Indian Students’ Guide to Studying MDS in the UK: 2025/26

Last updated:7 March 2025

A Master’s in Dental Surgery (MDS) is a postgraduate qualification that can help dentists develop specialised expertise and advance in their careers. The UK is home to some of the world’s leading dental schools, offering a range of advanced dental courses that blend coursework, clinical training, and research opportunities. Completing an MDS in a UK university is especially valuable if you have a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) in India, as it allows you to specialise in areas such as orthodontics, periodontics, and prosthodontics while getting hands-on advanced clinical experience. With internationally recognised credentials in dental surgery from a UK university, you have the opportunity to explore career prospects both locally in the UK and globally.

This guide explores how you can transition to an MDS in the UK while holding a BDS from India, the top universities for MDS in the UK, offered programmes, entry requirements, costs, scholarships, and post-study work prospects.

Studying MDS in the UK after BDS in India

If you hold a BDS degree from India, you can directly apply for an MDS in the UK so you can receive advanced training and internationally recognised credentials. Here are the prerequisites you need to meet to apply for an MDS in the UK after completing your BDS in India:

Meet the entry requirements of your chosen MDS programme
Show proof of English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL)
Have a minimum of two years’ clinical experience as a BDS graduate (for certain programmes)

Additionally, you may also want to consider completing the Overseas Registration Examination (ORE) offered by the General Dental Council (GDC), the UK’s regulator for professionals in the field of dentistry. This will allow you to register as a qualified dentist so you can practise in the UK.

Next, let’s take a look at what an MDS programme in the UK offers and why you should consider choosing the UK for your postgraduate dental studies.

What is MDS in the UK

MDS programmes in the UK are typically offered as a Master of Science (MSc) in Clinical Dentistry or a Master of Clinical Dentistry (MClinDent). These programmes focus on specialised areas of dental surgery and give students the necessary skills and knowledge to pursue careers in the UK’s National Health Service (NHS), private practice, academia, or industry research.

Why study MDS in the UK

The UK is a leading provider of dental education, offering high-quality training and research facilities. Here are the key benefits of pursuing an MDS in the UK.

Top-ranking medical schools: UK universities are consistently ranked among the best in the world for medical and dental education. Institutions like the University of Plymouth, the University of Glasgow, and many others offer globally recognised programmes that appeal to students from all over the world.
Highly specialised subjects: An MDS in the UK allows students to focus on niche areas of expertise such as paediatric dentistry and dental public health, catering to the growing demand in specific fields and improving graduate prospects.
Access to state-of-the-art facilities and technology: UK dental schools are equipped with cutting-edge research laboratories, digital dentistry tools, and advanced simulation clinics. You have the chance to gain hands-on experience with the latest technologies in diagnostics, treatment planning, and surgical procedures.
Professional training and clinical exposure: MDS programmes offered by UK universities are well-balanced as they offer extensive theoretical knowledge and practical experience. You can work in university-affiliated dental hospitals and get real-world experience under the supervision of experienced professionals. NHS training programmes such as Dental Foundation Training (DFT) and Dental Core Training (DCT) can further improve your career prospects, skills, and knowledge.
Lucrative and diverse career pathways: An MDS from the UK opens doors to various career opportunities, including roles in the NHS, private practice, hospital dentistry, academia, and industry research. Graduates with public health specialisations can also work in dental healthcare management and policymaking roles.
Competitive earning potential: The average base salary for a dentist in the UK is £79,661/year according to Indeed. Dentists in the UK enjoy high earning potential, with specialist dentists and consultants in the NHS and private practice having the potential to earn significantly high wages.

The UK is among the best study destinations in the world for pursuing a master’s qualification in dentistry, offering high-quality education, comprehensive training, scholarship opportunities, and a high earning potential for graduates. Next, let’s explore the top-ranking universities in the UK for dentistry where you can enjoy these benefits and take the first steps in establishing your career as a dental specialist in the UK.

MDS in the UK: Top-Ranking Universities for Dentistry

Here are the top-ranking dental schools in the UK offering some of the most sought-after dentistry master’s courses in the world according to the Guardian University Rankings 2025. These universities can be an ideal fit for you to pursue globally recognised MDS programmes and become a specialist in dental medicine.

