Top 10 Dental Colleges in Karnataka – Latest Rankings [2025]

The Southwest Indian state of Karnataka has coasts that face the Arabian Sea. Bengaluru, the capital and former name of Karnataka is a tech center renowned for its nightlife and shopping. Exquisite temples, such as Mysore Palace, the former residence of the maharajas of the area, may be found at Mysore to the southwest. Once the capital of the Vijayanagara empire in antiquity, Hampi is home to stone chariots, elephant stables, and Hindu temple remnants. 

Many prestigious dentistry schools in Karnataka are well-known both in national and international forums. Karnataka’s dental schools are renowned for their demanding and thorough curricula, which blend theory with hands-on training to make sure graduates are ready for the workforce. Through many connected hospitals and clinics, the state offers dentistry students plenty of clinical exposure, guaranteeing that they obtain hands-on experience in treating a wide variety of dental diseases. The faculty at many of Karnataka’s dental institutes is extremely skilled and experienced. Hence Karnataka has drawn many dental students to itself.


List of Top 10 Dental Colleges in Karnataka

Name of the collegeGovernment/Private/DeemedYear of establishment
Manipal College of Dental Sciences, ManipalPrivate & Deemed1965
Manipal College of Dental Sciences, MangalorePrivate & Deemed1987
A.B. Shetty Memorial Institute of Dental Sciences Private & Deemed1985
JSS Dental College and HospitalPrivate & Deemed1986
Faculty of Dental Sciences, MS Ramaiah UniversityPrivate1991
SDM College of Dental SciencesPrivate & Deemed1986
Government Dental College and Research InstituteGovernment1964
Yenepoya Dental College and HospitalPrivate & Deemed1992
KLE Vishwanath Katti Institute of Dental SciencesPrivate & Deemed1985
Bapuji Dental College & HospitalPrivate1979

 

  • City: Manipal.
  • State: Karnataka.
  • Address: 9Q3R+J2R, Madhav Nagar, Eshwar Nagar, Manipal, Karnataka 576104
  • Established Year: 1965
  • College Type: Deemed.
  • Recognitions: Dental Council of India, Malaysian Dental Council.
  • University:  Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE).
  • Website: https://www.manipal.edu/mcods-manipal.html.
  • E-mail: ashita.uppoor@manipal.edu.

The first dental institution in our nation to be fully self-financed was the Manipal College of Dental Sciences (MCODS), Manipal, which was originally known as the College of Dental Surgery. When it was first opened in 1965, it could only accept 40 students; however, starting in 1983–1984, that number was raised to 100. In addition to the dental clinics at Hebri and Saligrama, Sharada Residential School, Udupi, and centers at Dr. T.M.A. Pai Hospital, Udupi, MCODS, Manipal has several peripheral clinics. The mobile dental unit also serves patients in and around Udupi. The Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) is associated with the college by affiliation. The Malaysian Dental Council has also recognized it since 2003 and The Kathmandu University, Nepal. The institution holds a NAAC grade of A++.

More than 340 dental chairs and cutting-edge labs, accommodating 100 undergraduate and 35 graduate students annually, are proudly supported by our infrastructure today. MCODS, Manipal offers advanced certificate programs in oral implantology, aesthetic dentistry, laser dentistry, and integrated dental photography in addition to its bachelor’s and postgraduate dental surgery programs. The academic advancement of the university also includes a postgraduate course in Dental Materials, the first of its type in the nation. Diploma programs in dental hygiene, dental mechanics, and operating room assistant are also available.

  • City: Mangalore.
  • State: Karnataka.
  • Address: Kasturba Medical College, Light House Hill Rd, Hampankatta, Mangaluru, Karnataka 575001
  • Established Year: 1987.
  • College Type: Deemed.
  • Recognitions: Dental Council of India, Malaysian Dental Council.
  • University: Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE).
  • Website: https://www.manipal.edu/mcods-mangalore.html.
  • E-mail: rao.satish@manipal.edu.

Located in the seaside city of Mangalore in the southwest is a prestigious dental institution called Manipal College of Dental Sciences. The Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) is connected to the college. Both the Malaysian Dental Council and the Dental Council of India recognize it. The institute received an NAAC grade of A++.

It has continuously been the top option for students wishing to pursue their undergraduate degree in dentistry as well as several post-graduation disciplines due to an outstanding record of academic success. The management’s dedication to providing quality infrastructure, coupled with the self-assurance and enthusiasm of the teaching staff, guarantees that students leave this institution with the knowledge, skills, and most importantly, the confidence to take on the future head-on. Modern classrooms and laboratories with computer and audio-visual equipment, along with a well-stocked central library, all contribute to the enjoyable learning environment at MCODS. A modern indoor sports complex and leisure area called Marena, along with hostels that are Wi-Fi connected, allow students to grow into well-rounded, multicultural individuals.

