MDS Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry: Admissions, dental colleges, fees, eligibility criteria details
Masters of Dental Surgery (MDS) in Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry is a post-graduation course for doctors who have graduated in Dental Science and want to work as dentists in India or abroad.
They do it after the completion of their BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery) or an equivalent qualification recognized by the Dental Council of India and should have obtained permanent registration with the State Dental Council.
The duration of this Postgraduate course is three years, and it focuses on the study of the prevention and treatment of oral and dental ailments that may occur during childhood.
The course is a full-time course pursued at various accredited institutes/hospitals nationwide. Some top accredited institutes/hospitals offering this course include Lady Hardinge Medical College & Smt. Sucheta Kriplani Hospital, New Delhi, Post Graduate Institute of Dental Sciences, Rohtak, Haryana, Christian Dental College, Ludhiana, and more.
OBJECTIVES:
At the end of 3 years of training the candidate should be able to
1. Create not only good oral health in the child but also a good citizen tomorrow.
2. Instill a positive attitude and behavior in children
3. Understand the principles of prevention and preventive dentistry right from birth to adolescence
4. Guide and counsel the parents in regard to various treatment modalities including different facets of preventive dentistry
5. Prevent and intercept developing malocclusion
Skills:
1. Obtain proper clinical history, and methodological examination of the child patient, perform essential diagnostic procedures, and interpret them. and arrive at a reasonable diagnosis and treatment appropriately.
2. Be competent to treat dental diseases which are occurring in child patients.
3. Manage to repair and restore the lost / tooth structure to maintain harmony between both hard and soft tissues of the oral cavity.
4. Manage disabled children effectively and efficiently, tailored to the needs of individual requirements and conditions.
5. To acquire skills in managing efficiently life-threatening conditions with emphasis on basic life support measures.
Attitudes:
1. Develop an attitude to adopt ethical principles in all aspects of Pedodontic practice.
2. Professional honesty and integrity are to be fostered
3. Treatment care is to be delivered irrespective of the social status, cast, creed, and religion of the patients.
4. Willingness to share knowledge and clinical experience with professional colleagues.
5. Willingness to adopt, after a critical assessment, new methods and techniques of Pedodontic management developed from time to time, based on scientific research, which are in the best interest of the child patient.
6. Respect child patients’ rights and privileges, including child patients' right to information and right to seek a second opinion.
7. Develop an attitude to seek opinions from allied medical and dental specialties, as and when required
COURSE CONTENTS:
- Applied Basic Sciences:
- Anatomy of the scalp, temple, and face
- Anatomy of the triangles of the neck and deep structures of the neck
- Cranial and facial bones and their surrounding soft tissues with its applied aspects
- Muscles of the head and neck
- Arterial supply, venous drainage, and lymphatics of head and neck
- Congenital abnormalities of the head and neck
- Anatomy of the cranial nerves
- Anatomy of the tongue and its applied aspects
- Anatomy and its applied aspects of salivary glands, pharynx, thyroid and parathyroid gland, larynx, trachea, esophagus
- The autonomous nervous system of the head and neck
- Functional anatomy of mastication, deglutition, speech, respiration, and circulation
- TMJ: anatomy and function
Applied Anatomy of Head and Neck:
Applied Physiology:
Introduction, Mastication, deglutition, digestion and assimilation, Homeostasis, fluid and electrolyte balance. Blood composition, volume, function, blood groups and hemorrhage, Blood transfusion, circulation, Heart, Pulse, Blood pressure, Normal ECG, capillary and lymphatic circulation, shock, respiration, control, anoxia, hypoxia, asphyxia, artificial respiration. Endocrine glands in particular reference to pituitary, parathyroid, and thyroid glands and sex hormones. Role of calcium and Vit D in growth and development of teeth, bone, and jaws.Role of Vit. A, C, and B are complex in oral mucosal and periodontal health. Physiology and function of the masticatory system. Speech mechanism, swallowing and deglutition mechanism, salivary glands, and Saliva.
Applied Pathology:
Inflammation and chemical mediators, Thrombosis, Embolism, Necrosis, Repair, Degeneration, Shock, Hemorrhage, Blood dyscrasias, Pathogenesis of Dental Caries, Periodontal diseases, tumors, oral mucosal lesions, etc. in children
Applied Microbiology:
Microbiology & Immunology as related to Oral Diseases in Children: Basic concepts, the immune system in the human body, Auto-Immune diseases and Immunology of Dental caries.
Applied Nutrition & Dietics:
- General principles, balanced diet, the effect of dietary deficiencies and starvation, protein energy, malnutrition, Kwashiorkor, Marasmus.
- Fluid and Electrolytic balance in maintaining hemostasis.
