Top Dental Colleges in India 2023: Ranking, Course, Branches, Eligibility, Admission, Exams, Career Scope & Placement

Top Dental Colleges in India 2023: India has a total of 329 dental colleges approved by the Dental Council of India (DCI). Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Manipal College of Dental Sciences, and SDM College of Dental Sciences & Hospital are the top dental colleges in India according to the IIRF Dental Ranking 2023.

Dentistry is a well-known medical field that focuses on the identification, management, and prevention of oral diseases. A subspecialty of medicine that focuses on oral health is dental medicine, also referred to as dentistry. In order to become a dentist and start an independent practice or work in healthcare facilities and hospitals, students typically pursue a bachelor's (BDS) and master's (MDS) degree from the top dental colleges in India. Dental is a broad area of medicine that instructs students about the various oral organs, their structures, dental anatomy, diseases, and the diagnosis and treatment of those diseases.

The duration of the dental programs varies depending on the levels and individual programs at the top dental colleges in India. The full-time undergraduate BDS program lasts four years, and a one year internship program is compulsory with it. 

A postgraduate program called MDS, or Master of Dental Surgery, lasts for three years.

Branches and Specializations in Dental Courses

The dental courses at undergraduate and postgraduate levels are further divided into various specializations and branches. The best specializations offered by the top dental colleges in India are mentioned below.

ProsthodonticsGeneral SurgeryOral Medicine & Radiology
OrthodonticsOral & Maxillofacial SurgeryDental Assistant
Dental HygieneEndodonticForensic odontology
Oral pathologyPaediatric dentistryOral surgery
PeriodonticsPublic health dentistryDento-maxillofacial radiology

The Major Highlights of the Dental Courses

  • Through a variety of specializations, aspirants gain in-depth knowledge as well as practical experience in treating actual medical issues related to oral and dental conditions.
  • The students at the top dental colleges in India have access to a wide range of employment and higher education opportunities.
  • Candidates are given the opportunity to begin their careers as Dental Surgeons with the specialization of their choice after completing their studies at top dental colleges for BDS in India. 

The eligibility criteria for getting admitted to a Dental courses

Students must meet various eligibility requirements for admission to the top dental colleges in India at various academic levels. Review the eligibility requirements listed below.

For Diploma

  • The students need to pass their 10+2 or an equivalent level of examination from a recognized board of education.
  • Physics, chemistry, and biology should be their primary subjects in 10+2.
  • The candidates need to score at least 50% marks in their qualifying examination.
  • The candidates may have to appear in the entrance examinations or score good marks in their 10+2 examination to get selected on a merit basis.

For UG (BDS)

  • The candidates must have passed the 10+2 examination from a recognized board of education with physics, chemistry, and biology as their primary subjects.
  • The candidates need to score at least 50% marks to be eligible for the top dental colleges for BDS in India.
  • The candidates are required to appear in the entrance examination and have to score the cutoff marks.
  • The age limit of the students should be between 17 to 25 years.

For PG (MDS)

  • The candidates need to have an undergraduate degree in a similar specialization from top dental colleges for BDS in India.
  • The candidates have to score at least 50% marks in their previous academic records.
  • The candidates need to have 1 year internship after their UG course to get admission to the top dental colleges for MDS in India.
  • The candidates have to score cutoff marks in the qualifying examinations.

For Ph.D in Dental 

  • The candidates are required to have a postgraduate degree (MDS) in a similar specialization from a recognized university.
  • The candidates should score at least 55% marks at the postgraduate level, while there is 5% relaxation for the reserved category students.
  • The candidates are required to appear in the UGC NET or CSIR NET examinations, while some of the top dental colleges in India prefer their own written test.

Admission Procedure 

The admission procedures for Top dental colleges in India, particularly for Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) and Master of Dental Surgery (MDS) programs, typically involve several steps and eligibility criteria. Keep in mind that the specific procedures can vary among institutions, so it's important to refer to the official websites of the colleges you're interested in for the most accurate and up-to-date information. However, here's a general overview of the admission procedures:

Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) Admission:

  1. Eligibility Criteria:
  • Candidates should have completed 10+2 or equivalent examination with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English as core subjects.
  • Minimum aggregate marks in the above subjects often vary, with general category candidates requiring around 50% to 60%, and reserved category candidates requiring a lower percentage to enroll in top dental colleges in India.

    2. Entrance Examination:
  • Candidates are required to appear for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA).
  • NEET is the primary entrance exam for medical and dental courses in India, including BDS.
  • The score obtained in NEET is used by dental colleges to determine eligibility and rank for admission.