  • City: Mangalore.
  • State: Karnataka.
  • Address: Derlakatte, Mangaluru, Karnataka 575018.
  • Established Year: 1985.
  • College Type: Deemed.
  • Recognitions: Malaysian Dental Council and the Dental Council of India (DCI).
  • University: NITTE (Deemed-to-be-) University.
  • Website: http://absmids.nitte.edu.in/.
  • E-mail: info@nitte.edu.in.

The foundation of NITTE (Deemed-to-be-) University is a collection of establishments founded by the NITTE Education Trust. In 1985, the A. B. Shetty Memorial Institute of Dental Sciences was founded. Both the Malaysian Dental Council and the Dental Council of India (DCI) have acknowledged it. Previously, Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences was connected to the college. The college is currently associated with NITTE University. Additionally, Okayama University Dental College in Japan is affiliated with it. It serves as an academic mentor to the Sultanate of Oman’s Oman Dental College. “Service to humanity” and “Dental healthcare delivery at the doorstep” are their catchphrases. 

Having received an “A+” grade from the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC), A B Shetty Memorial Institute of Dental Sciences is now accredited. The institute’s goal is to enable young people to pursue higher education so they can provide the community with high-quality healthcare. The college helps students realize their untapped potential for overall personality development.

  • City: Mysore.
  • State: Karnataka.
  • Address: 8MV2+6WQ, Bangalore – Mysore Rd, Sri, Shivarathreeshwara Nagar, Bannimantap, Mysuru, Karnataka 570015.
  • Established Year: 1986.
  • College Type: Deemed.
  • Recognitions: Dental Council of India, Government of India.
  • University: JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research.
  • Website: https://jssuni.edu.in/.
  • E-mail: info@jssuni.edu.in.

The Government of India and the Dental Council of India officially acknowledge the College. From 2008 to 2009, it was associated with the JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research (JSSAHER), located in Mysuru. It was formerly connected to the Karnataka-based Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences. The mission of JSS dentistry College & Hospital in Mysuru is to enhance the country’s healthcare system by being a global leader in dentistry education and a hub for excellence in the field of dental sciences, including hospital practice.

JSS Dental College and Hospital is situated in Mysuru, South India’s Karnataka State. The Dental College was founded in 1986–1987 and currently offers postgraduate diploma programs in five specializations along with BDS and MDS courses in nine special divisions. It is recognized by the Dental Council of India and is accredited by NAAC with a grade of A+.

The goals of the Dental Educational Unit are to guarantee ongoing enhancement of the quality of instruction, learning, and evaluation in professional education and to support research in education utilizing projects and publications.

  • City: Bangalore.
  • State: Karnataka.
  • Address: MSR College Road, MSR Nagar, MSRIT Post Bengaluru, Karnataka 560054.
  • Established Year: 1991.
  • College Type: Private.
  • Recognitions: Dental Council of India.
  • University: MS Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences.
  • Website: https://www.msruas.ac.in/school/faculty-of-dental-sciences.
  • E-mail: admissions@msruas.ac.in.

The Faculty of Dental Sciences was renamed the M.S. Ramaiah Dental College and Hospital when it was established in 1991. The faculty offers a four-year undergraduate program that includes a one-year internship leading to the Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) degree, as well as a three-year postgraduate program leading to the Master of Dental Surgery (MDS) degree.

The faculty also offers certificate programs in aesthetic dentistry and oral implantology, as well as a doctoral research program leading to a Ph.D. award. The Dental Council of India’s (DCI) rules are adhered to by the faculty’s programs and courses. The curriculum is outcome-based and helps students acquire relevant practical information and strengthen their critical thinking abilities. The institution has been accredited by NAAC with a grade of A+.

The curriculum aims to adhere to the requirements established by the Dental Council of India while also providing a thorough education on oral and dental health. To ensure that students receive challenging, hands-on training from qualified faculty members, extra effort is made. In addition, research is encouraged and students are encouraged to develop a scientific curiosity for the subject matter of their studies. In addition to its advanced department labs and clinics, FDS has a 250-seat affiliated dental hospital, access to the Advanced Learning Center, and partner hospitals, all of which give students the chance to learn by doing and seeing. Students receive instruction from academic faculty and subject matter experts, who closely monitor them as they develop the skills needed to prioritize patient care while following all regulations.

  • City: Dharwad.
  • State: Karnataka.
  • Address: Sattur, Dharwad, Karnataka – 580009.
  • Established Year: 1986.
  • College Type: Deemed.
  • Recognitions:  Dental Council of India (DCI) and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.
  • University: SDM University.
  • Website: sdmcds.org.
  • E-mail: info@sdmcds.org.

