How to select an MDS seat

SEAT SELECTION FOR MDS - DEMYSTIFIED

Introduction

After a year of hard work, finally, the time has come to reap the fruits…. Its counselling time. But as we jump into the huge pool of available information, we tend to get spiraled down and become more confused than ever. Which branch?? Which college?? Which state?? College over subject or subject over college. There is so much to think, so little time and no single correct answer in sight. Eventually, it is a major life decision which we can’t afford to go wrong.

How to make the right decision????

This article is based on the experience of past 16 years of guiding students make to informed choices. There is no fixed algorithm, one solution that suits everyone for this question. Through this article, we intend to highlight the points a student should consider and keep in mind before making a decision.

The major dilemma that exist in the mind of a student when going for an MDS seat include:

1. Subject

2. College

3. Which is more important? Subject or College??

4. Another Attempt

Let’s deal with these one at a time….

1. SUBJECT:

The first thing in choosing n MDS seat is to finalize the subject. Several factors play an important role when we want to decide which subject we want to pursue. There is no best or worst subject. Just a subject that is best for YOU. In today’s scenario, it would be wise to equip yourself with as many clinical skills as possible and make yourself competent enough to set up your own clinical practice or get a job as a clinician in a hospital or corporate chain. The stark reality is that teaching jobs are just saturated.

a. Individual interest: First and foremost, you have to think what is it that you absolutely like or absolutely dislike. If you have strong feeling about a subject whether positive or negative… Stick to it.

b. Rank: Before you go into the details of which subject and why, you should have a clear idea about the choices that will be available at your rank. Consider all your options before finalizing this one.

c. Informed choice: Many students feel that they are ok with any of the subject. Or don’t have a preference in general. Then these general guidelines are for you:

- The best choices to go in a clinical practice are Endodontics or Orthodontics in terms of consultations, average patient base and income.

- Prosthodontics again is a great choice from a clinical perspective.

- Pedodontics should be selected if you have a passion for working with kids and scope for a good/exclusive practice is present in the city where you are planning to settle.

- Periodontics also a good clinical choice provided that the college is affiliated with a well-equipped Implant Department/Setup.

- Oral Surgery: It’s a tricky choice. People who are really passionate about this must take up OS. Generally, to stand out in this field, the 3-year MDS would not suffice and you would have to do a 2-year fellowship in trauma/cancer/Cleft or so on. So be mentally prepared for those extra years. Also, special mention that college selected should have an OT setup and/or be associated with a cancer/trauma center. This will help to have a broader experience of cases.

- Oral Pathology and Oral Medicine & Radiology: Again, a tricky choice… Select only if you have a passion for the subject. Teaching jobs are saturated and clinical possibilities limited.

In general, the job scenario in Colleges in India is grim. Hence, the choice should be made purely on your interest and future prospects (job/clinic)

d. Peer pressure: Choose for yourself, not anybody else. Do not give in to Peer pressure. At this time, several people will give you different advice so as to what is the best for you. You and only you can decide what is best for you. As the age-old saying goes… Listen to everyone but do what you think is best for you.

Be very pragmatic in subject selection as it’s not about 3 years… What you chose, you have to stick with it for the rest of your life…

2. COLLEGE:

Once you have decided that you want to pursue a subject, the next most important thing is to decide the college. This is the area where you have to dedicate your maximum time doing research.

a. Department: Your MDS is as good as the Department you do it in. Find out in detail regarding Department infrastructure. It is crucial to be abreast with the latest technologies in your field. Joining a college which provides good quality and advanced materials and equipment gives you an edge in learning the latest in your field for example while selecting Periodontics look for equipment like CBCT, lasers, microscope etc. Even though it should not be a deciding factor, it should definitely be considered.

b. Stipend: This becomes an important criterion when selecting a government seat. However, this should not be a deciding factor. Never compromise for a college/branch just based on the stipend.

