SDM College of Dental Sciences & Hospital

The vision that saw the founding of the SDM institutions has always been clear – enlistment of society through education. But maintaining this clarity of vision even as it is translated into reality is no easy task given the diversity and spread of these institutions. The Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara Education Society has however proved equal to the task. The committee that charts the destiny of SDM institutions under the Presidenstship of Shri Veerendra Heggade, operates from a modest building of Ujire.

SDM College of Dental Sciences & Hospital, located in Dharwad, Karnataka, is one of India’s premier dental institutions, renowned for its academic excellence, clinical training, and research contributions. Established in 1986 under the aegis of the SDM Educational Society, the college is affiliated with Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences (RGUHS), Bangalore, and recognized by the Dental Council of India (DCI). Over the years, SDMCDS has earned a reputation as a top-ranking private dental college, consistently appearing among the best in national rankings, including the NIRF. The institution is also notable for being the only dental college in India to be accredited by NAAC three times, reflecting its commitment to quality education and institutional transparency. The college offers both undergraduate and postgraduate programs in dentistry. The Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) program spans five years, including a one-year compulsory rotatory internship. At the postgraduate level, the Master of Dental Surgery (MDS) is offered in multiple specializations such as Conservative Dentistry & Endodontics, Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Orthodontics, Periodontology, Prosthodontics, Pedodontics, Oral Pathology, Public Health Dentistry, and Oral Medicine & Radiology. SDMCDS also offers Ph.D. programs and certificate courses in advanced dental disciplines, including digital dentistry and forensic odontology—the latter being a pioneering department in India. The campus covers approximately 23 acres and is equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure. It features fully air-conditioned classrooms with smart boards and digital teaching aids, a central library with over 8,000 books and access to international journals, and advanced laboratories for preclinical and clinical training. The attached dental hospital is one of the largest in the country, treating over 130,000 patients annually. It includes specialized units for craniofacial surgery, implantology, and maxillofacial rehabilitation, offering students extensive hands-on experience. The institution also collaborates with international organizations such as the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons, Glasgow, and Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, USA, enhancing its global academic footprint. Student life at SDMCDS is enriched by a range of extracurricular activities, seminars, workshops, and community outreach programs. The college regularly conducts oral health camps and public health initiatives through its Department of Public Health Dentistry. Hostel facilities are available for both male and female students, along with sports amenities, a gym, and a cafeteria. The campus is Wi-Fi enabled and includes IT infrastructure to support digital learning.

Admission to the BDS and MDS programs is based on NEET-UG and NEET-MDS scores respectively, with counseling conducted by the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA). The college maintains a robust placement cell that supports students in securing internships, residencies, and job placements, with competitive median salaries reported for both undergraduate and postgraduate graduates. SDM College of Dental Sciences & Hospital stands out not only for its academic rigor but also for its holistic approach to dental education, blending clinical excellence with ethical practice and community service.