Established in 1986, the S.D.M. College of Dental Sciences, Dharwad is an autonomous, non-profit institution dedicated to achieving excellence in knowledge, skills, and service. With more than a million residents, the SDMCDS is the second-largest city in the state of Karnataka and is located at Sattur, between Hubli and Dharwad, near the northern extremity of the state. Enlisting society via education has always been the obvious objective behind the foundation of SDM institutions. However, given the diversity and dispersion of these organizations, it is not an easy undertaking to preserve this clarity of vision even while it is translated into reality. That being said, the Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara Education Society has shown itself to be capable of the job. 

The institution’s BDS program was approved by the Dental Council of India in 1991. In 1992, postgraduate courses in all nine dental specialties were launched, motivated by this and designed to achieve even greater success. In the same year, admissions to undergraduate programs were increased to 100. The college received a 3.52 CGPA NAAC score. The college wants its students to be instilled with solid moral principles. They aim to produce professionally qualified students who can address society’s healthcare needs as well as the needs of the general underprivileged community. They support greatness centered on the community.

  • City: Bengaluru.
  • State: Karnataka.
  • Address: Fort, Victoria Hospital Campus, Bengaluru, Karnataka – 560002.
  • Established Year: 1964.
  • College Type: Government.
  • Recognitions: Dental Council of India (DCI).
  • University: Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences (RGUHS).
  • Website: gdcri.karnataka.gov.in.
  • E-mail: principalgdcb@gmail.com.

One of the earliest dental institutions in the country to operate after independence was the Government Dental College in Karnataka, with its magnificent grounds and buildings enclosed by stone walls. When it opened in 1958, it was also the first in Karnataka. GDC gained rapid recognition for its humanitarian efforts, mostly as a result of offering its students the best dental education possible and successfully addressing the needs of the nearby Karnataka community by offering oral health care. Patients who are admitted to Bowring Hospital, Jayanagar General Hospital, K C General Hospital, and the dental clinic housed within Karnataka’s Central Prison are among the patients that GDC treats in addition to those who visit the institute. The GDC is pleased to provide a brand-new mobile dental unit that is outfitted with the most recent technology and two dental seats. The unit provides regular screenings and treatment camps to meet the oral health needs of those in the outreach. 

All departments are required to have state-of-the-art, fully functional facilities and equipment by the Dental Council of India. It has resources set up for the institution as a whole, including an intranet and internet, and a digital library with a Helinet membership given by RGUHS, which allows students to read all dental and scientific publications worldwide under one roof. Distinguished alums and postgraduates from GDC work all around the world. A handful of the former pupils have received recognition and attained highly sought-after positions. Modern healthcare facilities like GDCRI encourage students to continue learning throughout their lives following their needs, interests, and aptitudes. The College accomplishes this goal by providing a wide range of career-focused educational programs and services.

  • City: Mangalore.
  • State: Karnataka.
  • Address: University Road, Deralakatte, Mangalore – 575018, Karnataka, India.
  • Established Year: 1992.
  • College Type: Deemed.
  • Recognitions: Recognized by the Dental Council of India (DCI).
  • University: Yenepoya (Deemed to be University).
  • Website: yenepoya.edu.in.
  • E-mail: info@yenepoya.edu.in.

One of the most prominent private dentistry schools is Yenepoya Dentistry College. It was founded in 1992. The college is dedicated to ensuring that its students provide patients with the greatest instruction and professional dental healthcare abilities. The institute’s academic members offer top-notch clinical instruction that enables students to meet the standards for their chosen careers. The Dental Council of India (DCI) has granted Yenepoya Dental College recognition and affiliation with Yenepoya University. The institution has also received an NAAC grade of A+. 

With over 30 years of rich expertise, Yenepoya Dental College is a professional institution dedicated to helping its students attain and sustain excellence in practice and patient care. Within its oral healthcare services, the Faculty of Yenepoya Dental College is dedicated to providing innovative teaching, research, and high-quality care. By providing top-notch dental education, training future health professionals, conducting basic and applied research, promoting technology transfer, and creating public and community health initiatives, Yenepoya Dental College is dedicated to enhancing oral health.

The college strives to guarantee equity, provide access to high-quality higher education, promote a thriving knowledge economy, and produce tomorrow’s visionary leaders who can propel this nation to the forefront of developed nations.

  • City: Belagavi.
  • State: Karnataka.
  • Address: Nehru Nagar, Belagavi, Karnataka, India.
  • Established Year: 1985.
  • College Type: Deemed.
  • Recognitions: Dental Council of India & the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Govt. of India.
  • University: KLE Academy of Higher Education and Research (KLE University), Belagavi.
  • Website: https://www.kledentalbga.edu.in/.
  • E-mail: info@kledentalbga.edu.in.