- Diet, digestion, absorption, transportation, and utilization.
Genetics:
- Introduction to genetics
- Cell structure, DNA, RNA, protein synthesis, cell division
- Modes of inheritance
- Chromosomal anomalies of oral tissues & single gene disorders
Growth & Development:
Prenatal and Postnatal development of cranium, face, jaws, teeth, and supporting structures.Chronology of dental development and development of occlusion. Dimensional changes in dental arches. Cephalometric evaluation of growth.
B) Pediatric Dentistry:
- Child Psychology:
- Development & Classification of behavior, personality, intelligence in children, theories of child psychology, stages of psychological child development, fear, anxiety, apprehension & its management.
- Behavior Management: Non- pharmacological & Pharmacological methods.
- Child Abuse & Dental Neglect:
- Conscious Sedation:
- Deep Sedation & General Anesthesia in Pediatric Dentistry: (Including Other Drugs, Synergic & Antagonistic Actions of Various Drugs Used in Children
Preventive Pedodontics: Concepts, chair side preventive measures for dental diseases, high-risk caries including rampant & extensive caries – Recognition, Features & Preventive Management, Pit and Fissures Sealants, Oral Hygiene measures, Correlation of brushing with dental caries and periodontal diseases. Diet & Nutrition as related to dental caries. Diet Counseling
Dental Plaque: Definition, Initiation, Pathogenesis, Biochemistry, and Morphology & Metabolism.
Gingival & Periodontal diseases in Children:
- Normal Gingiva & Periodontium in children.
- Gingival & Periodontal diseases – Etiology, Pathogenesis, Prevention & Management
Pediatric Operative Dentistry:
- Principle of Operative Dentistry along with modifications of materials/past, current & latest including tooth-colored materials.
- Modifications are required for cavity preparation in primary and young permanent teeth.
- Various Isolation Techniques
- Restorations of decayed primary, young permanent, and permanent teeth in children using various restorative materials like Glass Ionomer, Composites, Silver, Amalgam & latest material (gallium)
- Stainless steel, Polycarbonate & Resin Crowns / Veneers & fiber post systems.
Pediatric Endodontics:
- Primary Dentition: - Diagnosis of pulpal diseases and their management – Pulp capping, Pulpotomy, Pulpectomy (Materials & Methods), Controversies & recent concepts.
- Young permanent teeth and permanent teeth, Pulp capping, Pulpotomy, Apexogenesis, Apexification, Concepts, Techniques, and Materials used for different procedures.
- Recent advances in Pediatric diagnosis and Endodontics. Prosthetic consideration in Pediatric Dentistry.
Traumatic Injuries in Children:
- Classifications & Importance.
- Sequelae & reaction of teeth to trauma.
- Management of Traumatized teeth with the latest concepts.
- Management of jaw fractures in children.
Interceptive Orthodontics:
- Concepts of occlusion and esthetics: Structure and function of all anatomic components of occlusion, mechanics of articulations, recording of masticatory function, diagnosis of Occlusal dysfunction, the relationship of TMJ anatomy and pathology, and related neuromuscular physiology.
- A comprehensive review of the local and systemic factors in the causation of malocclusion.
- Recognition and management of normal and abnormal developmental occlusions in primary, mixed, and permanent dentitions in children (Occlusal Guidance).
- Biology of tooth movement: A comprehensive review of the principles of teeth movement. Review of contemporary literature. Histopathology of bone and Periodontal ligament, Molecular and ultra cellular consideration in tooth movement.
- Myofunctional appliances: Basic principles, contemporary appliances: Design & Fabrication
- Removable appliances: Basic principles, contemporary appliances: Design & Fabrication
- Case selection & diagnosis in interceptive Orthodontics (Cephalometrics, Image processing, Tracing, Radiation hygiene, Video imaging & advanced Cephalometric techniques.
- Space Management: Etiology, Diagnosis of space problems, analysis, Biomechanics, Planned extraction in interceptive orthodontics.
Oral Habits in Children:
- Definition, Etiology & Classification
- Clinical features of digit sucking, tongue thrusting, mouth breathing & various other secondary habits.
- Management of oral habits in children
Dental care of Children with special needs:
Definition, Etiology, Classification, Behavioral, Clinical features & Management of children with:
- Physically handicapped conditions
- Mentally compromising conditions
- Medically compromising conditions
- Genetic disorders
Oral manifestations of Systemic Conditions in Children & their Management Management of Minor Oral Surgical Procedures in Children
Dental Radiology as related to Pediatric Dentistry
Cardiology:
- Historical background
- Definition, Etiology & Pathogenesis
- Caries pattern in primary, young permanent, and permanent teeth in children.
