What is DDS?
DDS and DMD are abbreviations for the Degrees dentists earn after completing dental school. DDS stands for Doctor of Dental Surgery, while DMD can mean either Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry or Doctor of Dental Medicine. Even though the names may differ, they represent the same level of education. Some universities award a DDS Degree, while others grant a DMD Degree, but the requirements for both Degrees are the same.
Currently, many universities prefer to award the DMD Degree. However, regardless of whether a dentist has a DDS or a DMD, they are equally qualified to practice general Dentistry. All dentists undergo thorough education and training. Typically, they complete four years of undergraduate education before attending dental school for another four years. During this time, they receive classroom instruction, hands-on clinical training, and practice in dental laboratories.
Dental Speciality
Dental Speciality | Description |
Orthodontics | Specialise in identifying, preventing, and treating irregularities in teeth and facial structures. They use braces, retainers, and other devices to correct and align teeth. |
Paediatric | Experts in providing dental care to children from infancy through adolescence. They have the experience and qualifications to care for a child’s teeth, gums, and mouth throughout the various stages of childhood. |
Periodontics | Specialise in diagnosing and treating gum-related issues and the supporting structures of the teeth. They also handle dental implants and perform cosmetic procedures involving the gums. |
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery | Specialises in surgical treatments for diseases, injuries, and defects of the head, neck, face, jaws, and oral and maxillofacial tissues. |
Endodontics | Focus on diagnosing and treating diseases and injuries affecting the dental pulp and surrounding tissues. They perform root canal procedures to save teeth that would otherwise require extraction. |
Prosthodontics | Prosthodontists specialise in replacing missing teeth and restoring other oral structures. They use dentures, bridges, and dental implants to improve dental function and aesthetics. |
Public Health | Concentrates on educating groups of people about preventing and managing dental diseases. Public health dentists typically work in community health programmes, government agencies, and similar settings. |
Oral Pathology | Diagnose and treat diseases of the oral cavity and surrounding structures. They employ laboratory tests and other diagnostic procedures to identify conditions like oral cancer and work in collaboration with other dental specialists to plan appropriate treatment. |
Dental Anaesthesiology | Specialise in administering anaesthesia and providing sedation for dental procedures. They work alongside other dental professionals to ensure patients are comfortable and safe during treatment. |
Oral Medicine | This area of expertise handles the oral healthcare needs of complicated individuals as well as the diagnosis of problems that have a medical component. |
Skills to be a Dentist
- Communication
Dentists need to learn how to talk to both their team and their patients well so that they can tell their patients about preventive care, diagnoses, and treatment plans. It is important to describe technical information to patients, like what an X-ray shows or what to expect from a dental tool, for good practice.
- Interpersonal
Dentists work as a team with other dentists, dental assistants, dental hygienists, lab workers, oral surgeons, and orthodontists. They should be able to work well together. Also on the team are people who work in the office, like receptionists, medical billers, and administrative helpers. Dentists also should be comfortable working with a wide range of people because they talk to patients a lot. Interpersonal skills may help a dentist connect with patients and other team members.
- Leadership
Many dentists run their own clinics. By managing office personnel, effectively managing hygienists, assistants, and technicians, and making wise business decisions for the practice, they should demonstrate great leadership abilities.
- Focus
To examine the mouth and perform dental procedures, dentists must possess the ability to maintain concentration and precision during intricate procedures while spending prolonged periods in static positions, leaning over patients.
- Technical
Dentists also need strong technical abilities in addition to clinical ones. Dentists use a range of medical tools, such as magnifiers, X-ray machines, and sharp instruments. Performing regular duties requires the ability to pick up, modify, and use various medical tools. To keep track of patient appointments, dentists might also need to employ computer applications like scheduling databases.
Eligibility to study Dentistry in Malaysia
Academic Entry | Minimum Score |
Foundation | CGPA 3.00 |
Diploma | CGPA 3.50 |
STPM | BBB, ABC or AAC |
UEC | B4 (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths and Add Maths) |
A-Levels | BBB, ABC or AAC |
Australian Matriculation (ATAR) | 80 |
IB Diploma | 30 |
Note: Universities may have different requirements. To learn more, get in touch with us!
Entry Level | Minimum Score |
IELTS | 6 |
MUET | Band 4 |
TOEFL | 550 |
Note: Universities may have different English Language requirements. To learn more, get in touch with us!
Pathway to be a Dentist in Malaysia
To pursue a career as a dentist in Malaysia, you have several options to begin with. You can either opt for a one-year Foundation in Science programme, OR complete STPM/Matriculation/A Levels/SACE/equivalent courses, which typically take 1-2 years OR another pathway is to undertake a 2-3 year Diploma in Science/Health Science programme.
To work as a practising dentist in Malaysia, it is recommended that you acquire a Dentistry Degree approved by the Malaysian Dental Council (MDC) or Majlis Pergigian Malaysia (MPM). Once you have finished your undergraduate studies and passed the final exam from a recognised dental institution, you will need to register with the Malaysian Dental Council.
While obtaining a Dentistry Degree certifies you as a Dentist, it is also necessary to complete the New Dental Officer Programme (NDOP) for one year at a Government Dental Clinic. The selection of the clinic will be done through the eDENTIST process. Besides eDentist, you also need to apply through SPA that you can refer to here for a more detailed chronology of the applications. During this one-year timeframe, the Dental Officers will undergo attachments at government primary dental clinics, as well as specialised clinics such as Oral and Maxillofacial Dental Specialist Clinics and Paediatric Dental Specialist Clinics within the government hospitals.
