List of dental colleges in India

Alfred Pearce Gould

List of Dental Colleges in India

India is home to a significant number of dental colleges that offer various undergraduate and postgraduate courses in dentistry. These institutions play a crucial role in providing education and training to aspiring dentists, ensuring the availability of qualified dental professionals across the country. This article provides an overview of some of the notable dental colleges in India, categorized by their affiliating university or state.

Government Dental Colleges

Central Government

• All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi - The dental faculty at AIIMS, New Delhi, is renowned for its comprehensive education and state-of-the-art facilities.

State Government

• Government Dental College and Hospital, Mumbai - Established in 1938, it is one of the oldest and most prestigious dental colleges in India.
• Faculty of Dental Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi - Known for its quality education and research in dental sciences.

Private Dental Colleges

• Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Manipal - Part of Manipal Academy of Higher Education, it is one of the first self-financing dental colleges in India.
• Saveetha Dental College, Chennai - Recognized for its advanced dental programs and modern infrastructure.

Deemed Universities

• AB Shetty Memorial Institute of Dental Sciences, Mangalore - Offers a variety of dental courses and is known for its research contributions.
• Sri Ramachandra Dental College, Chennai - Affiliated with Sri Ramachandra University, it provides excellent clinical exposure to its students.

Courses Offered

Dental colleges in India offer a range of courses, including:

• Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS)
• Master of Dental Surgery (MDS)
• Diploma and certificate courses in various dental specializations

Admission Process

Admission to the BDS course in India is primarily through national level entrance exams such as the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET). For MDS and other postgraduate courses, entrance exams conducted by the respective universities or state-level exams are the norm.

Regulatory Body

The Dental Council of India (DCI) is the statutory body responsible for the regulation of dental education and the profession of dentistry in India. It sets the standards for dental education and recognizes dental degrees awarded by various universities.

Challenges and Opportunities

The field of dentistry in India faces several challenges, including the need for more rural dental clinics, affordability of dental care, and the integration of new technologies in dental education and practice. However, the increasing awareness about oral health among the Indian population and the rising demand for cosmetic dentistry present significant opportunities for growth and development in this sector.

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