SDCH FDS Pedodontics FAQs
Q1. Does the FDS Pedodontics fellowship at Saveetha require NEET-MDS?
Ans. No, the Fellowship in Pedodontic and Preventive Dentistry at Saveetha Dental College does not require NEET-MDS. It is a direct admission program open to all BDS graduates who have completed their internship. There is no national entrance exam for this fellowship.
Q2. What is the seat intake for the FDS Pedodontics program? Is it difficult to get admission?
Ans. The seat intake is only 5 seats per year, making it a highly competitive program. Since admissions are on a first-come, first-served basis (subject to eligibility), early application is strongly recommended. Interested candidates should apply as soon as the application window opens, typically in January-February.
Q3. What clinical skills will I develop during the FDS Pedodontics fellowship?
Ans. The program provides structured training in rotary endodontics (for children), preventive orthodontics, crown placement for pediatric patients, and habit-breaking appliances. Students also get exposure to hospital-based dentistry and management of children with special needs and behavioral challenges, under the supervision of experienced faculty.
Q4. How does the FDS Pedodontics fellowship differ from MDS in Pedodontics?
Ans. The FDS Pedodontics is a 1-year clinical fellowship focused on practical skill development, while MDS in Pedodontics is a 3-year DCI-recognized postgraduate degree that includes academic, research, and clinical components. The MDS degree qualifies you to become a specialist and teach in dental colleges, whereas the FDS fellowship is primarily a clinical training program that enhances your skills for private practice. The MDS requires NEET-MDS qualification; the FDS does not.
Q5. Is the patient flow sufficient for meaningful clinical training in pediatric dentistry at Saveetha?
Ans. Yes. Saveetha Dental College has one of the highest OPD patient flows in India, with 2,000+ patients per day across all departments. The Department of Pedodontics specifically sees a very high volume of pediatric patients, ensuring that FDS fellows get adequate hands-on exposure to a wide variety of pediatric dental cases throughout the year.
Q6. Can I pursue the MFDS (GA and Sedation in Pedodontics) after completing the FDS Pedodontics fellowship?
Ans. The MFDS (GA and Sedation in Pedodontics) is a 4-6 month super-specialty program at Saveetha Dental College that requires MDS in Pediatric Dentistry as eligibility, not the FDS fellowship. However, completing the FDS Pedodontics fellowship gives you a strong clinical foundation and may help you decide whether to pursue MDS Pedodontics subsequently, which would then make you eligible for the MFDS program.
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