In recent years, dentistry has emerged as a preferred career option among medical aspirants in India. The field offers a rewarding blend of medical science and artistry, allowing practitioners to significantly impact patients’ health and well-being. Moreover, with increasing awareness of oral health and aesthetic dental treatments, the demand for skilled dentists continues to grow.
The profession also offers flexibility in practice, competitive earnings, and opportunities for specialisation, making it an attractive choice for students seeking a stable and fulfilling career in healthcare.
Process of pursuing a dental course in India
To pursue a career in dentistry, aspirants must first enrol in a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) program, which is the most popular undergraduate dental course in India. The admission process typically begins with qualifying for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET-UG), which is a mandatory entrance examination for all medical and dental courses in the country.
Candidates who clear NEET-UG can participate in the centralised counselling process, where seats are allotted based on their rank, choice of college, and availability of seats. After completing the BDS course, students can further specialise by pursuing a Master of Dental Surgery (MDS) or other postgraduate courses.
The National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) releases an annual list of top educational institutions in India, including dental colleges. These rankings are based on various parameters such as teaching, learning resources, research, and professional practice. For 2024, NIRF has recognized some of the best dental colleges across the country, highlighting their excellence in education and contribution to the field of dentistry.
The profession also offers flexibility in practice, competitive earnings, and opportunities for specialisation, making it an attractive choice for students seeking a stable and fulfilling career in healthcare.
Process of pursuing a dental course in India
To pursue a career in dentistry, aspirants must first enrol in a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) program, which is the most popular undergraduate dental course in India. The admission process typically begins with qualifying for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET-UG), which is a mandatory entrance examination for all medical and dental courses in the country.
Candidates who clear NEET-UG can participate in the centralised counselling process, where seats are allotted based on their rank, choice of college, and availability of seats. After completing the BDS course, students can further specialise by pursuing a Master of Dental Surgery (MDS) or other postgraduate courses.
The National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) releases an annual list of top educational institutions in India, including dental colleges. These rankings are based on various parameters such as teaching, learning resources, research, and professional practice. For 2024, NIRF has recognized some of the best dental colleges across the country, highlighting their excellence in education and contribution to the field of dentistry.
Top 10 Dental Colleges in Karnataka Based on NIRF 2024 Rankings
Karnataka is home to several top-tier dental colleges, many of which have secured prominent positions in the NIRF 2024 rankings. Here’s a list of the top 10 dental colleges in Karnataka:
| NIRF 2024 Rank |
Name |
City |
| 2 | Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Manipal | Manipal |
| 6 | A.B. Shetty Memorial Institute of Dental Sciences | Mangaluru |
| 11 | Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Mangalore | Mangaluru |
| 12 | JSS Dental College and Hospital | Mysuru |
| 16 | M.S. Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences | Bengaluru |
| 19 | Government Dental College, Bangalore | Bengaluru |
| 26 | Yenepoya Dental College | Mangaluru |
| 29 | KLE Vishwanath Katti Institute of Dental Sciences | Belgaum |
| 31 | SDM College of Dental Sciences & Hospital | Dharwad |
| 37 | Bapuji Dental College & Hospital | Davangere |
