Dental specialists deal with conditions affecting the teeth, jaw, and other facial tissues; oral health is the focus of dental science. Additionally, it encompasses treatments for disorders of the jaw and gums, correcting misaligned/dispositioned teeth and jaws, treating dental tissues, diagnosing and operating on diseases of the face, as well as cosmetic procedures.
Computer and magnetic resonance imaging, implants, tissue grafts, trauma, and laser surgery are all procedures carried out by dental specialists. The following are a few of the common specializations provided by dental institutions in India:
- Prosthodontics\sOrthodontics
- Periodontology
- Maxillofacial Surgery, Oral
- Dental pathology
- Radiology and Oral Medicine
- Community Health
- Endodontics
- Microbiology
- Science of radiology and imaging
A dental professional must have traits like the capacity to work in a demanding and dynamic environment, dedication to professional commitment and medical ethics, a thirst for knowledge and the ability to learn new research, scientific research and development skills, a quick mind and prompt response, interpersonal, and communication skills, counselling and caring, problem-solving, approachability, and empathetic qualities, medical writing, patience, and perseverance.
Some of the best institutions and universities in India are where one can study dentistry.
These include-
- Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research in Chennai
- Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Science in Delhi
- Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences in Chennai
- A.B. Shetty Memorial Institute of Dental Sciences in Mangalore
- Manipal College of Dental Sciences in Mangalore
- Nair Hospital Dental College in Mumbai
- J.S.S. Dental College and Hospital
- JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research in Mysore
In India, there are more than 300 dental colleges that provide full-time, part-time and distance learning options for their courses. These colleges offer courses leading to degrees, diplomas, and certificates. Out of these, the top 20 Dental colleges in India according to NIRF offer full-time degree program.
Different types of courses are offered by India's top dental institutes. A little over 280 colleges offer MDS, 200 BDS, 32 UG Diploma, and 30 Certificate program.
Admission to dental programs eligibility requirements
UG, PG, and P.h.D dental programs are available. Depending on the course an applicant chooses, there are different eligibility requirements. For UG, PG, and P.h.D Dental courses, the following general qualifying requirements are provided, though:Undergraduate level:
Applicants must have completed Class 12 with a grade in Physics, Biology, and Chemistry and an overall grade point average of at least 50% from a recognised board. The program lasts for five years.
Postgraduate level:
Candidates for the PG level must hold a BDS degree from a dental school or institution that has been approved by the Dental Council of India. Before applying for admission to the MDS program, candidates must have finished their internship for the BDS degree.
Some dental universities have minimal standards for admission to the MDS program, such as a 55 percent aggregate score on the BDS course's subjects. The program lasts for five years.
P.h.D level:
Candidates for the P.h.D level must have completed their postgraduate studies in the pertinent field from an accredited university.
Certificate and Diploma Programs:
The prerequisites for diploma courses can vary depending on the course.- After graduating from Class 10, candidates can apply for courses like Aesthetic Dentistry, Dental Hygiene, and others.
- Candidates for programs like Dental Ceramic Technology must have at least the minimum needed marks in Class 12.
- To apply for certificate courses, candidates must have completed Grade 12
- The dental institutions in India also hold entrance tests like NEET, NEET MDS, etc. for admission to dental programs in addition to merit-based admission.
The top 10 dental schools in India according to the NIRF rankings are shown below:
| College | NIRF'S Rankings |
| Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Science, Delhi | 1 |
| Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Udupi | 2 |
| Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune | 3 |
| Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai | 4 |
| A.B. Shetty Memorial Institute of Dental Sciences, Mangalore | 5 |
| Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Mangalore | 6 |
| Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai | 7 |
| Nair Hospital Dental College, Mumbai | 8 |
| J.S.S. Dental College and Hospital, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, Mysore | 10 |
| MSRUAS, Bangalore | 11 |
The top 10 dental colleges in India, according to India Today's ranking in the dental field, are listed below:
| Colleges | India Today'20 Ranking |
| Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Science, Delhi | 1 |
| King George's Medical University (KGMU), Lucknow | 2 |
| Post-Graduate Institute of Dental Science | 3 |
| Institute of Medical Sciences, BHU, Varanasi | 4 |
| Manipal College of Dental Science, Manipal | 5 |
| Nair Hospital Dental College, Mumbai | 6 |
| Government Dental College and Hospital, Mumbai | 7 |
| Dr. R. Ahmed Dental College and Hospital, Kolkata | 8 |
| Government Dental College and Hospital, Nagpur | 9 |