- Rampant caries, early childhood caries, and extensive caries. Definition, etiology, Pathogenesis, Clinical features, Complications & Management.
- Role of diet and nutrition in Dental Caries
- Dietary modifications & Diet counseling.
- Subjective & objective methods of Caries detection with emphasis on Caries Activity tests, Caries prediction, Caries susceptibility & their clinical Applications
Pediatric Oral Medicine & Clinical Pathology: Recognition & Management of developmental dental anomalies, teething disorders, stomatological conditions, mucosal lesions, viral infections, etc.
Congenital Abnormalities in Children: Definition, Classification, Clinical features & Management.
Dental Emergencies in Children and their Management. Dental Materials used in Pediatric Dentistry.
C) Preventive Dentistry:
- Definition
- Principles & Scope
- Types of prevention
- Different preventive measures are used in Pediatric Dentistry including fissure sealants and caries vaccine.
Dental Health Education & School Dental Health Programmes:
Dental health concepts, Effects of civilization and environment, Dental Health delivery system, Public Health measures related to children along with principles of Pediatric Preventive Dentistry
Fluorides:
- Historical background
- Systemic & Topical fluorides
- Mechanism of action
- Toxicity & Management.
- Defluoridation techniques.
Medico-legal aspects in Pediatric Dentistry with emphasis on the informed concert. Counseling in Pediatric Dentistry
Case History Recording: Outline of principles of examination, diagnosis & treatment planning.
Epidemiology: Concepts, Methods of recording & evaluation of various oral diseases. Various national & global trends of the epidemiology of oral diseases.
Comprehensive Infant Oral Health Care.
Principles of Bio-Statistics& Research Methodology & Understanding of Computers and Photography
Comprehensive cleft care management with emphasis on counseling, feeding, nasoalveolar bone remodeling, and speech rehabilitation.
Setting up of Pediatric Dentistry Clinic.
Emerging concepts in Pediatric Dentistry of the scope of lasers / minimum invasive procedures in Pediatric Dentistry.
Preclinical Work
(Duration – first 6 Months of First Year MDS) (One on Each Exercise)
1. Carving of all deciduous teeth
2. Basic wire bending exercises(Clasps, Bows, Retractors and Springs, etc., on patient models)
3. Basics for Spot welding exercises
4. Fabrication of
a. Maxillary bite plate / Hawley’s’
b. Maxillary expansion screw appliance
c. Canine retractor appliance
d. All habit-breaking appliances
-Removable type
-Fixed type
-Partially fixed and removable
e. Myofunctional appliances – Twin block, Activator, Lip bumper, Oral Screen
f. Making of inclined plane appliance
g. Feeding appliances
5. Basic soldering exercises – making of a lamppost of stainless steel wire pieces of different gauges soldered on either side of heavy gauge main post.
6. Fabrication of space maintainers
a. Removable type-
- Unilateral Non – Functional space maintainer
- Bilateral Non-Functional space maintainer
b. Space Regainers –
- Gerber or Opencoil space regainer
c. Fixed Space maintainers
- Band & loop space maintainer
- Transpalatal arch space maintainer
- Nance Palatal holding arch
- Distal shoe appliance
7. Basics for spot welding exercise
8. Collection of extracted deciduous and permanent teeth
a. Sectioning of the teeth at various levels and planes
b. Drawing of sections and shapes of pulp
c. Phantom Head Exercises: Performing ideal cavity preparation for various restorative materials for both Deciduous and permanent teeth
d. Performing pulpotomy, root canal treatment, and Apexification procedure
i. Tooth preparation and fabrication of various temporary and permanent restorations on fractured anterior teeth.
ii. Preparation of teeth for various types of crowns
iii. Laminates/Veneers
iv. Bonding & banding exercise
9. Performing behavioral rating and IQ tests for children.
10. Computation of: -
a. Caries index and performing various caries activity tests.
b. Oral Hygiene Index
c. Fluorosis Index
11. Surgical Exercises :
a. Fabrication of splints
b. Type of Wiring
c. Suturing
12. a. Taking of periapical, occlusal, and bitewing radiographs of children
b. Developing and processing of films, thus obtained
c. Tracing of soft tissue dental and skeletal landmarks as observed on Cephalometric radiographs and drawing of various planes and angles, further interpretation of Cephalometric radiographs.
