Medical & Allied Health · Dental

Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon

⚠ Estimate — needs validation · as of 2025

Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons are dental specialists who diagnose and surgically treat diseases, injuries, and defects of the mouth, jaws, face, and related structures. In India, the usual path is BDS followed by MDS in Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, then practice in hospitals, dental colleges, or private clinics.

Who it's for: Best for students who like biology, surgery, precision work, and long training. It suits calm, disciplined people who can handle emergencies, patient interaction, and years of postgraduate study.

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At a glance

Entry mode: Government Exam
Exam shape: national
Key exam: NEET UG
Min qualification: BDS+MDS
Duration: 5.5-6.5 yr
Starting salary: 6-18 LPA (approx, as of 2025)
Sector: Govt/Private
Category: Medical & Allied Health

Subjects / Stream

BiologyChemistryPhysicsEnglishScience streamDental surgery / clinical sciences

Step-by-step path

  1. Choose Science stream in Class 11-12 with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
  2. Clear NEET UG and join a BDS program at a recognised dental college.
  3. Complete BDS internship and register with the State Dental Council or Dental Council of India framework as applicable.
  4. Prepare for and clear NEET MDS for admission to MDS in Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery.
  5. Complete MDS training, clinical postings, and dissertation work in the specialty.
  6. Start work in a government hospital, dental college, trauma centre, or private practice; many doctors also pursue fellowship or super-specialisation exposure.

Key exams

NEET UG: admissionNEET MDS: postgraduate admissionState counselling: seat allotmentDental registration: practice

Top institutes / boards

AIIMSMaulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences, DelhiGovernment Dental College and Hospital, MumbaiKing George's Medical University, LucknowManipal College of Dental SciencesSaveetha Dental College and Hospitals

Similar careers

ProsthodontistPeriodontistOrthodontistEndodontistENT surgeon
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Frequently asked questions

What is the eligibility for Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon in India?
You usually need Class 12 with PCB, then BDS, and then MDS in Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery. Final practice also needs valid dental registration.
Is NEET UG required for this career?
Yes. NEET UG is the main entrance exam for BDS admission in India, which is the first step toward becoming an Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon.
Which exam is needed after BDS for MDS?
NEET MDS is the national exam for admission to MDS courses, including Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery.
How many years does it take to become job-ready?
Typically about 5.5 to 6.5 years after Class 12, including BDS and MDS. Some students may take longer depending on admission and internship timing.
What is the minimum qualification for this profession?
The usual minimum qualification is BDS followed by MDS in Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery.
Can I become an Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon directly after 12th?
No. You must first complete BDS, then MDS in the specialty. It is a postgraduate dental surgery career.
What subjects should I study in school?
Physics, Chemistry, and Biology are essential. Strong English and good study habits also help.
What is the scope of this career in India?
Scope is good in hospitals, dental colleges, trauma care, cancer centres, and private practice, especially in cities and large medical hubs.
What is the starting salary in India?
Starting pay is often around 6-18 LPA in 2025, but it varies widely by city, hospital type, experience, and whether you work in government or private sector.
Are government jobs available for this profession?
Yes. Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons can work in government dental colleges, medical colleges, district hospitals, and tertiary care centres.
Is there reservation in NEET-based admissions?
Yes. Government and many aided admissions follow Indian reservation rules and counselling policies as notified by the Centre or state authorities.
Is there an age limit for NEET UG or NEET MDS?
Age rules can change by exam and category. As of 2025, NEET UG has no upper age limit, while postgraduate admission follows current counselling and eligibility rules.
What are the fees for BDS and MDS?
Fees vary a lot by college type. Government colleges are usually much lower than private colleges; exact fees should be checked from the latest official prospectus.
Is this career suitable for girls?
Yes. It is equally suitable for girls and boys. Success depends on skill, commitment, and training, not gender.
Is it a good career for someone who likes surgery?
Yes. This is a surgical dental specialty, so it suits students who enjoy operating-room work, anatomy, and hands-on clinical procedures.
Do I need to be very good at Biology?
Yes, Biology is important because dental and surgical training rely heavily on human anatomy, physiology, pathology, and clinical understanding.
Can I work in private practice after MDS?
Yes. Many specialists work in private hospitals, multispecialty clinics, or their own practice after completing MDS and registration.
What are the top institutes for this field?
Well-known options include AIIMS, Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences, Government Dental College Mumbai, KGMU, Manipal, and Saveetha, subject to current seat availability.
Is this profession stressful?
It can be, because cases may involve trauma, pain, emergencies, and surgery. It suits people who stay calm under pressure and can work carefully.
How do I know if this career is right for me?
It is right for you if you like science, patient care, surgery, long study, and precise work. If you prefer short training or non-clinical work, consider other health careers.

Figures are indicative and source-stamped with an "as of" year (2025). Confirm on the official exam authority website before deciding.

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