University	Guardian University Guide 2025	Popular Qualifications	Annual Tuition Fee
University of Plymouth	1	Endodontics MSc, Periodontology MSc, Restorative Dentistry MSc	£25,750
University of Dundee	3	Dental Public Health MDPH, Forensic Dentistry MSc, Forensic Odontology MFOdont	£27,900
University of Glasgow	4	Clinical Trials MSc, Endodontology MSc, Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery MSc (DentSci)	£29,700 / £52,950
University of Bristol	5	Dental Implantology MSc, Oral Medicine MSc	£13,133 (part-time) / £46,800
University of Liverpool	6	Global Healthcare Ethics MSc	£26,600
Cardiff University	7	Clinical Dentistry (Prosthodontics) MClinDent, Orthodontics MScD, Implantology MSc	£52,700 / £45,200
University of Birmingham	8	Dental Materials Science MSc, Restorative Dentistry MSc	£32,510 / £16,320 (part-time)
Queen Mary University of London	9	Minimally Invasive Dentistry MSc, Dental Science for Clinical Practice MSc, Dental Technology MSc	£63,250 / £42,250 / £31,500
Newcastle University	10	Endodontics MClinDent, Periodontics MClinDent, Prosthodontics MClinDent	£56,000
University of Leeds	11	Dental Materials MSc, Dental Public Health MSc, Oral Surgery MSc	£32,250 / £56,750

With the diverse selection of MDS programmes available in these universities, you have the opportunity to choose your specialisation, develop your knowledge and skills, and get a solid start to a career as a dental specialist in the UK. You can refer to the next sections for an overview of the course content and duration of MDS programmes offered by UK universities.

MDS in the UK: Course Content and Duration

The structure, course content, and duration of MDS programmes in the UK vary depending on the specialisation you choose. That said, most dental master’s courses in the UK integrate advanced theoretical learning with extensive clinical training in their course structure.

Course content in an MDS in the UK

Each specialisation in MDS programmes includes a set curriculum tailored to each specific field. Below are a few examples of what you can expect to learn in different MDS programmes.

Specialisation	Key Topics Covered
Dental Public Health	- Study of oral health policies and community-based prevention strategies - Dental public health and the science of behaviours - Health promotion - Principles of public health
Endodontics	- Root canal treatment and management of diseases affecting dental pulp - Advanced root canal treatment techniques - Dental trauma management - Endodontic microsurgery
Implantology	- Surgical placement and restoration of dental implants to replace missing teeth - Management of patients with dental implants - Osseointegration (reconstructive surgery technique for dental implants) - Restorative dentistry and its applications on dental implantology
Oral Surgery	- Diagnosis and surgical treatment of diseases, injuries, and defects of the oral and maxillofacial region - Dentofacial surgery - Maxillofacial trauma management - Oral and maxillofacial surgery research
Periodontology	- Prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of gum diseases and supporting structures of the teeth - Implant-borne restorations - Multidisciplinary care for dental patients - Periodontal surgery

Duration of an MDS in the UK

The duration of an MDS in the UK depends on the specialisation you choose and whether you’re pursuing the course full-time or part-time. Here’s a breakdown of how long an average MDS programme lasts in the UK.

Study Mode	Duration
MSc (full-time)	One to two years
MClinDent (full-time)	Two to three years
Part-time options	Three to five years

Certain MDS programmes in the UK are only offered as part-time courses, which is ideal if you want to pursue further education while working as a dentist in the UK. You can get in touch with an SI-UK expert for a free consultation if you need assistance with choosing and applying for the right MDS course for you.

Next, let’s take a look at how you can get started with applying for an MDS in the UK as a BDS graduate in India.

MDS in the UK: Application Guidelines for Indian Students

Getting into a dentistry master’s programme in the UK can be challenging as they tend to have strict admission requirements and competitive entry processes. Understanding these requirements can help you prepare effectively and maximise your chances of admission. Let’s take a look at each entry criteria next.

Entry requirements in postgraduate dentistry courses in the UK

Entry requirements for most MDS programmes in UK universities include an academic degree (usually an undergraduate degree), proof of English language proficiency, and relevant clinical experience in some cases. While different UK universities may have specific entry requirements for their MDS programmes, here are the general requirements that nearly every university requires you to meet when applying for a dentistry master’s programme.