    3. Counseling and Seat Allotment:
  • After the NEET results are declared, eligible candidates participate in centralized counseling conducted by state authorities or the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).
  • During counseling, candidates can select their preferred dental colleges and courses based on their NEET ranks and availability of seats.

    4. Document Verification:
  • Candidates are required to present relevant documents for verification during the counseling process.
  • Documents may include NEET scorecard, 10+2 mark sheet, birth certificate, identity proof, etc.

    5. Seat Confirmation and Admission:
  • Once the seat is allotted, candidates need to confirm their acceptance by paying the required admission fees.
  • After payment, candidates can proceed with the formal admission process at the respective dental college.
     

Master of Dental Surgery (MDS) Admission:

         1. Eligibility Criteria:

  • Candidates should have completed a BDS degree from a recognized dental college.
  • Minimum aggregate marks often vary, with general category candidates requiring around 50% to 60%, and reserved category candidates requiring a lower percentage.

    2. Entrance Examination:
     
  • Candidates are required to appear for the NEET MDS exam conducted by the National Board of Examinations (NBE).
  • NEET MDS is the primary entrance exam for admission to MDS programs in India.

    3. Counseling and Seat Allotment:
     
  • Similar to BDS admission, eligible candidates participate in centralized counseling conducted by state authorities or the DGHS.
  • Counseling involves choice filling, document verification, and seat allotment.

    4. Document Verification:

Candidates need to provide documents such as NEET MDS scorecards, BDS degree certificates, internship completion certificates, identity proofs, etc., for verification during counseling.

          5. Seat Confirmation and Admission:

Upon seat allotment, candidates confirm their acceptance and complete the admission process by paying the required fees and fulfilling other formalities.

It's important to stay updated with the official websites of the respective top dental colleges in India and relevant authorities to get detailed information about admission notifications, application procedures, entrance exams, counseling schedules, and other related information. Admission procedures can change from year to year, so make sure to verify the most current information for the academic year you're applying for.

Top Dental Entrance Examinations in India

In order to gain admission to the Top government dental colleges in India, students have to appear in certain entrance examinations offered by government testing agencies, and various other top private dental institutes/universities in India. Some of the dental entrance examinations are mentioned below.

PGIMERPunjab PMETINICET
CETPPMCUGMACMP DMAT
NEETNEET MDSAIPGDEE
JIPMER MDS 

 

NEET MDS- The NEET MDS entrance exam, also known as the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for Master of Dental Surgery, is a national-level entrance examination conducted in India. It is conducted by the National Board of Examinations (NBE) and is the primary qualifying test for admission to postgraduate Master of Dental Surgery (MDS) courses in dental colleges across the country.

The NEET MDS entrance exam is an important step for dental graduates who wish to pursue specialization in various dental fields. It helps standardize the admission process and ensures that candidates are admitted to MDS courses based on their merit and performance in a single national-level examination.

JIPMER MDS- JIPMER MDS entrance exam refers to the entrance examination conducted by the Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER) for admission to its Master of Dental Surgery (MDS) programs. JIPMER is one of the top government dental colleges in India, and it offers various medical and dental courses, including the MDS program.

The JIPMER MDS entrance exam is a competitive examination that assesses the knowledge and skills of candidates aspiring to pursue postgraduate studies in dentistry. It is typically held annually, and candidates must meet certain eligibility criteria, including having a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) degree from a recognized university or institution.

The exam usually consists of multiple-choice questions (MCQs) covering various topics related to dentistry, and it may also include a practical or clinical examination, depending on the specific requirements of the program. The selection process for MDS courses at JIPMER may also involve counseling sessions and interviews.

Candidates who perform well in the JIPMER MDS entrance exam and meet the other admission criteria have the opportunity to secure a seat in one of JIPMER's MDS programs, which are highly regarded in the field of dentistry. Admission to these programs can be quite competitive, so candidates often need to prepare thoroughly to perform well in the entrance exam.

PGIMER- The PGIMER entrance exam refers to the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) entrance examination. PGIMER is one of the top government dental colleges in India that offers various postgraduate and doctoral medical courses, including MD (Doctor of Medicine), MS (Master of Surgery), DM (Doctorate of Medicine), MCh (Master of Chirurgical), Ph.D., and other medical-related programs.

The PGIMER entrance exam is conducted annually to select candidates for admission to these postgraduate and doctoral programs. It is highly competitive, and candidates from various medical backgrounds compete for limited seats in their desired specialization.

The entrance exam typically consists of a written test that assesses the candidates' knowledge and skills in their respective fields, followed by a counseling process based on the results to allocate seats to successful candidates. PGIMER is renowned for its quality education and medical research, making it a sought-after institution for medical professionals in India.

