Overview
The MDS (Master of Dental Surgery) in Periodontology is a specialized postgraduate degree program in the field of dentistry that focuses on periodontics, the branch of dentistry that deals with the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases affecting the gums and supporting structures of the teeth.
Eligibility Criteria: The eligibility criteria for admission to the MDS Periodontology program are as follows:
Educational Qualification: The candidate should have a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) degree from a recognized university. The candidate should also have completed a one-year rotating internship program in a recognized dental college.
Minimum Marks: The candidate should have obtained a minimum of 50% marks in their BDS degree. However, for candidates belonging to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes, the minimum percentage is 40%.
Duration of the Course: 3 Years.
Program Objectives:
The following objectives are laid out to achieve the goals of the course
1. Knowledge:
- Describe the etiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, management, and prevention of common periodontal diseases, with an emphasis on the Indian population.
- Familiarize students with the biochemical, microbiological, immunological, and genetic aspects of periodontal pathology.
- Describe the interrelationship between periodontal disease and various systemic conditions.
- Focus on interdisciplinary cases.
- Keep students updated by encouraging participation in courses, conferences, and seminars relevant to periodontics or through self-learning.
- Plan and conduct research activities, both basic and clinical, with the aim of publishing their work in scientific journals.
- Develop knowledge and skills in the science and practice of oral implantology.
- Understand the principles of surgery and medical emergencies.
2. Skills:
- Take a proper clinical history, thorough examination of intra oral, extra oral, medical history evaluation, advice essential diagnostic procedures and interpret them to come to a reasonable diagnosis
- Effective motivation and education regarding periodontal disease maintenance after the treatment
- Perform both non-surgical and surgical procedures independently
- Provide Basic Life Support Service (BLS) recognizes the need for advance life support and does the immediate need for that
- Human values, ethical practice to communication abilities
Curriculum
Program Duration: The MDS Periodontology course typically has a duration of three years. It is pursued after completing a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) degree.
Curriculum: The curriculum of the MDS Periodontology course includes both theoretical and clinical components. It covers various aspects of periodontics, including:
- Periodontal Anatomy and Physiology: Studying the anatomy and function of the periodontal structures, such as the gums, periodontal ligament, and alveolar bone.
- Periodontal Pathology and Diagnosis: Learning about the different types of periodontal diseases, their etiology, clinical features, and diagnostic methods.
- Periodontal Treatment Techniques: Gaining knowledge and practical skills in nonsurgical periodontal therapy, scaling and root planing, periodontal surgery, regenerative techniques, and dental implantology.
- Periodontal Medicine: Understanding the relationship between periodontal diseases and systemic health conditions, such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and pregnancy.
- Research Methodology: Acquiring research skills and learning how to design and conduct scientific research in the field of periodontics.
- Case Presentations and Seminars: Presenting and discussing clinical cases, treatment planning, and management strategies under the guidance of faculty members.
Clinical Training: The MDS Periodontology program includes extensive clinical training, where students gain hands-on experience in treating patients with various periodontal conditions. This involves performing diagnostic procedures, developing treatment plans, and implementing therapeutic interventions under supervision.
Research Component: Research is an integral part of the MDS Periodontology course. Students are required to undertake a research project and submit a thesis based on their findings. This encourages critical thinking, enhances research skills, and contributes to the advancement of knowledge in the field of periodontology.
Seminars and Conferences: Students may have opportunities to attend national and international conferences, workshops, and seminars related to periodontics. These events provide a platform for networking, staying updated with the latest research and advancements, and presenting their own research work.
Career Opportunities: Upon completion of the MDS Periodontology course, graduates can pursue careers as periodontists in various settings, including private dental clinics, hospitals, academic institutions, and research organizations. They can provide specialized periodontal treatment, dental implant therapy, and play a vital role in multidisciplinary dental care teams.
Continuing Education:Periodontics is a continuously evolving field, and it is important for periodontists to stay updated with the latest developments. Therefore, graduates of the MDS Periodontology program often engage in continuing education activities, such as attending conferences, participating in workshops, and pursuing advanced courses or fellowships to further enhance their knowledge and skills.
The MDS Periodontology course provides in-depth knowledge and advanced clinical training in the specialized field of periodontics. It equips dental professionals with the expertise to diagnose, treat, and manage periodontal diseases, ultimately contributing to the overall oral health and well-being of their patients.
Subject Distribution Among 4 Papers in various Specialities:
- 1st Year MDS:
- Paper I: APPLIED ANATOMY, PHYSIOLOGY, BIOCHEMISTRY, PATHOLOGY, AND PHARMACOLOGY
- 3rd Year MDS:
- Paper I: APPLIED ANATOMY, PHYSIOLOGY, BIOCHEMISTRY, PATHOLOGY, AND PHARMACOLOGY
- Paper II: ETIOPATHOGENESIS OF PERIODONTAL DISEASES
- Paper III: CLINICAL PERIODONTOLOGY AND ORAL IMPLANTOLOGY
Team
Career Prospective
- Private Practice: Graduates of MDS in Periodontology can establish their own private dental practice, specializing in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of gum diseases, including periodontitis, gingivitis, and implantology.
- Consultant Periodontist: As a consultant, MDS periodontists can offer their expertise in various dental clinics, hospitals, and healthcare centers, providing specialized care for patients with advanced periodontal conditions.
- Academic Careers: Graduates can pursue teaching roles at dental schools and universities, educating the next generation of dental professionals in periodontology, implantology, and oral health care.
- Research and Development: Opportunities exist in dental research institutions, where periodontists can contribute to studies on gum diseases, regenerative techniques, and the development of new treatments or dental technologies.
- Implantology: MDS in Periodontology offers specialization in dental implants. Periodontists can work with oral surgeons or independently to place, maintain, and restore dental implants, enhancing patient outcomes.
- Hospital Employment: Many periodontists work in multidisciplinary hospital settings, especially in teaching hospitals or dental units, collaborating with other specialists in oral surgery, prosthodontics, and orthodontics.
- Public Health and Policy: Periodontists can engage in public health programs focusing on gum health awareness, prevention, and oral hygiene education. They may also contribute to policies on oral health promotion and disease prevention.
- International Opportunities: With growing awareness of periodontal health globally, MDS periodontists can explore opportunities in international organizations, academic institutions, or clinics.
- Corporate Sector and Dental Industry: Periodontists can work with dental product companies, contributing to the development and marketing of periodontal tools, implant systems, and therapeutic products.
- Specialized Training: Some graduates may choose to pursue additional fellowships or training in advanced periodontics, such as periodontal plastic surgery, regenerative periodontal therapy, or advanced implantology, opening new career avenues.