MDS Syllabus & Subjects 2025: Download Semester-wise PDF, Important Books
Parul ThapaAssistant Manager
Master of Dental Surgery (MDS) is a master’s program for students who wish to pursue a career in dentistry. Dentistry is a branch of study relating to the anatomy of teeth and mouth and the diseases associated with teeth and jaw. The students studying the Bachelors of Dental Surgery (BDS) can apply for the program. The aspiring students wishing to take the BDS course should be at least 17 years of age and should have cleared the Senior School Certificate Examination (10+2). The students aiming for the MDS program must qualify for the BDS program from an MCI-affiliated institute with a minimum score of 50%. The MDS program provides training to students regarding the treatment of teeth and jaw diseases. The program focuses on managing oral and dental hygiene and care and provides training for handling such issues.
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.
Syllabus for Distance Program in MDS
MDS is essentially an on-campus residential program, and therefore, one can not pursue this Master of Dental Surgery (MDS) course in distance mode. No University or college in India offers MDS courses in distance programs.
MDS Syllabus: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. What is the syllabus of NEET MDS?
Q. Which is the best branch for MDS?
Q. What are the total marks of the NEET MDS 2022 paper?
Q. Are the entrance exams conducted for NEET MDS tough?
A. Is the book Dental Pulse sufficient for appearing in NEET MDS?
Q. Which course is better: BDS or MDS?
Q. Is it worth pursuing MDS?
A. Yes, it is completely worth pursuing MDS. Having an MDS degree means earning more. The starting salary and pay scales are also high as well as it gets better with time for the MDS graduates. Not only this, but an MDS student can also choose the teaching profession and simultaneously do private practice. Many private dental colleges offer an MDS student the position of a lecturer.
Q. What is the salary range after completing MDS?
A. Freshers, after completing MDS get INR 15 thousand to INR 30 thousand monthly salaries based on their preferred job, either in a dental clinic or in the hospitals. Usually, the chances of earning a better salary are very high after completing MDS. An MDS graduate can earn over INR 4 lakhs to INR 6 lakhs per annum.
Q. Is MDS an easy or difficult course?
Q. What is the future scope after completing MDS?
Q. Who earns more salary, MDS or BDS?
Q. Write down the names of the departments of MDS.
- Oral Pathology and Microbiology
- Public Health Dentistry
- Periodontology
- Oral Medicine and Radiology
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
- Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics
- Prosthodontics
- Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopaedics
Q. What is the average salary of an MDS Dentist in India?
Q. Can we say that Dentists are rich in India?
- 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
#13 NIRF
#6 India Today
#20 NIRF
Popular Private MDS (Master of Dental Surgery) Colleges in India
Popular MDS (Master of Dental Surgery) Specializations
Popular Specializations
- Orthodontics
247 Colleges
- Prosthodontics
246 Colleges
- Periodontology
240 Colleges
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
197 Colleges
- Oral Medicine & Radiology
168 Colleges
- Oral Pathology
161 Colleges
- Endodontics
113 Colleges
- Public Health
82 Colleges
- Microbiology
26 Colleges
- Orthopaedics
15 Colleges
Most Popular Courses
News & Updates
Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered a month ago
No, there is no entrance exam for MDS admissions at BVDCH, Navi Mumbai. Students are offered admission into the programme based on merit in terms of their NEET PG scores. The common eligibility for MDS programme at BVDCH, Navi Mumbai is a BDS degree from any Dental council of India recognised colleg
h
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
Yes, BVDCH, Navi Mumbai offers separate hostel facilities for girls and boys regardless of the programme. Hostel charges for MDS female students ranges between INR 1.46 Lacs and 91,000 according to one/two/three seaters.
h
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
The following specialisations are offered under BVDCH, Navi Mumbai MDS programme:
- M.D.S. (Prosthodontics and Crown & Bridge)
- M.D.S. (Periodontology)
- M.D.S. (Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopaedics)
- M.D.S. (Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics)
- M.D.S. (Pedodontics & Preventive Dentistry)
Students are adv
h
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
BVDCH, Navi Mumbai offers MDS programme for students who are eligible for the same. The common eligibility is a BDS degree from any Dental council of India recognised college/university along with Completion of one year internship. Additionally, candidate must be permanently registered with State De
h
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
Admission to MDS programme at Maulana Azad Medical College is strictly merit based with the college accepting NEET PG/MDS scores. There is no preference given to BDS graduates from Maulana Azad Medical College for MDS admission.
h
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
No, Maulana Azad Medical College does not offers internship to MDS students. Internships are only offered to final year MBBS students at the college.
h
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
The minimum eligibility for MDS AT Maulana Azad Medical College is having a BDS degree with 55% aggregate marks from a recognised university. The selection criteria for the same is merit based with the college accepting NEET PG/MDS scores.
h
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
The minimum eligibility for MDS Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at Maulana Azad Medical College is MBBS degree with 55% of aggregate marks from a recognised university and MCI registered. The selection criteria for the same is merit based with the college accepting NEET PG/MDS scores.
h
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
Maulana Azad Medical College does not conducts an entrance exam for admission into MBBS and MDS courses. The admission for both programmes is merit based with the college accepting NEET UG and NEET PG/MDS scores for the same.
h
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
There is no preference given to BDS graduates from Army college of Dental Sciences for MDS Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery admission to the college. Admission is strictly based on NEET MDS rank. BDS graduates from Army college of Dental Sciences do not receive any preferential treatment in the MDS ad
h
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
MDS Prosthodontics is a three year course in full time mode with a seat intake of three seats. Two seats of these, are reserved for children of Air Force and Navy personnel. Admission into MDS programme at the college is merit based with the university accepting NEET MDS scores. No other entrance ex
h
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
Army college of Dental Sciences offers an in house mandatory internship programme for all final year MDS students with a stipend of INR 2500/- per month. Students are advised to check with the admissions office if the internship offered to final year MDS students is mandatory.
h
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
For first year BDS students at Army College of Dental Sciences, the total annual fee including tuition, hostel and refundable security deposit amounts to about INR 5.05 lakh. An amount of INR 1200/- PM is paid every month to students as stipend during their period of internship. For civilian candida
h
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
Selected students are initially given provisional admission at Army College of Dental Sciences. The documents required at the time of joining MDS at Army college of Dental Sciences, after admission confirmation:
- Provisional allotment letter issued by KNRUHS.
