Dental students will know how hard it is to reach the point where they can earn at least as much as their medical counterparts if not more. Becoming a dentist is no easy feat by itself but that might not be enough for most people with high ambitions to succeed in life and career. If you are one of those people and already have a BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery) degree, you might have considered getting an MDS too.
But what does an MDS entail? And how to manage and pass the MDS exams, which should definitely be harder than their BDS counterparts. In this blog, we try to answer all these questions as we explore the course at MDS colleges in Maharashtra. Read on if you want to know our top tips to prepare for MDS exams.
All About the MDS Course
An MDS stands for Master of Dental Surgery, which is a 3-year postgraduate course that any registered dentist with a BDS can pursue to advance their skills and knowledge in any particular area of dentistry. The specialisation options available in MDS courses differ from one another in the best dental colleges in Mumbai and other parts of the country but are obviously restricted to at most 9 widely recognised dental specialities.
Check out the table below to get an overview of the general features of this course atMDS colleges in Maharashtra and other states of India.
| Course Name | Master of Dental Surgery |
| Level | Postgraduate |
| Duration | 3 years |
| Mode of Examination | Semester System |
| Eligibility Criteria | BDS qualified |
| Admission Process | Entrance Examination |
| Common Entrance Exams | NEET MDS, INI CET, NIMSEE MDS, etc. |
| Common MDS Specialisations | Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, Prosthodontics and Crown and Bridge, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry, Periodontology, Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopaedics, etc. |
| Average Course Fee | INR 5 – 15 lakhs |
| Average Salary | INR 3 – 5 lakhs |
| Areas of Employment | Healthcare, Academia, Research, Administration, etc. |
How to Prepare for MDS Exams: Study Tips
Getting a postgraduate degree from MDS colleges in Maharashtra or elsewhere might seem like a daunting endeavour to take on, especially after completing a rigorous BDS program. However, there is no reason to be nervous, as even the dreaded MDS exams can be easily tackled by following a few tips that we’ve discussed below:
Know the Syllabus and Exam Pattern
Depending on the specialisation you choose, the syllabus for your exams at MDS colleges in Maharashtra or elsewhere will differ. However, there’ll also be some common topics irrespective of specialisation, such as:
- Applied Anatomy
- Oral Cavity and Vestibule
- Development of Tooth, etc.
Another thing you could do is go to the website of the DCI, which is the body that regulates all dentists in India and even sets a basic syllabus for BDS and MDS, upon which colleges like Terna Dental College base their own curriculums.
The exam pattern may vary depending on the exam conducting body, but generally, the MDS exams at Dental Colleges in Mumbai and elsewhere consist of multiple-choice questions (MCQs) that test your knowledge, comprehension, application, and analysis skills. You should know the number of questions, duration, marking scheme, and negative marking (if any) of the exam.
Make a Study Plan and Stick To It
Once you know the syllabus and exam pattern, you should make a realistic and effective study plan that suits your learning style and schedule. Allocate separate slots for studying the topics in the exam, as set by MDS colleges in Maharashtra or elsewhere. Try to spend more time on the topics you don’t understand as well as you’d like to.
Study From Reliable Sources and Make Notes
To prepare for the MDS exams, you should study from reliable sources recommended by MDS Colleges in Mumbai or other cities, such as textbooks, reference books, online courses, or coaching materials. You should avoid studying from random or outdated sources that may contain errors or irrelevant information.
Make notes of the things you deem important, review your notes periodically and revise them before the exam. You can also share your notes with your friends or peers and discuss the topics with them to clear your doubts and enhance your understanding.
Solve Previous Year’s Papers and Mock Tests
One of the best ways to prepare for the MDS exams is to solve the previous year’s papers and mock tests. Ask your seniors or peers at MDS colleges in Maharashtra and elsewhere for old question papers up to the last 3-4 years, as there might be common questions or question patterns.
You should solve the papers and mock tests in a simulated exam environment and under strict time limits. This will train you to not break under pressure, and even improve your accuracy should you get common questions by any chance.
Stay Positive and Confident
It might seem like a big deal, but MDS exams at Dental colleges in Navi Mumbai or elsewhere are just that – written tests that grade you on memory and understanding of concepts. No matter how well your prep is coming along, don’t let the pressure get to you. Try to believe in yourself, and take breaks in between study sessions to spend time with friends and family.
Finally, take care of your physical and mental health, as exams and degrees mean nothing if you can’t get out of bed and live your life. While preparing for exams at MDS colleges in Maharashtra, take time to get enough sleep, rest, good food, water, exercise, etc., to ensure that you’re operating at peak physical and mental capacity during your exams.
Conclusion
Exams for a postgraduate degree, especially in a medical field of study, can be quite stressful. This is true even for MDS exams in dentistry at MDS colleges in Maharashtra or other cities in our country. However, if you have a proper study plan and a sound strategy anything can be done.
If you follow these tips diligently, you will surely ace the MDS exams at MDS colleges in Maharashtra and elsewhere. All the best!
FAQs
1. What are some job roles that I can get with an MDS?
Some job roles that you can get with an MDS include those of an Endodontist, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, Orthodontist, Periodontist, Oral Surgeon, etc.
2. Who recruits MDS dentists?
Some of the top recruiters of MDS graduates in India are Fortis Healthcare, Apollo Hospitals, AIIMS, Cipla, etc.
3. Which entrance exam does Terna Dental College accept for admission to its MDS courses?
Terna Dental College accepts the marks obtained in NEET MDS for admission to its MDS courses.
4. Which dental specialisations does Terna Dental College offer for its MDS courses?
Terna Dental College offers MDS specialisations in Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, Prosthodontics and Crown and Bridge, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry, Periodontology, and Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopaedics.