For those who wish to be a Specialist in Dentistry, additional education and training are necessary you may refer here for more information on the required criteria. Common specialities include Orthodontics, Oral Surgery, Periodontology, Prosthodontics, Paediatric Dentistry, Endodontics, and Oral Pathology. The Dental Specialists’ Evaluation Committee has specified additional requirements for registration as a specialist.
Universities to study Dentistry in Malaysia
1. SEGi University
SEGi University Kota Damansara has been providing higher education since 1977. The flagship campus is known to accommodate over 12,000 students. SEGi graduates are highly sought after in the job market and have become leaders in their respective industries, thanks to programmes tailored to meet both industry and student needs.
The SEGi University Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) is a five-year programme that aims to produce competent, caring, and knowledgeable dental practitioners. Students are exposed to early patient contact and clinical training, with an emphasis on the recognition and prevention of oral diseases. The dynamic curriculum is delivered within a problem-based learning approach, with an emphasis on contextual learning of relevant scientific information. The curriculum also reflects the way in which students will be expected to identify and address clinical problems, placing a higher emphasis on delivery through engagement with the students.
Programme Offered | Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) |
Duration | 5 Years |
Intake | September |
Indicative Fees (2023) | Local students: RM 360,100 International students: RM 375,050 |
For more information on the table presented above, contact us now!
2. MAHSA University
The mission of MAHSA University is to produce qualified and compassionate professionals to serve the requirements of the nation in accordance with national goals and government transformation plans for the twenty-first century. This vision is realised in Bandar Saujana Putra’s new 48-acre campus.
Upon completion of the programme, students will have procured for themselves the ability to carry out various dental tasks, from basic dental procedures such as tooth extraction and repair of oral imperfections to complex and complicated procedures such as root canals and prosthodontics treatment. They will have the ability to diagnose, treat and prevent dental diseases besides accepting professional responsibility for the effective and safe care of their patients. The dental graduates at MAHSA University will be well prepared to serve the community and fill distinguished positions at the helm of the dental profession, in both the public and private sectors both locally and internationally.
Programme Offered | Doctor of Dental Surgery |
Duration | 5 Years |
Intake | April, October |
Indicative Fees (2023) | Local students: RM419,150 International students: RM452,600 |
For more information on the table presented above, contact us now!
3. Manipal University College Malaysia
Over the past 60 years, the Manipal Education Group has given Asia some of its most brilliant thinkers. The Group maintains relationships with 30 universities globally and a network of six campuses. Through Manipal International University, the Manipal Education Group brings its multidisciplinary expertise in the fields of Science, Engineering, Business, and Management to Malaysia, building on the success of the Manipal University College Malaysia (previously known as Melaka Manipal Medical College).
The BDS programme is delivered over 5 years, where Year 1 & 2 cover Phase 1 Pre-Clinical Subjects. From Year 3 onwards, students at the institution cover Clinical Subjects and spend the majority of their time in state-of-the-art facilities. These facilities consist of 3 Student Polyclinics, each with 51 dental units, as well as a well-equipped Prosthetic Laboratory. The BDS programme offers a comprehensive course that focuses on providing value-based dental education. It utilises up-to-date technologies to ensure that students acquire the clinical experience required for general dental practice and are satisfied with their learning experience.
Programme Offered | Bachelor of Dental Surgery |
Duration | 5 Years |
Intake | October |
Indicative Fees (2023) | Local students: RM 330,000 International students: USD 99,000 |
For more information on the table presented above, contact us now!
4. International Medical University (IMU)
IMU offers the widest range of healthcare programmes, and its students are fully immersed in a vibrant community of students and practitioners from all healthcare fields. This allows for the development of strong friendships amongst peers, which will be the foundation of an extensive healthcare professional network upon graduation. With early exposure to the clinical environment in Semester 1 and treatment of patients from Year 2, students are better prepared through student-centred learning activities and competency tests for patient care and compulsory service.
Students are taught by qualified, competent professionals with over 10 years of academic experience. Learning environments include the IMU Dental Skills Centre and Oral Health Centre, both of which are equipped with new technologies for interactive learning, skills development and patient education, promoting pleasant and safe patient care. MU’s Dental curriculum has been developed to meet high international standards and is accepted by international partner universities for credit transfer of Phase 1 of their Dentistry programme.
Programme Offered | Bachelor of Dental Surgery |
Duration | 5 Years |
Intake | February |
Indicative Fees (2023) | Local students: RM 598,000 International students: RM 654,000 |
For more information on the table presented above, contact us now!
5. AIMST University
Guided by the vision of its founders, AIMST University aspires to become a leading private sector institution in both the country and the region, catering to the educational needs of local and international students by offering high-quality technical education at an affordable cost. The curriculum for the majority of degree programmes at AIMST draws upon the University of Bristol in the United Kingdom.
The BDS programme provided by AIMST University is a specialised course aimed at instructing and preparing students to excel as exceptional dental practitioners on a global scale. This programme implements a contemporary methodology in dental education, drawing from the most effective educational practices observed in dental schools both in Malaysia and worldwide. The BDS degree conferred by AIMST University adheres to internationally recognised standards. A distinguished faculty, possessing extensive research expertise and a deep understanding of the requirements for producing competent professionals, has been carefully selected to administer the BDS programme.
Programme Offered | Bachelor of Dental Surgery |
Duration | 5 Years |
Intake | October |
Indicative Fees (2023) | Local students: RM 370,950 International students: RM370,950 |
For more information on the table presented above, contact us now!
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About The Author
Qasyrina Zahirah
Still figuring out the direction of my life and most of the time life directs me to good foods and beaches 🙂