d. Mixed dentition cast analysis
13. Library assignment
14. Synopsis
Clinical work Requirements from 7 to 36 months
The following is the minimum requirement to be completed before the candidate can be considered eligible to appear in the final MMDS Examinations:
| S.No. | Clinical Work | Total | 7 To 12 Months | 13 To 24 Months | 25 To 36 Months |
| | | | |||
| 1. | Behavior Management of different age groups of children with complete records. | 17 | 2 | 10 | 5 |
| 2. | Detailed Case evaluation with complete records, treatment planning and presentation of cases with the chair side and discussion | 17 | 2 | 10 | 5 |
| 3. | Step-by-step chair-side preventive dentistry scheduled for high-risk children with gingival and periodontal diseases &Dental Caries | 11 | 1 | 5 | 5 |
| 4. | Practical application of Preventive Dentistry concepts in a class of 35-50 children& Dental Health Education & Motivation. | 7 | 1 | 4 | 2 |
| 5. | Pediatric Operative Dentistry with the application of recent concepts. (a). Management of Dental Caries | ||||
| (I) Class I | 50 | 30 | 10 | 10 | |
| (II) Class II | 100 | 40 | 50 | 10 | |
| (III) Other Restorations | 100 | 20 | 50 | 30 | |
| (b). Management of traumatized anterior teeth | 15 | 04 | 06 | 05 | |
| (c ) Aesthetic Restorations | 25 | 05 | 10 | 10 | |
| (d). Pediatric Endodontic Procedures Deciduous teeth Pulpotomy / Pulpectomy Permanent Molars Permanent Incisor Apexification & Apexogenesis | 150 20 15 20 | 30 3 2 02 | 50 7 3 08 | 70 10 10 10 | |
| 6. | Stainless Steel Crowns | 50 | 10 | 20 | 20 |
| 7. | Other Crowns | 05 | 01 | 02 | 02 |
| 8. | Fixed: Space Maintainers Habit breaking appliances | 30 | 08 | 12 | 10 |
| 9. | Removable: Space Maintainers Habit-breaking appliances | 20 | 05 | 07 | 08 |
| 10. | Functional Appliances | 05 | 01 | 02 | 02 |
| 11. | Preventive measures like fluoride applications & Pit & Fissure Sealants applications with complete follow-up and diet counseling | 20 | 08 | 08 | 04 |
| 12. | Special Assignments (i) School Dental Health Programmes | 03 | 01 | 01 | 01 |
| (ii) Camps etc., | 02 | 01 | 01 | - | |
| 13 | Library usage | ||||
| 14 | Laboratory usage | ||||
| 15 | Continuing Dental Health Programmes |
(The figures given against Sl. No. 4 to 12 are the minimum number of recommended procedures to be performed)
Career Options
After completing MDS, candidates will get employment opportunities in Government as well as in the Private sector.
· Clinical Practice- They can establish a private clinic or can join a hospital.
· Academics and Dental school - Teaching.
· Research Field.
· Administration.
· Public Health Sector.
· Allied fields.
· Central and State Government Services:
1. Indian Railways.
2. UPSC- Union Public Service Commission.
3. ECHS- Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health scheme.
4. ESIC- Employee’s State Insurance Cooperation.
5. NRHM- National Rural Health Mission.
· Healthcare Panels.
· Defence Services:
1. Army Dental Corps.
2. Indian Air Force Dental Officer.
3. Indian Navy Dental Officer.
4. Army Territorial Officer.
· Scientific Societies.
Courses After MDS in Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry
Master of Dental Surgery is a post-graduate course that can be pursued after pursuing BDS.
Candidate could pursue the following course programs, where MDS is a feeder qualification.
These include:
- Ph.D. in Dental Sciences.
- Post-Doctoral Fellowship Programme- Forensic Dentistry.
Frequently Asked Questions- MDS MDS in Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry
Question: What is the full form of MDS?
Answer: The full form MDS is Masters of Dental Surgery.
Question: What is MDS?
Answer: Master in Dental Surgery is a post-graduation course done by doctors after completing BDS to get a deep understanding of dental issues.
Question: What is the duration of MDS?
Answer: MDS is a postgraduate program of three years.
Question: What is the eligibility for MDS?
Answer: Candidates must have a BDS degree from a dental college/institute recognized by the Dental Council India. The candidates must have completed their Internship BDS BDS before taking admission to the MDS MDS course. Some dental colleges mention minimum marks in the qualifying degree examination for admissions MDS MDS courses such as 55% aggregate of all subjects BDS course.
Question: What is the scope after doing MDS?
Answer: MDS offers candidates various employment opportunities and career prospects.
Question: What is the average salary for MDS candidate?
Answer: MDS MDS candidate’s average salary ranges between Rs.3 lakhs to Rs. 15 lakhs depending on the experience. Average salary may vary with experience and the nature of jobs.
Question: How selection is done?
Answer: The selection is done on an annual basis which is based on performance in NEET PG-MDS and counseling conducted by DCI (Dental Council of India).
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