The Master of Dental Surgery (MDS) is a postgraduate program in dentistry that provides advanced education and training in various dental specialties. It is designed for dental graduates who wish to deepen their knowledge, enhance clinical skills, and pursue specialized practice, research, or academic roles in the field of dentistry.
This rigorous program typically spans three years and includes both theoretical and practical components. It offers a range of specializations, such as Prosthodontics, Periodontics, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, Orthodontics, Pedodontics, Oral Medicine and Radiology, Public Health Dentistry, and more.
The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based clinical practice, research methodology, and advanced diagnostic and therapeutic techniques. Upon successful completion, MDS graduates are equipped to contribute to patient care at a higher level of expertise, engage in academic and clinical research, and take on leadership roles in dental institutions or healthcare systems.
MDS Course Outline
Duration: 3 Years (Full-time)
For candidates with a BDS degree from a NMC recognized institution
Available Specialties
- Prosthodontics and Maxillocial Prosthesis
- Periodontology & Oral Implantology
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
- Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics
- Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopaedics
- Public Health Dentistry
- Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry
- Oral Medicine and Radiology
Course Structure (For Each Specialty)
Year 1:
- Basic sciences relevant to the specialty (Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Pathology, Microbiology, Pharmacology)
- Research methodology and biostatistics
- Seminars, journal clubs
- Preclinical/laboratory work
- Submission of synopsis for dissertation
Year 2:
- Clinical training begins under supervision
- Advanced specialty procedures and patient management
- Continued seminars, journal clubs, interdepartmental meets
- Dissertation writing and data collection
Year 3:
- Independent clinical work
- Completion and submission of dissertation (usually 6 months before final exams)
- Preparation for university exams
- Mock exams, thesis defense (viva), final practical and theory examinations
Assessment & Evaluation
- Internal Assessment: Clinical skills, seminars, logbooks, journal clubs
- University Exams (Final Year):
- 4 Theory Papers
- Practical Examination
- Viva Voce
- Dissertation Evaluation
Academic Activities
- Teaching BDS undergraduates
- Research projects
- Presentations at conferences
- Publications in indexed journals
Clinical Training Focus
- Patient diagnosis, treatment planning, and execution
- Advanced diagnostic aids and techniques (CBCT, lasers, digital dentistry, etc.)
- Specialty-specific surgical/clinical skills
Eligibility
- BDS degree from a NMC recognized college
- Permanent/Provisional registration with Nepal Medical Council
- MEC MDS qualification (as per admission year)
Scope of the MDS Program
The Master of Dental Surgery (MDS) offers advanced expertise and specialization in various fields of dentistry, greatly expanding the career opportunities and professional standing of dental practitioners. With a focus on clinical proficiency, research, and academic development, the MDS degree opens up a wide array of career paths:
- Specialized Clinical Practice
MDS graduates can work as specialist consultants in hospitals, dental clinics, and private practice, offering advanced treatment in their chosen field such as Orthodontics, Endodontics, Oral Surgery, Periodontics, etc. This specialization often leads to higher patient trust, professional recognition, and better earnings.
- Academic and Teaching Careers
MDS holders are qualified to work as lecturers, readers, and professors in dental colleges. They play a crucial role in training the next generation of dentists and contributing to curriculum development and institutional growth.
- Research and Innovation
The program trains students in research methodology and scientific writing, enabling them to contribute to dental research, clinical trials, and innovations in materials and techniques.
- Hospital and Healthcare Administration
With further training (e.g., MPH, MHA, or MBA in Healthcare), MDS graduates can take up roles in hospital administration, public health programs, and policy-making bodies, including national and international health organizations.
- Opportunities Abroad
MDS specialists may pursue licensure or further fellowships abroad (e.g., UK, USA, Australia, UAE) after qualifying for the required entrance or equivalency exams. Specialization can be a strong advantage when applying for jobs or training programs internationally.
- Forensic and Legal Dentistry
With additional certifications, MDS graduates (especially in Oral Pathology or Oral Medicine) can work in forensic dentistry, assisting in legal investigations and medico-legal documentation.