BDS stands for Bachelor of Dental Surgery, a professional degree in dentistry that is offered by many BDS colleges in Navi Mumbai and the rest of India. After completing BDS, students can opt for various specializations in dentistry, such as orthodontics, periodontics, prosthodontics, oral and maxillofacial surgery, endodontics, pedodontics, and more.
But how can you choose the right specialization for your career? What are the steps involved in pursuing a specialization after BDS? In this blog, we will answer these questions and provide a step-by-step guide to specialization in the BDS course.
Decide Your Area of Interest
The first step to specialization in BDS colleges in Navi Mumbai or any other place in India is to decide your area of interest. Dentistry is a vast field that encompasses many branches and sub-branches. You need to have a clear idea of what kind of dental practice you want to pursue and what kind of patients you want to treat. For example, if you are interested in correcting the alignment and appearance of teeth, you may want to specialize in orthodontics.
To decide your area of interest, you can do some research on the different specializations available in dentistry, their scope, demand, and career prospects. You can also consult your seniors, mentors, or faculty members at Terna Dental College who have specialized in different fields of dentistry. Also, visiting dental clinics or hospitals during your BDS internships will allow you to observe the work of different specialists and help you to get a better understanding of the nature and challenges of each specialization.
Clear the MDS Entrance Exam
The second step to specialization in BDS colleges in Mumbai and other cities is to clear the MDS entrance exam. In India, there are two main national-level entrance exams for admission to postgraduate dental courses: NEET MDS and AIIMS PG.
NEET MDS stands for National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for Master of Dental Surgery, which is conducted by the National Board of Examinations (NBE). AIIMS PG stands for All India Institute of Medical Sciences Post Graduate Entrance Examination, which is conducted by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS).
Both NEET MDS and AIIMS PG are held once a year, usually in December or January. These consist of multiple-choice questions that cover various topics that you’ll have learned already at BDS colleges in Navi Mumbai and other places, such as basic sciences, general medicine, oral medicine and radiology, pedodontics, orthodontics, periodontics, prosthodontics, oral and maxillofacial surgery, endodontics, etc.
The exams are highly competitive and require thorough preparation and practice. You need to score well in the exams to secure a seat in reputed government or private dental colleges in Mumbai or other Indian cities that offer your desired specialization. Refer to the syllabus, exam pattern, previous year papers, mock tests, books, online courses, coaching classes, etc., to prepare for the exams.
Choose Your College or University
The third step to specialization in BDS courses is to choose your college or university. Depending on your score and rank in the entrance exam, you will be eligible for counselling and the seat allotment process. During this process, you will have to fill in your preferences for postgraduate dental colleges in Navi Mumbai and the rest of India.
There are two modes of admission for the MDS course: All India Quota (AIQ) and State Quota. The AIQ seats are filled by the NBE based on the NEET-PG rank and preferences of the candidates. The State Quota seats are filled by the respective state authorities based on the NEET-PG rank and domicile criteria of the candidates. You have to fill out the online application form and submit the required documents and fees for both modes of admission.
There are many factors that you should consider while choosing your college or university, such as:
- Reputation and ranking
- Accreditations and affiliations
- Faculty and infrastructure
- Curriculum and pedagogy
- Fee structure and scholarship opportunities
- Location and campus life, and
- Placement and alumni network of the college or university.
You should do some research on the BDS colleges in Navi Mumbai and other parts of India that offer your desired specialization and compare them based on these factors. Visit their websites and social media to get more information about them.
Complete Your Postgraduate Course
The fourth step to specialization in BDS colleges in Navi Mumbai is to complete your postgraduate dental course (MDS). These three-year programs include both theoretical and practical training. You will have to study advanced topics related to your specialization and also perform clinical procedures under the supervision of experienced faculty members.
During your postgraduate course, you should try to learn as much as possible from your teachers, seniors, and peers. You should also participate in seminars, workshops, conferences, and other academic activities to enhance your knowledge and skills. Try to network with other dental professionals and experts in your field and keep yourself updated with the latest developments and trends in dentistry and your specialization.
Register With the Dental Council of India
The fifth step to specialization in the BDS course is to register with the Dental Council of India (DCI) – the statutory body that regulates dental education and profession in India. It is mandatory for every dentist who wants to practice in India to register with DCI. Submit your documents and pay the registration fee to get your registration certificate. Also, remember to renew your registration every five years.
Registering with DCI will enable you to practice legally and ethically in India and help you to get recognition and respect from your patients and peers. It will also help you to avail various benefits and opportunities offered by DCI, such as continuing dental education in government or private BDS colleges in Mumbai or elsewhere, professional development, awards, etc.
Start Your Career
The sixth and final step to specialization in BDS colleges in Navi Mumbai is to start your career. After completing your MDS in your preferred specialization and registering with DCI, you will be ready to enter the professional world of dentistry. You will have plenty of options to choose from, such as:
| Job Profile | Average Annual Salary (INR) |
| Dental Consultant | 4.2 Lakhs |
| Specialist Dentist | 4 Lakhs |
| Lecturer | 5 Lakhs |
| Researcher | 3 Lakhs |
| Entrepreneur | 5 Lakhs |
| Dental Officer in Armed Forces | 9 Lakhs |
| Medical Writer | 3.6 Lakhs |
Conclusion
Specialization in BDS colleges in Navi Mumbai and other parts of India can be a rewarding and challenging career path that requires passion, dedication, and hard work. It can open up many doors of opportunities and possibilities for you in the field of dentistry. If you follow the steps mentioned above, you can achieve your dream of becoming a specialist dentist in India.
FAQs
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Can I register with the DCI right after completing my BDS course?
Yes, if you wish to pursue work right after completing your BDS course, you can register with the DCI. However, you won’t get the license of a dental specialist that way.
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Can I study further after MDS?
Yes, you can opt for further studies like a PhD course after completing your MDS.
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What does MDS stand for?
MDS stands for Master of Dental Surgery.
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Can I apply for an internship in my preferred area of specialisation in BDS?
Yes, you can apply for an internship in your preferred area in BDS if you’ve already decided on your specialisation.
