Overview
MDS
in Orthodontics is a 3-year postgraduate course in different
disciplines of dentistry. Aspiring candidates need to have completed Bachelor
of Dental Science (BDS) from a recognized university in order to be
eligible to apply for the course. The discipline is concerned with the study
and treatment of malocclusions, i.e., improper bites, which might be caused due
to disproportionate jaw relationships, teeth irregularity, or both.
The
program comprises almost nine specialty disciplines, and follows an annual
system. The mode of admission is a relevant entrance
examination which may be conducted at any of State, university, and
national levels. They are employed in fields like dental departments of
hospitals, dental clinics, research centers, educational institutions, in roles
such as Dentist, Dental Researcher, Dental Teacher, etc. Dental Science or
Dental Surgery is a branch of the medicine which deals with dental and oral
health. General dentist practitioners may also undergo a certificate course in
Fixed Orthodontics, offered by the AFO. Orthodontics, as a stream of dentistry,
concerns itself with correcting irregularities present in teeth and jaws, which
may be congenital, or caused later, besides the many aspects and techniques of
Orthodontics, such as moulding and setting of teeth braces, invis-aligning of
teeth, application of retainers to remove dental deformity, etc.
Eligibility
·
BDS,
completed from an institute recognized by the Dental Council of India (MCI).
·
A
minimum aggregate score of 55% at the level of graduation.
·
Permanent
registration with the State Dental Council.
Admission
Process
Interested
eligible candidates are offered admission to the course in India mostly on the
basis of a relevant entrance test. Often subsequently, two additional rounds of
Group Discussion and Personal Interview are held as part of the counselling
procedure, wherein the candidate’s general aptitude for the course is examined.
A merit list is then released, allotting available seats to qualifying
candidates.
Career
Prospects
Successful
postgraduates of the course may pursue private practice, or work in
professional capacities such as Professor, Dental Assistant, Hygienist,
Surgeon, Oral Pathologist, Public Health Specialist, etc.
Employment
opportunities also exist in railways, Armed Forces, research fields and private
and public organizations.
Postgraduates
interested in pursuing higher studies in the discipline may go for Ph.D. or M.
Phil. in the subject.
In
medical laboratories, Orthodontics are required to study diagnostic records
such as medical/dental histories, pictures of patients’ faces and teeth,
plaster models of teeth, and X-rays.
| Job profile | Job description | Average salary | |
| Dental Hygienists | Dental Hygienists work under the supervision of authorized dental specialists. They perform essential dental care assignments, for the most part centered around keeping patients' teeth and gums clean. | Dental Hygienists work under the supervision of authorized dental specialists. They perform essential dental care assignments, for the most part centered around keeping patients' teeth and gums clean. | 5,00,913 in 0-2 Years |
| Dental Assistants | Dental Assistants play an assortment of roles, such as patient care, office, research, and frequently work seat- side as dental practitioners, analyzing and treating patients. They set patients up for treatment, and get their dental records. | Dental Assistants play an assortment of roles, such as patient care, office, research, and frequently work seat- side as dental practitioners, analyzing and treating patients. They set patients up for treatment, and get their dental records. | 4,30,000 in 0-2 Years |
| Consultant | Consultants are those who provide training and advice and support to the group. | Consultants are those who provide training and advice and support to the group. | 8,00,000 in 0-2 Years |
| MDS Coordinator | They assess the patient’s condition and collect data for the Minimum Data Set (MDS). They collate charts and chart data, inspect records, and create reports. Also, they implement and explain federal and organizational regulations and guidelines. They maintain patient medical records and develop individualized care plans with targeted outcomes. | They assess the patient’s condition and collect data for the Minimum Data Set (MDS). They collate charts and chart data, inspect records, and create reports. Also, they implement and explain federal and organizational regulations and guidelines. They maintain patient medical records and develop individualized care plans with targeted outcomes. | 4,50,000 in 0-2 Years |
| Orthodontists | They examine, diagnose, and treat dental malocclusions and oral cavity anomalies. | They examine, diagnose, and treat dental malocclusions and oral cavity anomalies. | 7,00,000 in 0-2 Years |
| Public health specialists | Public Health Dentists are dental professional who work in the public sector, usually focusing their skills and expertise on population-based dentistry instead of individual patients. They work to improve the oral health of a group of people, usually within a community or State. By increasing the overall dental health levels in the population, a Public Health Dentist can reduce the number of untreated tooth issues through a combination of treatment, education, and policy changes. | Public Health Dentists are dental professional who work in the public sector, usually focusing their skills and expertise on population-based dentistry instead of individual patients. They work to improve the oral health of a group of people, usually within a community or State. By increasing the overall dental health levels in the population, a Public Health Dentist can reduce the number of untreated tooth issues through a combination of treatment, education, and policy changes. | 4,00,000 in 0-2 Years |
* Average salary are subjective to change based on various factors