c. Department Staff: MDS unlike BDS is based on one to one interaction with guides. Good staff support is extremely essential as they guide you regarding your presentations, dissertation, research projects, basic and advanced clinical procedures etc. They will play an important role in shaping you into a skilled clinician, a meticulous researcher and a competent academician. Also, some colleges may have some department level politics. You should be careful regarding that.

d. Number of patients: Again, another factor to be considered seriously. A sufficient patient base forms a stronghold for a department. Many rural/isolated colleges/many colleges in the same vicinity have less patient inflow. This should be considered.

e. Library: Again, unlike BDS, MDS relies mainly on self-study. Staff will not teach, they are there to guide you (Hence, the term GUIDE). Here a well-equipped library plays a crucial role. Most of the old Government and Private colleges have good libraries and provide support to students from other colleges also.

f. Finance: Mainly for private colleges, be aware of the TOTAL fee. Most of the private colleges with the exception of few deemed universities (Manipal etc) do not pay any stipends. TOTAL course fee includes the basic fee that you will pay (eg COMED fee), and invariably every private college will impose a material fees (to the range of 50000 to 1.2 lakhs per annum). This also should be taken into consideration.

g. Location: For practical reasons location is also important. Even though it is not easy to always fit these things into the equation, climatic conditions of a new place that could affect your health, proximity to hometown (because leave is never easy to get) and even choosing a seat in a place to be able to live with your family or spouse should be considered if you feel they are a priority for you.

Feedback from previous/current students is the best way to get this information. A college with good reputation does not necessarily mean that a particular department will be good. And of course, the vice versa stands true.

3. WHICH IS MORE IMPORTANT? SUBJECT OR COLLEGE!!

It’s a very simple question to answer… Subject subject subject… Remember that while MDS is for 3 years, your specialization will be for life and it must be something you are interested in. There is no point settling on something that you can’t muster up any good feelings for. In this regard, it would be wiser to choose the department of your choice in a not-so-well-known college rather than choosing a college that has a good name and compromising on your choice of specialization. Think about which department you would be most happy making a career in; loving what you do in the long run will be the icing on the cake of a successful professional life.

4. ATTEMPT

One major question that may also haunt you is whether to settle what you get or study again for one more time. This is a question to which there is no single answer.. Lets consider a few scenario

a. If you already have a rank good enough to get a good clinical seat but specific that you want only government colleges (lets say around 700 in NEET 2018), then you have to attempt again. However, if the fee is not an issue, it would be a better choice to take up a good clinical seat. Government college doesn’t necessarily mean a good college and a private doesn’t necessarily mean a bad one. The major perks associated with a government college as compared to a private one is the stipend and patient exposure.

b. Which attempt: If you are an intern, and you are not satisfied with your result or feel that you have not given your best, take the plunge. Give it one more GOOD shot. Be prepared for long nights and constant studying. Don’t do your re-attempt half-heartedly. No part time clinics (unless finances are an issue). Give it one shot and make it your best shot.

c. If you have a decent rank (let’s say 1200-2500) in NEET, but you are not sure whether you will get the subject of your choice in the college of your choice. In this case, I would say that don’t be too rigid but definitely won’t recommend too much of a compromise when it comes to the subject. College is the criteria where a slight compromise is ok. Post-graduation is more of a self-educated journey and how good you become depends on you. Also, now a day there are many short-term courses that can be done to hone your skills. Would not advise a next attempt unless the finances of a private seat are an issue. After all, a bird in hand is worth two in the bush.

The overall verdict regarding re-attempt is that it is justified in case of financial issues or when you feel that you are making an absolute compromise on your subject choice. If going for a re-attempt, you have to be mentally strong to face people. Stick to your choice and be confident about it. Also, a year of studying the same things over and over is not easy. Stay motivated throughout your journey and stay away from pessimists. Give your best and you will see that in the end hard work and perseverance always triumphs.

CONCLUSION

A famous saying goes… “One size never fits all.”

There is no one right choice that is correct for everyone. There is no perfect branch, perfect department or perfect college. Keeping all the above factors in mind, an informed decision suited to individual needs and scenario should be made. Stay focused, confident and optimistic. Future is bright.. Work for it and love it.