Syllabus

The syllabus for dental courses in India, specifically for Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) and Master of Dental Surgery (MDS) programs, can vary slightly from one institution to another. However, the Dental Council of India (DCI) sets guidelines and regulations for the curriculum of dental education programs to ensure a standardized and comprehensive education. Here's a general overview of the syllabus for dental courses in India:

Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS):

The BDS curriculum is designed to provide a strong foundation in basic medical and dental sciences along with clinical training. It typically includes the following subjects and areas of study:

Pre-Clinical Subjects:
  • Anatomy
  • Physiology
  • Biochemistry
Para-Clinical Subjects:
  • Pharmacology
  • Pathology
  • Microbiology
  • General and Dental Pharmacology
Dental Subjects:
  • Dental Materials
  • Oral Pathology and Microbiology
  • General and Dental Anatomy
  • Dental Histology
  • Oral Physiology and Occlusion
  • Community Dentistry
  • General Medicine
  • General Surgery
  • Periodontology
  • Oral Medicine and Radiology
  • Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics
  • Prosthodontics and Crown & Bridge
  • Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics
  • Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
  • Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry
Clinical Training:BDS students receive clinical training and hands-on experience in various dental procedures through patient care and interactions under the supervision of experienced faculty.

Master of Dental Surgery (MDS):

The MDS curriculum focuses on specialization in specific areas of dentistry. Each specialization has its own set of subjects and topics. Some common specializations and their respective subjects include:

Prosthodontics and Crown & Bridge:
  • Complete Dentures
  • Removable Partial Dentures
  • Fixed Partial Dentures
  • Maxillofacial Prosthetics
Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics:
  • Growth and Development
  • Orthodontic Diagnosis
  • Biomechanics in Orthodontics
  • Surgical Orthodontics
  • Functional Appliances
Periodontology:
  • Periodontal Anatomy and Physiology
  • Diagnosis and Treatment Planning
  • Periodontal Surgery
  • Periodontal Regeneration
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery:
  • Surgical Anatomy
  • Maxillofacial Trauma
  • Oral Pathology and Oral Medicine
  • Minor Oral Surgery
  • Major Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics:
  • Dental Caries
  • Restorative Materials
  • Endodontic Microbiology
  • Advanced Endodontics
Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry:
  • Growth and Development of Children
  • Pediatric Dental Materials
  • Behavior Management
  • Preventive Pediatric Dentistry
Other Specializations:Each specialization has its own set of subjects that are specific to that field, providing in-depth knowledge and skills.

It's important to note that while these subjects and areas are generally included in the curriculum, the exact syllabus can vary from one institution to another. As dental education is regulated by the Dental Council of India (DCI), institutions are required to adhere to the guidelines set by the DCI to ensure a comprehensive and standardized education for dental students. Students interested in specific institutions should refer to their official websites for detailed information on the curriculum and syllabus.

Dental Fee Structure

The average fees for dental courses in India can vary widely based on factors such as the type of course, the institution offering the course, the specialization, and whether the institution is government-funded or private. The top private dental colleges in India have slightly higher fees than government institutions. Additionally, fee structures can change over time, so it's important to refer to the specific institutions' websites or contact them directly for the most up-to-date fee information. 

Average Fee for Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS):

The average annual tuition fees for BDS programs can range from around ₹2 lakh to ₹5 lakh for top private dental colleges in India. Government-funded institutions tend to have lower fees, usually ranging from ₹20,000 to ₹1 lakh per year. These fees can vary significantly depending on the state and institution.

Average Fee Master of Dental Surgery (MDS):

MDS program fees are generally higher than BDS fees due to the specialization and advanced nature of the program. The average annual tuition fees for MDS programs in top private dental colleges in India can range from ₹3 lakh to ₹10 lakh or more. Fees for MDS programs in top government dental colleges in India are usually lower, ranging from ₹50,000 to ₹3 lakh per year. 

Average fee for Diploma Courses:

The fees for diploma courses in dental specialties can vary widely based on the institution and the duration of the course. Generally, diploma courses tend to have lower fees compared to full-fledged degree programs. Average fees for diploma courses can range from ₹50,000 to ₹2 lakh or more.

Average Fee for Ph.D. in Dental Sciences:

Ph.D. programs are often research-oriented and can vary in terms of fees. Typically, fees for Ph.D. programs are on the lower side, especially in government-funded institutions. The average fees for Ph.D. programs at top private dental colleges in India can range from ₹10,000 to ₹1 lakh per year.

Average fee for Dental Integrated Programs:

Integrated BDS-MDS programs, if available, might have a combined fee structure that covers both the undergraduate and postgraduate components. These programs might offer a more cost-effective way to pursue both degrees.