Requirement	Benchmark
Academic Degree	A bachelor’s degree with a minimum second class lower division honours (2:2) in a related subject (medical or dental)
English Proficiency Test	IELTS 6.0–7.0 (with no individual component below 6.0) or equivalent (TOEFL, PTE, GCSE, IB, or Ordinary Level English)
Clinical Experience	One to two years of clinical experience after completing the undergraduate qualification. This may be a mandatory or a preferred requirement.
Other Requirements	Be engaged in clinical practice and have experience in academic writing and critical appraisal. Generally, these are preferred requirements, not mandatory.

Understanding the specific entry requirements for the university you are planning to apply for is important to compile a strong application, which can significantly improve your chances of admission.

Application process

Since dentistry master’s programmes are highly competitive in the UK, you may want to start the application process as early as possible. Here’s a step-by-step guide to applying for an MDS in the UK, along with timelines you need to follow.

Application Timeline

12 months before the intake: Research and shortlist universities/programmes, check eligibility and admission criteria, prepare for standardised tests (IELTS/TOEFL).
9-12 months before the intake: Gather essential documents (see the checklist below), apply to universities directly or through UCAS (UCAS deadline for most dentistry courses is October 15th).
6-9 months before the intake: Respond to university offers, make financial arrangements, and apply for scholarships.
3-6 months before the intake: Apply for the UK Student visa, finalise accommodation and travel arrangements.

Documents needed

Preparing the right documents in advance can help make the application process go smoother without any unnecessary delays. You can use the following checklist to make sure you have everything you need for a complete application.

Academic transcript of your bachelor’s degree
CV/Resume
Statement of purpose (SOP)
English proficiency test results
Letters of recommendation (LORs)
Passport and valid documentation to apply for a UK Student visa
Proof of work experience (if applicable)
UCAT (University Clinical Aptitude Test) results may be required for some programmes

With a comprehensive understanding of the entry requirements, application timeline, and the documents required to apply for an MDS in the UK, you can get started on the application process to study an MDS in the UK with confidence. Next, let’s take a look at your career prospects as a dental specialist in the UK.

Career Prospects with an MDS in the UK

Completing an MDS in the UK can open up a multitude of career opportunities and pathways in clinical practice, academia, corporate, and more. Let’s take a closer look at your career opportunities and salary potential as an MDS graduate in the UK.

Career opportunities for MDS graduates

Here are the most common and lucrative sectors you can work in as an MDS graduate in the UK.

Corporate roles in dental technology and innovation
Dental specialisations
Higher education lecturer
National Health Service (NHS). Roles include dentist, dental hygienist, dental nurse, dental technician/dental technologist, and dental therapist
Private dental practice
Public health dentistry

Salary potential by years of experience

Years of experience can play a role in how much you can earn as a dentist in the UK. Here’s an estimate of how much a dentist can earn in the UK based on years of experience.

Years of Experience	Average Annual Salary*
Less than one year	£40,695
1-4 years	£51,764
5-9 years	£59,598
10-19 years	£67,868

*Salary data accessed from PayScale in March 2025

Salary potential by professional role

Your earning potential as a dentist can vary based on your professional role and specialisation. Here’s a breakdown of the highest-paying dental specialist roles.

Role	Average Annual Salary*
Dentist (Endodontics)	£57,808
Dentist (Oral Surgery)	£53,495
Dentist (Prosthodontics)	£63,500
Oral Radiologist	£84,823
Orthodontist	£77,016
Public Health Dentist	£108,369

*Salary data accessed from PayScale and Salary Expert in March 2025

Now that we’ve covered the salary potential you can access as an MDS graduate in the UK, let’s take a look at how you can qualify to practise as a dentist in the UK.

Practising Dentistry in the UK an Indian Dentist

There are certain key steps you need to follow to practise dentistry in the UK as a dentist from India. Whether you are planning to practise during or after completing your MDS, GDC registration is a must for any dentist. Let’s take a look at the process.

Qualifying for registration

The most common pathway for qualifying to practise as a dentist in the UK is the Overseas Registration Examination (ORE). This two-part exam tests your theoretical clinical practice knowledge and practical clinical skills. The costs associated with the exam are provided below.