| Christian Medical College & Hospital Ludhiana | 10 |
The following is a list of some of India's top dental schools, both public and private:
| Private Colleges | Course Fee (in Rs.) |
| Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai | 5,06,500 |
| A.B. Shetty Memorial Institute of Dental Sciences, Mangalore | |
| Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Mangalore | 5,16,000 |
| Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai | 24,00,000 |
| J.S.S. Dental College and Hospital, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, Mysore | 60,000 |
| Public Colleges | Course Fee (in Rs lakh) |
| Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Science, Delhi | |
| Datta Meghe Institute of Medical Sciences, (DMIMSU), Wardha | |
| Christian Medical College & Hospital Ludhiana | 17.50 |
| Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI), Delhi |
Dental Students' Potential Careers
Due to rising oral health awareness and the development of additional disciplines like orthodontics, periodontics, and oral pathology, the scope of the dentistry sector has expanded. Hospitals, medical research facilities, and pharmaceutical companies are the primary employers and recruiters of dental degree holders. After obtaining a practicing license from the medical organisation, dentists can also operate their own clinic.For dental students or graduates, a few job categories include:
- Dental Surgeon
- Oral Pathologist
- Dental Assistant
- Dental Lab Technician
- Practitioner
- Professors
- Public Health Specialist
- Sales Representative
- Ceramist Dental
- Medical Representative
- Hygienist Consultant
- Forensics Private
Graduates from lower top 3 Dental colleges in India can get an average remuneration of less than Rs 1 LPA:
- Army College of Dental Sciences, Secunderabad
- Christian Medical College & Hospital Ludhiana
- Nair Hospital Dental College, Mumbai
Graduates from beneath top 9 Dental colleges in India can get an average remuneration of Rs 1-5 LPA:
- Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Mangalore
- AB. Shetty Memorial Institute of Dental Sciences, Mangalore
- DMIMSU, Wardha
- MSRUAS, Bangalore
- College of Dental Sciences, Davanagere
- Government College of Dentistry, Indore
- KLE Vishwanath Katti Institute of Dental Sciences, Belgaum
- SOA, Bhubaneswar
- Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai
Graduates from lower top 2 Dental colleges in India can get a median remuneration of more than Rs 10 LPA:
- Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Science, Delhi
- JMI, Delhi
Leading Employers for Dental Students
Candidates receive numerous placement chances after completing dental education. The colleges organise the recruitment events. The colleges offer chances for students to expand their knowledge and acquire practical experience.The following is a list of a few of the best Indian companies that hire dental students, along with a rating of how well they position them:
| Colleges | Placement Ratings (Based on Reviews) | Top Recruiters |
| Institute of Medical Sciences, BHU, Varanasi | 4.8 | PGI Chandigarh, AIIMS USMLE, RML-Delhi |
| Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Science, Delhi | 4.6 | Ottobock, Endolite |
| KGMU, Lucknow | 4.6 | AIIMS MAMC, KGMU |
| Christian Medical College & Hospital, Ludhiana | 4.2 | AIIMS, Apollo, JIPMER, CMC |
| MSRUAS, Bangalore | 3.6 | Apollo Munich, HCG Hospitals |
43 percent of universities in India charge annual or course fees between Rs 1 and 10 lakh, making it clear that enrolling in dental programmes there is pricey. A handful of these colleges are listed below:
- Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Mangalore Army College of Dental Sciences, Secunderabad B. Shetty Memorial Institute of Dental Sciences
- Bangalore's MSRUAS
- The Chennai-based Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research
- Ludhiana's Christian Medical College & Hospital
- JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research's S.S. Dental College and Hospital is located in Mysore.
How are the top 10 dental colleges in India selected for admission to BDS programs?
The NEET UG rank, the colleges selected by the candidate, the seats available in the college, the reservation requirements, and other considerations are taken into consideration for allocating seats in top dental colleges in India for BDS programs.
Do I need to pass the NEET exam to be admitted to BDS programs in India?
Yes, passing the NEET test is a must for individuals who want to pursue a BDS in India.
Are the admission exams NEET PG and NEET MDS the same?
NEET PG is not held for postgraduate dentistry programs; instead, NEET MDS is held for postgraduate medical courses like MD and MS.
What qualifications must one meet to enroll in one of India's top dentistry schools?
It is crucial to meet the requirements and pass the NEET exam to be admitted to any of the BDS colleges across the country.
Which dental college would be the best for me to attend after passing the NEET with 650+ points?
The country is home to several top universities for BDS studies. MAIDS in Delhi, the Faculty of Dental Sciences in Lucknow, PGIDS in Rohtak, and a few others are only a few among them.
What prerequisites must be met to take the NEET exam for BDS admissions?
The minimum NEET cutoff percentile required by NTA must be achieved. The general category cutoff point should be 50th, whereas the cutoff point for SC/ST/OBC candidates should be 40th.