Please keep in mind that these figures are approximate and can change based on economic factors, government policies, and institutional decisions. It's essential to verify the current fees from the respective institutions you're interested in applying to. Additionally, scholarships, grants, and financial aid options might be available to eligible students, which can help offset the cost of dental education.

Top 10 Dental Colleges in India

All the top government and private dental colleges in India are ranked by the IIRF. Here is a list of the top 10 dental colleges in India mentioned in the table below.

All India RankName of Colleges
  

Careers After Dental Health

There are various career opportunities knocking at your door once you complete the academic session at the top dental colleges for BDS in India. Some of the career choices and top recruiters are mentioned below.

Professions:

PeriodontistsPedodontistsEndodontists
ProsthodontistsOrthodontistsOral Surgeons
Dental ConsultantProfessorDental Hygienists
Community Dental Health SpecialistTechnicians in Dental LaboratoriesCosmetic Dentist
DentistDental Surgeon 

Employment Areas:

Health DepartmentsPharmaceutical CompaniesDental Institutes
Pharmaceutical CompaniesPublic Sector Undertaking Dental FacilitiesDental Departments
Nursing HomesPrivate HospitalsDental Colleges
Dental ClinicsPharmaceutical Research Centres for Oral care products 

Top Recruiters:

AurobindoGlenmark Pharmaceuticals

Zyduscadila


 

Abbott IndiaDr Reddy's LaboratoriesCipla
LupinApollo HospitalsAIIMS
ICMRInstitute of Dental Sciences, BhubaneswarClove Dental
Dentafix Multispeciality HospitalManipal HospitalFortis Healthcare
FMS Dental HospitalsMax Super speciality Hospital 

The job security of candidates who pursue a dental degree from the rank wise best private dental colleges in India and land a position in this industry is 100% guaranteed. Regardless of danger, catastrophe, or global pandemic, a MDS's position will always be secure.

Read: Top Universities in IndiaTop Engineering Colleges in IndiaTop MBA Colleges in India

FAQs

What are the different dental courses available in India?

In India, you can pursue a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) for undergraduate dental education and Master of Dental Surgery (MDS) for postgraduate specialization at the top dental colleges for MDS in India. There are various specialties in MDS like Orthodontics, Oral Surgery, Prosthodontics, etc.

How can I get admission to BDS in India?

Admission to BDS programs at the top dental colleges in India for BDS is primarily through the National Eligibility and Entrance Test (NEET-UG) conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). You need to qualify for NEET-UG and participate in state or central counseling processes for seat allocation.

What is the duration of BDS and MDS courses in India?

BDS is a 5-year undergraduate program, including 1 year of compulsory internship. MDS is a postgraduate program with a duration of 3 years at the top dental colleges for MDS in India.

What is the eligibility criteria for MDS courses?

To pursue MDS in India, you should have a BDS degree from one of the top dental colleges for BDS in India. You also need to qualify in the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for Postgraduate (NEET-PG).

Is there an age limit for dental courses in India?

Generally, there is no specific age limit for BDS or MDS courses in India. Candidates need to meet the educational and NEET exam eligibility criteria.

Are there any scholarships or financial aid options for dental students?

Some government and private organizations offer scholarships and financial aid to dental students based on merit or need. Additionally, you can explore government schemes or bank loans for education.

What are the career opportunities after completing BDS or MDS in India?

After BDS, you can work as a general dentist in hospitals, clinics, or set up your own practice. After MDS, you can specialize in various dental fields and work as a specialist, consultant, or even pursue an academic career.

Is there a scope for dental professionals in research and academics?

Yes, there is a significant scope for dental professionals in research and academics. You can pursue a Ph.D. in dentistry and become a dental researcher or join dental colleges as faculty members.

What is the licensing process for practicing as a dentist in India?

To practice as a dentist in India, you need to register with the Dental Council of India (DCI) and obtain a license. After BDS, you may need to complete a one-year internship and then pass the relevant DCI examinations.

Can I specialize in a particular dental field immediately after BDS?

While you can specialize after BDS, it's more common to pursue specialization through an MDS program. However, some institutions offer diploma courses for immediate specialization after BDS.

How competitive is the dental entrance exam in India (NEET-UG/NEET-PG)?

The NEET entrance exams are highly competitive, and the level of competition varies from year to year. It is essential to prepare thoroughly to secure a good rank.

What is the significance of dental colleges' accreditation and recognition?

It's crucial to choose top dental colleges for BDS in India that are recognized by the Dental Council of India (DCI) and accredited by relevant authorities. This ensures the quality of education and eligibility for licensure and further studies.