- NEET MDS-2025 hall ticket, and Rank card.
- Al
h
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
Eligibility criteria for MDS Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at Army college of Dental Sciences is spread across three fronts. Check below the criteria for the course:
- Educational Qualification: BDS degree recognised by the Dental Council of India (DCI) with a one year compulsory rotating internship
- En
h
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
Affiliated with the Telangana State Kaloji Narayana Rao University of Health Sciences, Warangal, Army College of Dental Sciences boasts excellent and experienced faculty along with a mandatory one year internship programme for final year MDS orthodontics students. The mandatory internship gives the
h
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
The selection criteria for MDS admission at Army College of Dental Sciences is merit based. The college accepts NEET MDS scores for the same. Total seat intake for MDS at Army College of Dental Sciences is 15. The low seat intake makes the selection process highly competitive and selective. A total
h
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
Selection criteria for admission into BDS and MDS courses at Army college of Dental Sciences is entrance based. However, the college doesn't conduct its own entrance exam and accepts NEET UG and PG scores respectively for BDS and MDS courses.
h
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
The best specialisation to choose in MDS for career growth are:
MDS Specialization | Why It's a Good Choice |
|---|---|
Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery | High demand for surgical expertise, opportunities in hospitals, trauma care, and cosmetic surgery. |
Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopedics | Increasing demand for braces, aligners, and cosmetic dental corrections; lucrative private practice. |
Prosthodontics | Focus on crowns, bridges, implants, and dentures; strong scope in private clinics and implantology. |
Conservative Dentistry & Endodontics | Root canal treatments and restorative dentistry are always in demand; steady patient flow. |
Periodontology | Specializes in gum treatments and implants; demand is growing with lifestyle-related dental issues. |
Pedodontics (Pediatric Dentistry) | Rising demand as parents seek specialised care for children; good private practice potential. |
Public Health Dentistry | More academic and community-focused; limited private practice scope, better in research/government roles. |
Oral Pathology & Microbiology | Mostly research and academic opportunities; limited clinical practice demand. |
K
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
Yes, after completing MDS, graduates can establish their own dental clinic or specialty center. Having advanced knowledge in a chosen specialisation allows them to offer more specialised treatments, which enhances their credibility and patient base.
Opening a clinic requires proper licensing, investm
P
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
Yes, MDS graduates have excellent opportunities in both research and teaching. With specialization, they can work in dental colleges as lecturers or professors, contributing to academic training for future dentists.
In addition, MDS professionals can join research projects in pharmaceutical companies
L
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
Clinical MDS specializations like Orthodontics, Prosthodontics, Endodontics, and Oral Surgery involve direct patient care, procedures, and surgical or restorative work. These branches focus on diagnosis, treatment, and improving dental health outcomes.
Non-clinical specializations such as Oral Pathol
J
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
There is generally no upper age limit for pursuing MDS in India. As long as the candidate has a valid BDS degree, completed a one-year internship, and meets the NEET MDS eligibility requirements, they can apply.
Most candidates pursue MDS right after BDS, but many dentists also join later in their ca
P
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
Candidates who wish to apply for NEET-PG entrance exam for the MDS course can start doing so from the month of February. The exact date of opening of registration for NEET-PG exam is 18th February for the NEET-PG exam 2025 for the MDS course. Candidates can check the official portal for the NEET-PG
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
There are nine different MDS specailisation courses available at MDS at Amrita School of Dentistry in addition to the standard MDS course. These specialisations include the following:
- Oral & Maxillofacial Pathology & Microbiology
- Public Health Dentistry
- Oral Medicine & Radiology
- Oral & Maxillofacial Sur
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
Yes, NEET-PG for MDS courses is mandatory for admissions into the MDS course at Amrita School of Dentistry. The MDS courses at Amrita School of Dentistry are decided on the basis of the rank scored by the candidate in the NEET-PG exam. Candidates can check the official website for more information r
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
The duration of all MDS courses at Amrita School of Dentistry is three years. During this period, students will be going through the MDS syllabus of Amrita School of Dentistry which is comprised of both theoretical and practical subjects as well as the internships as per the guidelines of Amrita Sch
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
According to the official data, there is no fee relaxation mentioned for MDS students not belonging to the general category. Generally, Nair Hospital Dental College offers fee relaxation to students who do not belong to the general category and also has different levels of fee relaxation for female
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
The tuition fee for MDS courses at Nair Hospital Dental College is INR 3.6 lakh. Keep in mind that this fee may or may not be the same for each specialisation of MDS offered by Nair Hospital Dental College. Candidates who wish to enroll in the MDS courses of Nair Hospital Dental College are advised
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
Nair Hospital Dental College MDS seats are allocated based on the NEET-PG exam score obtained by a candidate. After appearing for the NEET-PG exam, candidates are required to lock their choices during the counseling rounds. Here, candidates can lock their choice for Nair Hospital Dental College and
S
Contributor-Level 10
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
- 65k Colleges
- 1k Exams
- 682k Reviews
- 1800k 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
Is there an entrance exam for MDS admission at BVDCH, Navi Mumbai?