Comprehensive Analysis of the Curriculum and Examination Blueprint for the MAIDS Senior Resident (Dental) Screening Test

I. Executive Summary: Validation of Curricular Structure and Strategic Imperatives

A. Expert Assessment: Standardized Syllabus and Research Basis

The MAIDS Senior Resident (SR) selection test uses a rigorous Computer-Based Test (CBT) followed by an interview. The syllabus is not unique to MAIDS; it draws from the nationally standardized postgraduate dental curriculum, heavily aligned with high-yield NEET MDS domains. However, MAIDS assigns distinct subject weightage and expects deep clinical mastery suitable for an MDS-qualified candidate.

B. Examination Blueprint and Selection Funnel

The screening test includes 100 MCQs in 100 minutes with negative marking. Only three times the number of vacancies are shortlisted for the interview, making high competitive scores essential. The final merit combines both written and interview performance.

II. Official Examination Mandate and Selection Architecture

A. Recruitment Context

MAIDS has announced 47 Senior Resident posts across specialties such as Conservative Dentistry & Endodontics (12), Oral Surgery (6), Oral Medicine and Radiology (6), and Orthodontics (5). Eligibility requires MDS/PG Diploma/Degree within the last 5 years (11/12/2020–10/12/2025). Tenure is strictly limited to 3 years maximum, including all prior SR or teaching experience.

B. Examination Structure and Weightage

The official corrigendum confirms the structure of the written test:

Section	No. of MCQs	Weightage
Basic Sciences	25	25%
Dental Specialties	75	75%

This 25:75 ratio emphasizes advanced clinical and specialty competence.

C. Selection Mechanism and Merit Rules

Minimum qualifying marks:

Category	Minimum Marks
UR/EWS	50%
OBC	45%
SC/ST/PwD	40%

These are only qualifying thresholds; competitive cutoff will be much higher. Final merit is based on both written marks and interview scores.

III. Core Component I: Basic Sciences (25 MCQs)

This section checks foundational medical and dental sciences required for systemic clinical reasoning. Major subjects include Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Pathology, and Pharmacology.

A. Anatomy and Physiology

Head and Neck Anatomy (cranial nerves, ECA branches, fascial spaces)
Oral Physiology (saliva, mastication, swallowing)
Neurophysiology and cardiovascular/respiratory basics

B. Pathology, Microbiology, Pharmacology

Inflammation, wound healing, immunity, systemic pathology
Dental pathogens, sterilization, autoclave principles
First-line antibiotics (Amoxicillin, Clindamycin), LA pharmacology, emergency drugs

IV. Core Component II: Dental Specialties (75 MCQs)

These questions evaluate MDS-level knowledge across all dental specialties—not only the candidate’s chosen field.

A. Oral Surgery & Maxillofacial Trauma

Le Fort fractures (I, II, III)
Impaction surgery, nerve injuries, orthognathic planning
Anesthesia and medically compromised patient management

B. Conservative Dentistry & Endodontics

Restorative materials science
Endodontic irrigation (NaOCl, EDTA, CHX)
Trauma, vital pulp therapy, surgical endodontics

C. Prosthodontics & Crown and Bridge

PVS impressions, gypsum properties
FPD design, occlusion principles
Implant prosthodontics, biomechanics

D. Orthodontics & Pedodontics

SNA, SNB, ANB angles, cephalometric diagnosis
Wire mechanics, growth modification
Pediatric pulp therapy, behavior management

E. Oral Pathology, Oral Medicine, Radiology

OKC, Ameloblastoma, CEOT, cysts and tumors
Advanced imaging (CBCT)
Radiation protection principles

F. Periodontology & Public Health Dentistry

Periodontal disease mechanisms and surgical procedures
Regenerative techniques, mucogingival surgery
DMFT index, fluoridation, screening programs

V. Specialty MCQ Knowledge Distribution Summary

Specialty	High-Yield Topics
Oral Surgery	Trauma, impactions, anesthesia, complications
Endodontics	Irrigation, shaping, obturation, trauma
Prosthodontics	Materials, occlusion, implants
Orthodontics	Cephalometrics, biomechanics
Pediatric Dentistry	Pulp therapy, behavior management
Oral Pathology	Cysts, tumors, radiology
Periodontology	Surgery, regeneration, diagnosis
Public Health Dentistry	Indices, prevention, planning

VI. Conclusion

The MAIDS SR exam demands deep postgraduate-level competence across all specialties, strategic revision of 25 basic sciences MCQs, and mastery of high-yield clinical topics for the 75 specialty MCQs. Success depends on structured preparation driven by the official blueprint, interdisciplinary expertise, and precise clinical understanding.