MDS Orthodontics Course: Admission, Top Colleges, Syllabus, Jobs & Salary in India

Many leading dental colleges and universities in India and abroad offer MDS in Orthodontics. Institutions like AIIMS, PGIMER, and other top government and private colleges in India are known for strong academics and clinical training. Internationally, countries such as the USA, UK, and Australia offer equivalent orthodontic programs with a focus on research and advanced techniques. Below is a list of some top colleges offering this course.

Top Government Colleges for MDS (Fees in Ascending Order)

Top Private Colleges for MDS (Alphabetical Order)

FAQs

Ques 1. Which government colleges are the best for MDS Orthodontics in India?

Ans 1. Some of the top government colleges include AIIMS Delhi, PGIMER Chandigarh, Maulana Azad Dental College, and KGMU Lucknow.

Ques 2. How does the fee structure differ between government and private colleges?

Ans 2. Government colleges can charge from anything between ₹5,000 to ₹2,00,000, while private/deemed universities can charge between ₹10,00,000 and ₹45 00,000.

MDS Orthodontics Course: Abroad vs India (Comparison Table)

MDS Orthodontics courses in India and abroad differ in several key areas such as curriculum design, tuition fees, clinical training, and licensing norms. Indian colleges follow DCI guidelines and are generally more affordable, though the exposure may be limited to local practices. In contrast, international programs often offer better facilities, global learning environments, and more research opportunities, but may come with higher costs and additional licensing exams for practice in India. The table below highlights these major differences.

FAQs

Ques 1. Is MDS from India valid abroad?

Ans 1. While the degree holds academic recognition, you will need to clear country-specific licensing exams (like NBDE for the US) in order to practice abroad. 

Ques 2. Is MDS more costly to study in India or abroad?

Ans 2. Undoubtedly, India is cheaper, but abroad education comes at a price while offering good infrastructure and some level of global exposure.

To apply for MDS in Orthodontics, candidates must have a BDS degree from a DCI-recognised college and must have completed a one-year internship. Eligibility rules may differ slightly based on category (General, SC, ST, OBC) as per government guidelines, with possible relaxations in age or marks. Detailed category-wise eligibility criteria are given below.

MDS Orthodontics Eligibility FAQs

Ques 1. What is the minimum qualification required for MDS Orthodontics?

Ans 1. A BDS degree from a dental college recognised by the DCI is essential, as is the completion of a 1-year internship period. 

Ques 2. Are relaxations given during MDS admission according to category?

Ans 2. Yes, relaxation in cut-offs, age, or qualifying marks can be given to candidates belonging to SC/ST/OBC categories according to government rules.

Admission to MDS in Orthodontics mainly depends on the candidate’s NEET MDS score. Those who qualify must go through counselling, which may be held at the national or state level. The counselling process usually involves registration, selecting preferred colleges, seat allotment, document verification, and fee payment. A step-by-step overview is provided below.

Step 1: Eligibility Check
Must have a BDS degree from a DCI-recognised college, completed a 1-year internship, and hold valid DCI/State Dental Council registration.

Step 2: Entrance Exam Registration
Apply for NEET MDS or INI-CET through official portals (NBE for NEET MDS, AIIMS for INI-CET).

Step 3: Admit Card Download
Admit cards are released 10–15 days before the exam date.

Step 4: Entrance Examination
Appear for the computer-based exam—NEET MDS or INI-CET, depending on target colleges.

Step 5: Result Declaration
NEET MDS results are usually out in March; INI-CET results follow their official timeline.

Step 6: Counselling Registration
Register for MCC (AIQ/Deemed) or State Quota counselling, as per eligibility.

Step 7: Choice Filling
Fill in preferred colleges and specialisations like MDS Prosthodontics.

Step 8: Seat Allotment
Seats are allotted based on NEET MDS rank, reservation rules, and choice preferences.

Step 9: Document Verification
Report with original documents (degree, registration, scorecard, ID, etc.) to the centre or college.

Step 10: Fee Payment & Reporting
Pay the admission fees and report to the allotted college to confirm the seat.

Step 11: Program Commencement
MDS Prosthodontics classes typically begin in July or August, as per the academic calendar.

MDS Orthodontics Admissions FAQs 

Ques 1. Which entrance exams are considered for MDS Orthodontics admission?

Ans 1. NEET MDS stands as the main exam, while INI-CET is considered for premier institutes such as AIIMS and PGIMER.

Ques 2. What is the counselling procedure for MDS seats?

Ans 2. After qualifying through NEET MDS, candidates must register for national/state counselling, fill in their preferences, undergo document verification, and ultimately confirm seat allotment.

The MDS Orthodontics course fees vary based on the college type. Government colleges typically charge between ₹30,000 and ₹2 lakh per year, making them more budget-friendly. In contrast, private colleges may have higher fees, ranging from ₹4 lakh to ₹15 lakh annually. These fees usually cover tuition, clinical practice, and laboratory facilities.  Below is the detailed fee structure of the course:

MDS Orthodontics Fees FAQs

Ques 1. What is the usual fee chargeable for conducting MDS Orthodontics in government colleges?

Ans 1. The government colleges are charging ₹60,000 to ₹3,30,000  for the full 3-year duration.

Ques 2. How expensive is the course in private or deemed universities?

Ans 2. Private/deemed may charge fees anywhere from ₹10,00,000 to ₹45,00,000, depending on quota and college ranking.

MDS Orthodontics Salary Package

The salary for MDS (Orthodontics) graduates depends on experience, place of work, type of employer, and whether they run a private practice. Freshers can earn between ₹4,00,000 to ₹6,00,00 per year, while experienced orthodontists with established clinics or jobs in reputed hospitals may earn over ₹10 LPA. The table below gives average salary estimates based on job roles and industry types.

MDS Orthodontics Salary Package FAQs

Ques 1. What is the duration of the MDS (Orthodontics) course?

Ans 1. The MDS in Orthodontics is a 3-year postgraduate degree program. In some cases, the maximum period of candidature can be reduced to 2 years for candidates possessing a postgraduate diploma in the same specialty (subject to DCI regulations).

Ques 2. What is the eligibility for MDS in Orthodontics?

Ans 2. Must have passed BDS from a DCI-recognised institute and must qualify in entrance examinations like NEET MDS.

Ques 3. Is NEET MDS compulsory for admission?

Ans 3. Yes. NEET MDS is mandatory for admission to MDS in Government and most private colleges across the country.

Ques 4. What kinds of job roles are available after MDS in Orthodontics?

Ans 4. Graduates work as Orthodontists, Academic Lecturers, Consultants, or private practice dentists. There are also opportunities in dental startups and abroad with proper licensing.

Ques 5. What is the average starting salary for MDS (Orthodontics) graduates?

Ans 5. The average starting salary offered ranges from ₹5 to ₹6.5 LPA. However, these increase astronomically depending on experience, location, and specialisation in advanced treatment procedures like clear aligners.

Scope/Career Options

After completing an MDS in Orthodontics, graduates can explore various career paths in both clinical and academic fields. They can work as orthodontic specialists in hospitals, join private dental clinics, or start their own practice. Teaching positions in dental colleges, roles in research, and opportunities with dental product companies are also common. Some professionals opt for fellowships or pursue advanced specialisations abroad. Key career options are listed below.

FAQs

Ques 1. What are some key career options that one can pursue in orthodontics?

Ans 1. Graduates are working as orthodontic specialists in private clinics and hospitals, joining academics, or opening private clinics.

Ques 2. Do any jobs exist in non-clinical sectors?

Ans 2. Yes, orthodontists can work for dental product companies, aligner startups, dental research, and forensic sciences.