A Master of Dental Surgery (MDS) is available in multiple specialisations keeping in mind the industry requirements. One of the common specialisations available is MDS periodontology. The discipline deals with the maintenance of oral health including teeth, gums and surrounding tissues.
Recent BDS graduates who are willing to pursue a master’s would get a comprehensive understanding of the discipline and the various benefits associated with it. We shall also look into the career opportunities that MDS Periodontology holds and how to become a periodontist.
About MDS Periodontology
The MDS Periodontology is a 3-year post-graduation level course in the field of dentistry. The course equips students with the skills necessary for a lucrative career in Periodontics. MDS Periodontology graduates get expert experience in maintaining oral health.
Course highlights
The major highlights of the course are-
| Course type | Post Graduation |
| Duration | 3 years |
| Course Fees | Rs. 3,11, 500 (For 1st year) |
| Intake capacity | 3 |
| MDS course eligibility | BDS holder from a recognised institute. NEET-MDS qualified |
| Average Salary | INR 5-10 LPA. |
Curriculum Design
Let us look at the major subjects offered during the course at Terna Dental College.
| Year | MDS course details |
| 1st | Gingivia, Dentinal Hypersensitivity, Periodontal Ligament, Cementum, Alveolar Bone, Gingival Inflammation, Dental Plague |
| 2nd | Periodontal Dressing, Dental Calculus, Plaque Control-Mechanical, Gingival Enlargement, Classification Of Gingival Disease |
| 3rd | Acute diseases of periodontium, Chronic Periodontitis, Aggressive Periodontitis, Rationale of Perio Treatment, Regenerative Surgery |
You shall engage in clinical attachments dealing with:
- Orientation with lab equipment.
- Scaling Demonstration
- Clinical work on patients
Admission Procedure
To secure admission to MDS Periodontology, ensure that you fulfil the eligibility requirements and then follow these guidelines-
- With a BDS and NEET MDS score, you need to be registered with the Digital Council of India.
- Ensure you have important documents like-
- BDS- mark sheet, leaving certificate, internship certificate.
- NEET MDS- admit card and scorecard.
- Caste verification certificate.
- Domicile proof.
- Register with Maharashtra NEET PG-MDS counselling online.
- Online choice filling as per the college and specialization of your choice.
- Block your seat as soon as you get the desired field and college in subsequent rounds of counselling.
Your NEET-MDS score and BDS performance determine your merit.
Also Read: Key Advantages of Enrolling in the MDS Course Program
Top 7 Benefits of MDS Periodontology
An MDS Periodontology offers numerous benefits to graduates both professionally and personally. Here are the top seven benefits of periodontics:
Technical Expertise:
An MDS Periodontology provides you with in-depth knowledge and clinical skills in the field of periodontics. You become an expert in diagnosing, preparing treatment plans and assessing patients suffering from various periodontal diseases and conditions like infection, Gingivitis, etc.
Career Advancement:
Specializing in periodontology opens up a range of career opportunities. You can work in private practice, govt. Institutions, academia or research settings.
Dental Implantology:
MDS programs often include comprehensive training in dental implantology. This skill is highly sought after as dental implants have become a popular solution for replacing missing teeth. As a periodontist, you can perform implant surgeries and restorations.
Diverse Patient Base:
Periodontists treat a wide range of patients with various periodontal issues. You’ll have the opportunity to work with patients with diverse issues and address their oral health, thus improving their quality of life.
Research and Innovation:
Pursuing an MDS often involves engaging in research activities. This allows you to contribute to the advancement of periodontology and stay updated with the latest trends, research and technological advancements.
Clinical Autonomy:
You can develop your patient care protocols, and treatment plans and make decisions based on your expertise.
Job Satisfaction:
The ability to diagnose and treat patients with periodontal issues can be highly rewarding. As a periodontist is required in almost every healthcare facility due to the nature of specialisation, the job gives immense satisfaction in terms of career growth.
Jobs after MDS Periodontology
The career opportunities after MDS are immense. A few prominent ways to develop a career in MDS Periodontology include-
Private Practise–
After your MDS you can seek employment in private healthcare facilities like clinics and multi-speciality hospitals. With an MDS in Periodontology, you have the required professional recognition to open a private clinic for practice.
Govt. Sector–
MDS Periodontology degree holders are sought in govt. Healthcare institutions.
- Central and state govt. Issues vacancies for MDS Periodontology degree holders in multiple govt. healthcare institutions like AIIMS/ civil hospitals, nursing homes, public health centres, etc.
- You can secure the rank of Deputy Commandant or equivalent in paramilitary forces and other armed forces.
Overseas opportunities–
With a master’s degree holder in Periodontology, you can seek private practice in overseas areas. Every country has its specific eligibility criteria. For instance, you need to appear in the National Board of Dental Examination if you are seeking opportunities in the US/Canada.
Research–
Major research institutions like Indian Dental Research Foundation employ experienced dentists, for their research activities. You can seek recommendations to work on projects of your interest and expertise.
Further Education–
A PhD in Dental science is the highest level of qualification in the field. A PhD opens doors for you in research and academia. With a PhD, you can secure periodontics faculty jobs and train the upcoming generation in dentistry.
The MDS Periodontology career opportunities are not limited to these 5 key areas. The section gave you a brief outline of various ways you can develop your career with periodontology dentistry.
Conclusion
MDS is the next milestone in the field of dentistry, for BDS graduates. Clinical Periodontology gives you the opportunity to develop as a full-scale dentist. A Periodontist’s job is to maintain the oral health of patients. Hence they are trained in a specialised discipline that is unique, as it involves a combination of other fields of dentistry. For instance, you are trained with techniques like Scaling and root planing, understanding of Antibacterial medications, Dental implant placement, etc. Such skills are a mix of other fields of dentistry like Prosthodontics, Oral and Maxillofacial surgery & ORthodontics.
FAQs
- What is the scope of MDS in periodontics?
MDS in periodontics equips doctors with comprehensive care of oral health. It includes treatment of gum diseases, infections, gingivitis, performing dental implantology, etc. Beyond care, their mission is to guide the population to adopt essential dental practices.
- What is the salary of MDS in Periodontology?
The salary for MDS in Periodontology varies as per location, experience and job role. In India, the average salary of an MDS Periodontology holder is 4LPA. With experience and job role, it can be above 12LPA too.
- How many years is periodontology?
An MDS in Periodontology is a 3-year master’s level program, which can be done by BDS holders and qualified in NEET MDS. The candidates are required to mandatorily undergo an internship and be registered under the Dental Council of India.
- Is periodontics a good career?
Periodontics can be a rewarding career for those passionate about comprehensive oral health. The discipline offers job satisfaction, security and ability to switch within healthcare institutions and a lucrative salary.
- What are the fields of periodontics?
Fields of periodontics include treating gum diseases, dental implantology, gum grafting, bone grafting, and research in periodontal diseases.