Application fee: £96
ORE Part 1 fee: £584
ORE Part 2 fee: £4,235

Registration

Once you have successfully completed the ORE, you can go through the General Dental Council’s (GDC) Route to Registration and register as a dentist in the UK. Completing the registration process will allow you to practise as a dentist in the UK.

GDC registration is valid until the 31st of December of the year you registered, and you will need to pay an Annual Retention Fee (ARF) to maintain your name in the register. Here’s a breakdown of the ARF based on your role (fees for 2025).

Role	Average Annual Salary*
Dentist	£621
Specialist (per speciality)	£72
Dental Care Professional	£96

Temporary registration

You also have the option to apply for temporary registration through the GDC which allows you to practise in the UK for a limited period. However, this is only applicable if you’ve received an offer of a supervised post for training, teaching, or research purposes.

Temporary registration may be granted for a minimum of 180 days and a maximum of 365 days at a time. It can be renewed for up to five years.

Vocational training

After registering at the GDC, you have the opportunity to enter the Dental Foundation Training (DFT) programme. This one-year training programme is a requirement if you wish to work at the NHS, and you can earn an annual salary of £38,472 during this period. Upon completion, you will receive a Certificate of Satisfactory Completion of Dental Foundation Training (CSCDFT) and a place on the NHS Performers List, allowing you to treat patients in NHS primary care.

After completing the DFT, you can either choose to practise as a dentist or enter Dental Core Training (DCT). This programme can last one to three years and you can enter specialty training once it is completed. You can earn an annual basic salary of £49,909–70,425 over the course of your training.

Next, let’s take a look at the costs involved in studying in the UK to help plan your finances to study and live in the UK.

Cost of Pursuing an MDS in the UK as an Indian Student

The main expenses you need to keep in mind when studying an MDS in the UK are registration exam costs, pre-arrival fees such as the visa application and university application fees, tuition fees for the MDS programme, and the cost of living in the UK. Here’s a breakdown of each expense.

Costs for registration exams

Some universities may require you to take the UCAT to enrol in their MDS programmes. The UCAT test fee is £115 for students taking the test in countries other than the UK.

Pre-arrival fees

Pre-arrival costs for studying an MDS in the UK include the Student visa application fees, language proficiency test fees, UCAS fees, and the university deposit that may be required to confirm your placement. These expenses can vary for each student, but a general breakdown may look like this.

Student visa fee: £490 (Approx. INR 53,000)
Language proficiency test fee: Approx. £115 (Approx. INR 12,500)
UCAS application fee for 2025 entry: £28.50 (Approx. INR 3000)
Initial deposit paid to the university to confirm your placement: Approx. £2,000 (Approx. INR 216,000) This depends on the programme and some universities don’t charge this fee

Tuition fees

For an international student, an MDS in the UK typically costs between INR 35 and 50 lakhs. This can change depending on the university, programme, specialisation, and course duration. Certain universities offer part-time study options for the MDS which cost lesser per year, but last longer (three to five years).

Cost of living in the UK

The cost of living in the UK for an Indian student in 2025 can range between £1,425 and £2,035 (INR 150,000–230,000), depending on lifestyle and location. Your chosen university’s location can impact your cost of living in the UK, so taking the location into account is very important when you are planning your finances. Here’s a general breakdown of the living expenses you can expect when studying in the UK.

Expense	In London	Outside London
Student accommodation (with bills)	£848	£664
Room in private accommodation (without bills)	£750	£554
Utility bills	£140	£80
Groceries	£155	£116
Dining out, cafés, bars	£150	£80
Public transport	£103	£54
Mobile phone bill (SIM only plan)	£18	£18
Student gym membership	£20	£15

Creating a budget, using shared accommodation, and taking on part-time work can help you manage your finances while studying in the UK. In addition, you can also apply for scholarships to make managing your finances easier. Next, let’s take a look at a few scholarships that can help you offset these costs and make studying in the UK more affordable.

