Curriculum

Duration of the course:

• The period of certified study and training of the Master of Dental Surgery Post-Graduate Degree Course shall be Three Academic Years
• No exemption shall be given from this period of study and training for any other experience gained prior to admission to the course

Commencement of the course: Academic Year for the Master of Dental Surgery course shall commence from 1st April of the year of admission.

Attendance, Progress, Conduct, Punctuality, Obedience & Leave:

1. Attendance:

•  A candidate pursuing MDS degree should work in the concerned department of the college for the full period as a full time student
• A candidate is required to put in minimum of 80% of attendance both in theory and practical separately in each subject before admission to the examination. However, candidate should not be absent continuously as the course is a full time one
• A candidate lacking in the prescribed attendance and progress in any one subject in theory and practical, wherever necessary, in the first appearance shall not be permitted for admission to the entire examination

2. Progress: 

• Every candidate shall attend symposia, seminars, conferences, journal review meeting, grand rounds, CPC, case presentation, clinics and lectures during each year as prescribed by the department and not absent himself from work without valid reasons.

3. Conduct:

• No candidate is permitted to run a Clinic / work in Clinic / Laboratory / Nursing Home while studying postgraduate course
• No candidate shall join any other course of study or appear for any other examination conducted by this University or any other University in India or during the period of  registration

4. Punctuality: 

• A Post-graduate  MDS student is expected to follow the discipline of institution and follow punctuality, not only regarding the college time table but also in the  hospital clinics and laboratory.

5. Obedience: 

• It is universally true that the student should be obedient and receptive for his / her total involvement in the teaching / learning process, the instructions issued by the P.G. Teacher, HOD and the competent authority from time to time must be followed
• The assignments allotted by the concerned P.G. Teachers and HOD must be completed within stipulated time with full involvement and dedication.  Individual Department discipline must be followed. The acts of insubordination and Indiscipline shall not be tolerated

6. Monitoring progress of study:

• Work Diary / Log Book:
  • Every MDS candidate shall maintain a work diary / Log Book  and record of his/her participation in the three training program conducted by the department such as Day to day patient record, relevant record pertaining to his/her specialty must be maintained for presentation during final examination.  The record includes – Case records, models, Clinical photographs, X-rays etc. relevantly particular case and specialty, journal reviews, etc
  • Special mention may be made of the presentations by the candidate as well as details of clinical or laboratory procedures, if any conducted by the candidate.  The work diary shall be scrutinized and certified by the Guide once in three months, Head of the Department and the Head of the Principal of Santosh Dental College and presented in  the University practical/ clinical examination
  • The candidate is also required to participle in the teaching and training program for the Under Graduate student
  • In addition, the Head of the Department shall involve their Post-Graduate students in seminars, Journal Group Discussions and Participation in conferences
  • At the end of the course, the candidate should summarize the contents and get the Log Book certified by the Head of the Department
  • Every Post-Graduate candidate should be encouraged to present short HMRC papers in conferences and improve on it and submit them for publication in reputed Dental journals, Motivation by the Heads of Departments shall be essential in this area to sharpen the research skills of the Post-Graduate candidates
• Periodic tests : 
  • The Internal Assessment tests may be held once in three months during the course of three years study.  These tests shall  consist of – (i) theory (ii) practical / oral and Viva
  • During the course of three years, the concerned departments will conduct       three tests, two of them by annual tests, one at the end of first year and the other in the second year. The third test may be held three months before the final examination
  • The average of all the above tests marks may be taken for the I.A. marks of the candidate
• Leave :
  • Special leaves can be granted on the recommendation of the P.G. Guides & HOD for attending conference, symposium, Seminars which will not be exceeded 10 days in a year
  • Official deputation for Research work, clinical posting, library work etc. can be given on the recommendation of the P.G. Guide and P.G. Teacher provided that the student produces attendance certificate of the institution he was deputed to
  • No other leave apart from this shall be applicable

Note: The sub-clause (a) and (b) is permissible subject to production of attendance certificate from the authorities were the conference/seminars or Research work etc. was attended by him/her.

Subject Distribution Among 4 Papers in Various Specialties:

• Paper I: Applied Anatomy, Physiology, Pathology, Genetics, Physical Anthropology & Dental Materials
• Paper II: Diagnosis and Treatment Planning
• Paper III: Clinical Orthodontics and Mechanotherapy
• Paper IV: Recent Advances in Orthodontics

Career Prospective

• Private Practice: MDS graduates in Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopaedics can establish their own private practice, offering a range of services including braces, aligners, and corrective treatments for malocclusion and other dental irregularities. 
• Consultant Orthodontist: Many specialists work as consultants in various dental clinics, hospitals, or multi-specialty clinics, providing their expertise in diagnosing and treating dental and facial irregularities, such as teeth misalignment and jaw disorders. 
• Academic Careers: MDS in Orthodontics opens opportunities to teach in dental colleges and universities. Orthodontists can contribute by training future professionals in orthodontic theory, techniques, and clinical practice. 
• Research and Development: MDS orthodontists can work in research and development, contributing to innovations in orthodontic appliances, treatment techniques, and digital orthodontics, or focusing on facial growth and development studies. 
• Orthodontic Surgeon: Some orthodontists with advanced surgical training in dentofacial orthopaedics may perform corrective surgeries to treat jaw irregularities and improve facial aesthetics and functionality, often in collaboration with oral and maxillofacial surgeons. 
• Corporate Sector and Dental Industry: Opportunities exist with dental product companies, particularly in the development and marketing of orthodontic tools, braces, aligners, and other dental appliances, as well as digital orthodontics and 3D modeling technologies. 
• International Career Opportunities: With increasing global demand for orthodontic care, professionals can explore career opportunities in foreign clinics, academic institutions, and even through collaborations with international health organizations. 
• Specialized Training: After completing MDS, orthodontists can further specialize in areas such as craniofacial orthodontics, clear aligner therapy, or paediatric orthodontics to enhance their expertise and cater to specific patient needs. 
• Public Health and Policy: Orthodontists can contribute to public health initiatives aimed at improving dental health awareness, especially in the prevention of malocclusion and promotion of orthodontic care in underserved populations. 
• Multidisciplinary Collaboration: With expertise in dentofacial orthopaedics, MDS orthodontists often collaborate with oral surgeons, speech therapists, pediatric dentists, and general practitioners to provide comprehensive care for patients with complex dental and facial issues. 

Examination