Under the auspices of the K.L.E. Society, KLE Dental College was founded in 1985 as a recognized dental college. In 1990, postgraduate studies were introduced. The college is currently associated with the KLE Academy of Higher Education and Research (KAHER), having formerly been affiliated with the Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences. The Indian Dental Council has acknowledged it. regarded as a private institution is KLE. 

The college strives to be globally competitive in the dissemination of research, education, and healthcare. In addition to advocating for sustainable development, the kids receive training to become morally and ethically sound, socially conscious people. The nation’s populace, whether rural or urban, can utilize the college’s services. The college’s instructors are exceptionally skilled and knowledgeable. In addition, they have a strong emotional commitment to providing their students with the greatest education possible.  

The clinics and labs are roomy and well-equipped with top-notch tools and technology to create a superb setting that supports patient care and education.

  • City: Davangere.
  • State: Karnataka.
  • Address: MCC B Block, MCC, Davanagere, Karnataka 577004.
  • Established Year: 1979.
  • College Type: Private.
  • Recognitions: Dental Council of India, New Delhi.
  • University: Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Karnataka.
  • Website: http://www.bapujidental.edu/.
  • E-mail: principal@bapujidental.edu.

When Bapuji Dental College and Hospital was established in 1979 by Dr. Shamanur Shivashankarappa, the current MLA and former Minister, the journey got started. He actively sought out the top talent to create this elite institution. The spirit of a world-class education in this world-class facility was infused by these gifted faculty members. Dr. K. Sadashiva Shetty, Director and Leading Orthodontist, is the college’s leader. He is an academic with a strong ethical code and a strong desire to succeed. In 1979, the college began offering BDS programs. All-specialty MDS courses were introduced in 1985 following recognition from DCI in 1984. DCI has recognized both courses. The NAAC awarded the college two “A” grades for accreditation. In addition, it is certified to ISO 9001:2008. 

This claim of supremacy has always been supported by the numerous national-level surveys, which always rank us at the top. The College offers a one-year course in implantology. In response to the need for prompt dental care, CBCT (Cone Beam Computed Tomography) and Comprehensive Dental Clinic have been established. Innovative digital solutions are offered by Bapuji Digital Dentistry. The one platform that offers versatility across all digital treatment methods is CAD CAM.


Conclusion

A popular destination for dental education in Karnataka. Many top dental colleges in Karnataka are nationally and internationally accredited. The dental colleges of Karnataka are renowned for their rigorous and intense curricula that comprise theory as well as training in practical hands-on exercises to equip graduating students with the skills necessary for professional practice. The dental colleges of Karnataka also have significant research activities in concert with leading oral research institutes. Because of the stellar reputations and excellent training programs of the dental institutes, graduates from Karnataka often find desirable jobs both domestically and worldwide.


Read More: Dental Colleges in Mangalore | Top 10 Dental Colleges in Bangalore


Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are there any dental colleges in Karnataka that are deemed to be deemed as dental?

There are in total 7 deemed dental colleges in Karnataka namely; Manipal College of Dental Sciences (Manipal), Manipal College of Dental Sciences (Mangalore), A.B. Shetty Memorial Institute of Dental Sciences, JSS Dental College and Hospital, SDM College of Dental Sciences, Yenepoya Dental College and Hospital, and KLE Vishwanath Katti Institute of Dental Sciences.

2. What is the total number of government dental colleges in Karnataka?

There is only one government dental college in Karnataka; Government Dental College and Research Institute.

3. Are the dental colleges in Karnataka affiliated?          

Most of the dental colleges in Karnataka are deemed and affiliated with their respective universities. The rest are affiliated with The Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences (RGUHS).

4. Is M.S. Ramaiah Dental College affiliated with The Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences?

M.S. Ramaiah Dental College is affiliated with M.S. Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences (MSRUAS).

5. Are the colleges in Karnataka NAAC accredited?

The top dental colleges in Karnataka have been accredited by NAAC with decent grades.

6. Which is the NEET counseling authority for admission to dental colleges in Karnataka?

In Karnataka, the authority overseeing undergraduate and graduate dental programs is the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA).

7. Are there hostel facilities available in the dental colleges in Karnataka?

All the dental colleges in Karnataka provide separate hostel facilities to girls and boys.

8. Which is the oldest dental college in Karnataka?

Bapuji Dental College and Hospital is the oldest dental college in Karnataka which was established in 1979.


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About K Vishnu Nambiar

I am a dental blogger and a career counselor with more than 10 years of experience in the industry. I blog about different dental courses and their scopes. I also visit dental colleges and review them in a unique way.

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