Scholarships for Indian Students to Study MDS in the UK

The UK government, universities, external institutions, and private benefactors offer several scholarships each year to fund postgraduate dentistry studies in the UK. Certain scholarships offer deductions on tuition fees while others offer additional funding towards the cost of living, travel, and other essential costs you may have to bear as a student. Let’s take a look at the most popular scholarships you can apply for as an Indian postgraduate student to support your dentistry master’s studies in the UK.

Scholarship	Awarding institution	Funding amount
Chevening Scholarship	University Of Dundee	Fully funded
Edinburgh Dental Institute MSc Scholarship	University of Edinburgh	10% tuition fee deduction
NCUK Postgraduate Taught Scholarships	University of Sheffield	£2,500 tuition fee reduction
Professor David Locker Scholarship	University of Sheffield	£7,500 tuition fee reduction
Vice-Chancellor's International Scholarship	Cardiff University	£3,500-10,000 tuition fee reduction

Scholarships can make studying in the UK significantly more affordable, so researching what these scholarships offer and their eligibility criteria can help you decide which ones to apply for. If you need support with your scholarship search and application process, experts at SI-UK are ready to help.

Next, let’s take a look at the final step you need to complete before starting your studies in the UK, acquiring your student visa to study in the UK.

Student Visa for Your MDS in the UK as an Indian Student

Here’s how you can navigate the process of applying for a Student visa to study an MDS in the UK.

Visa application process to follow as an Indian postgraduate student

Step 1: Fill in your Student visa application form via the GOV.uk site
Step 2: Submit your documents, either:

Online when filling out your application
At a visa application centre

Step 3: Book a biometrics appointment with your closest visa application centre
Step 4: Attend your biometrics appointment and if you’ve chosen to do so, submit your documents on the same day
Step 5: Attend a visa interview if you’re asked to do so

If you need support with your visa application at any point, our visa experts can help you through our visa assistance service.

Documents needed for visa as an Indian postgraduate student

Here are the documents you need to get a visa for the UK as an Indian student:

A current passport
The CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) from your university
Documents to show financial evidence, which can include:

A letter confirming an educational loan
Bank documents of current accounts, deposits, savings accounts, pensions, and/or investment accounts
A letter from your parents or guardian if they’re funding your studies, along with a legal document showing your relationship to them and their financial documents
A letter from your financial sponsor, if you have one, which includes their contact details and the amount of money they’ll provide for you

Your TB test results
Written consent from your financial sponsor (if applicable)

If you need more information on how to put these documents together and the visa application process, you can check out our guide on UK Student Visa: Checklist of Documents You’ll Need To Apply.

An MDS qualification from the UK can set you up for success in a career in clinical dentistry, giving you advanced clinical expertise, research opportunities, and global professional recognition. Whether your goal is to specialise in a particular field of dentistry, improve your career prospects, or explore opportunities in the UK and beyond, an MDS in the UK can provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to succeed.

If you are thinking of applying for a dentistry master’s in the UK, counsellors at SI-UK can help you explore your options and apply to the MDS programme of your choice. You can book a free consultation online or at one of our local offices to get started. You can also check out our Medicine Service for information on medicine applications, choosing a medical school, interview tips, and more.

FAQs

Can I study an MDS in the UK after completing BDS in India?

Yes, Indian students with a BDS degree can apply for an MDS (MSc in Clinical Dentistry) in the UK. Admission requirements vary by university, but most universities require you to show proof of English proficiency and a minimum of two years of clinical experience in addition to meeting all the requirements of your chosen programme.

How long does it take to complete an MDS in the UK?

Most full-time MDS courses in the UK take between one to three years, depending on the university and specialisation. Part-time programmes may take up to five years to complete.

Do I need to pass the ORE exam to study MDS in the UK?

No, passing the Overseas Registration Examination (ORE) is not required to study an MDS in the UK. However, if you wish to practise as a dentist in the UK after graduation, you will need to pass the ORE and register as a dentist at the General Dental Council (GDC).

What are the tuition fees for MDS courses in the UK?

Tuition fees for MDS courses in the UK generally range between INR 35 and 50 lakhs per year. This can vary depending on the university, programme, specialisation, and course duration.

Can I work in the UK after completing my MDS?

Yes, you can stay in the UK after completing your MDS under the Graduate Route visa, which allows you to work for two years. However, to practise as a dentist, you will need to pass the ORE and register with the GDC.