 Colleges
- Endodontics
115 Colleges
- Public Health
81 Colleges
- Microbiology
26 Colleges
- Orthopaedics
16 Colleges
Most Popular Courses
Popular Courses
- MDS in Periodontology And Oral ImplantologySwami Devi Dyal Group of Professional Institutions
- MDS in Oral And Maxillofacial SurgerySwami Devi Dyal Group of Professional Institutions
- MDS in Orthodontics And Dentofacial OrthopaedicsSwami Devi Dyal Group of Professional Institutions
- MDS in PeriodontologyITS Dental College, Hospital and Research Centre
News & Updates
Student Forum
Answered a week ago
UP NEET PG last round cutoff for MDS in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, stood at 8550 at BBD University. Most popular course in the last round was MDS in Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, with the cutoff being 10458.
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 weeks ago
Yes, Jamia Millia Islamia offers MDS courses.
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 4 weeks ago
Category | Fee (in INR) | |
|---|---|---|
Non-refundable | ||
For 50% AIQ/Central Universities | General | 1,000 |
SC/ ST/ OBC | 500 | |
For Deemed Universities | All categories | 5,000 |
Refundable | ||
For 50% AIQ/Central Universities | General | 25,000 |
SC/ ST/ OBC | 10,000 | |
For Deemed Universities | All categories | 2,00,000 |
M
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 4 weeks ago
The last date to register for NEET MDS 2026 counselling round 1 was August 29, 2026. Candidates needed to submit online form timely to participate in the admission process.
A
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 4 weeks ago
Yes, the NEET MDS counselling 2026 has started online. Candidates can now register for NEET MDS 2026 round 2 counselling at mcc.nic.in.
S
Contributor-Level 6
Answered a month ago
The last closing rank for MDS in Prosthodontics at Dr. Harvansh Singh Judge Institute of Dental Sciences and Hospital is yet to be announced. The NEET UG 2026 Round 1 seat allotment result for MBBS, BDS, and other UG-level programmes will be released on Aug 17, 2026.
S
Contributor-Level 9
Answered a month ago
The number of offers given to students during the 2025 placements is not out. Check out Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research placement details which are provided in the table below:
| Particulars | MDS Statistics (2023) | MDS Statistics (2024) | MDS Statistics (2025) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Students | 33 | 33 | 36 |
| Students Placed | 24 | 26 | 29 |
| Median Salary | INR 10.8 LPA | INR 11.4 LPA | INR 12 LPA |
d
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
No, and this is an important update for 2026 admission to all MDS seats, whether government, private, or management quota, is strictly through NEET MDS counselling. Direct admission without NEET MDS qualification is illegal. So don't fall for any college claiming to offer a "direct admission" route.
T
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
The NEET MDS counselling 2026 has not yet started. The MCC is expected to start the counselling in August 2026.
M
Contributor-Level 6
Answered a month ago
To get admission in JIPMER Pondicherry MDS, studnets must be eligible. To be eligible for an MDS (Master of Dental Surgery) programme at JIPMER Puducherry, students must hold a recognised BDS degree, and complete a 12-month internship. The final selection is based on INI-CET entrance exam, participa
G
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
Yes, it is very tough. Admission to MD programs at PGIMER Chandigarh is based on the highly competitive INI CET exam, which is ranked among the toughest medical exams in India. The paper includes 250 multiple-choice questions with strict negative marking. Getting a top clinical branch (like Radio Di
R
Contributor-Level 9
Answered 2 months ago
Foreign doctors can join the MD course at PGIMER Chandigarh by routing their applications through the Ministry of Health. You must have a strong command of the English language to survive the intense curriculum. International peers sit for the same entry test as local applicants. A separate merit li
R
Contributor-Level 9
Answered 2 months ago
Yes, management quota is a valid and legal route for MDS admission, but with important conditions. NEET MDS qualification is mandatory even for management quota seats. Seats are allocated via MCC or state counselling - not directly by colleges. DCI and UGC-approved seats through management quota hav
T
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
All MDS specialisations have good scope, but some are more in demand and more financially rewarding than others. Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopaedics is the specialisation for smile design, braces, and aligners, while Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics covers root canal specialists — both b
T
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
Yes, NEET MDS is absolutely mandatory and there is no way around it. NEET MDS qualification is mandatory even for management quota seats, as per Dental Council of India (DCI) guidelines. No dental college can admit a student into an MDS programme without a valid NEET MDS score. Even for NRI quota an
T
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
According to the Dental Council of India (DCI), there are a total of 7,357 MDS seats across 276 approved dental colleges in India for 2025-26. Of these, 200 private dental colleges offer 5,267 seats, 42 government dental colleges offer 977 seats, and 34 deemed universities offer 1,113 seats. While
T
Contributor-Level 10
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