10 Most Promising Dental Colleges In India - 2024

India, with its vast population and diverse healthcare needs, has seen a significant rise in the demand for dental care professionals. This demand has driven the growth of dental education in the country, resulting in a large number of dental colleges that offer quality education and training. The dental education system in India is regulated by various government bodies, ensuring that standards are maintained across the board. The history of dental education in India dates back to the early 20th century. Initially, dental education was limited to a few institutions, primarily in metropolitan cities. However, as the demand for dental services increased, the government and private sector expanded their focus on dental education, leading to the establishment of more colleges in various states. Today, India boasts over 300 dental colleges, both government and private, making it one of the largest producers of dental professionals in the world.

Dental education in India is primarily governed by the Dental Council of India (DCI), which was established under the Dentists Act of 1948. The DCI sets the curriculum, regulates the standards of education, and ensures that dental colleges adhere to the prescribed norms. The dental education system in India is structured into undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs.

The Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) is a five-year program, including one year of compulsory internship. The curriculum is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in dental sciences, clinical practice, and patient management. Admission to the BDS program is primarily based on the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), a common entrance examination conducted across India. After completing the BDS, students can pursue a Master of Dental Surgery (MDS) in various specialties such as Orthodontics, Periodontology, Prosthodontics, and Oral Surgery, among others. The MDS program is typically three years long and focuses on advanced training in a specific area of dentistry. Admission to MDS programs is also based on NEET for postgraduate courses (NEET-MDS). For those interested in research and academia, dental colleges in India offer doctoral programs (Ph.D.) in dental sciences. Additionally, fellowship programs are available in specialized fields like Implantology, Aesthetic Dentistry, and Oral Oncology, providing further opportunities for advanced learning and specialization.

Higher Education Review magazine in this issue presents a list of ‘10 Most Promising Dental Colleges in India – 2024’ who have been in the educational field for almost a century and are offering best class education in the country. The following list has been prepared after being closely scrutinized by a distinguished panel of judges including CXOs, analysts and our editorial board.