SDM College of Dental Sciences and Hospital: Admission 2026, Courses, Fees, Ranking & Dharwad Campus Life

About SDM College of Dental Sciences and Hospital Sattur Dharwad

SDM College of Dental Sciences and Hospital, Dharwad, established in 1986, is a private dental institution located in Sattur, Dharwad, Karnataka. It operates under the Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara Educational Society and is affiliated with Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences (RGUHS), Bengaluru.

The college holds a NAAC Grade 'A' accreditation and secured the 25th rank in the NIRF 2025 Dental category. It offers undergraduate (BDS), postgraduate (MDS in nine specializations), fellowship, certification, and PhD programs. With a strong faculty and student body, SDM Dental College is recognized for its clinical exposure, research, and academic excellence in dental education.

Key Highlights

Admission Dates 2026

Admissions to SDM College of Dental Sciences and Hospital Sattur Dharwad for BDS and MDS programs are based on NEET UG and NEET MDS scores respectively, with counselling conducted by the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA). Candidates must register online for counselling, complete document verification, and participate in choice filling for seat allotment.

Admission Process

Admissions to SDM College of Dental Sciences and Hospital, Dharwad, for BDS and MDS programs are primarily through the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) for undergraduate and postgraduate courses respectively. The college offers government, private, and NRI quota seats with specific eligibility and reservation criteria.

BDS Admission

Steps to Apply

1. Register and appear for the NEET-UG exam conducted nationally.
2. Check the official SDM College of Dental Sciences website or SDM University portal for the admission notification and application form.
3. Fill out the online application form for BDS admission with NEET score and personal details.
4. Submit required documents and pay the application fee as specified.
5. Participate in the centralized counseling process conducted by Karnataka or the university for seat allotment based on NEET rank.
6. Complete admission formalities by submitting original documents and paying the course fees within the stipulated time.

MDS Admission

Steps to Apply

1. Appear for the NEET-PG exam for dental postgraduate courses.
2. Visit the SDM College of Dental Sciences official website or SDM University portal for MDS admission details and application form.
3. Complete the online application with NEET-PG score and academic credentials.
4. Submit necessary documents and application fee instructions.
5. Attend the counseling session for seat allocation based on NEET-PG rank and specialization preference.
6. Finalize admission by document verification and fee payment within the deadline.

Eligibility Criteria & Fees

Documents Required

• NEET scorecard (UG or PG as applicable)
• 10th and 12th mark sheets and passing certificates
• BDS degree certificate and marksheets (for MDS admission)
• Transfer and migration certificates
• Caste/category certificate (if applicable)
• Passport size photographs
• Proof of age (birth certificate or 10th certificate)
• Identity proof (Aadhar card, PAN card, etc.)

Cutoff 2025

The NEET PG cutoff ranks for SDM College of Dental Sciences and Hospital Sattur Dharwad in 2025 show competitive trends, with the most sought-after MDS specializations having closing ranks under 400 for the general category. The Prosthodontics and Crown Bridge specialization had a notably low closing rank of 244, indicating high demand and limited seats. Cutoffs vary significantly across specializations, reflecting their popularity and seat availability.

Placements 2025

SDM College of Dental Sciences and Hospital, Dharwad, demonstrated strong placement performance in 2025 with a median salary of ₹4.8 LPA for BDS students and ₹7.2 LPA for MDS students. The college achieved a placement rate of around 44% for undergraduate students, with a significant number opting for higher studies. The highest package reached ₹14 LPA, reflecting growing industry recognition and opportunities.

Placement Statistics

Top Recruiters

Core (Dental & Healthcare): Leading dental clinics, hospitals, and healthcare providers (specific company names not publicly disclosed)

Branch-wise Placement

Rankings & Accreditations

SDM College of Dental Sciences and Hospital, Dharwad, is ranked 25th in the NIRF 2025 Dental category, showing an improvement from its 31st rank in 2024. India Today ranked it 13th among dental colleges in 2025, maintaining a strong position nationally.

NIRF 2025

Other Rankings

Accreditations

• NAAC: Grade A (Valid till 2028)

Scholarships & Financial Aid

SDM College of Dental Sciences and Hospital, Dharwad offers financial aid primarily through state government scholarships for SC/ST students, along with institute-level scholarships for meritorious and reserved category students. Students can also apply for central government scholarships via the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) based on eligibility criteria such as caste and income.

Institute Scholarships

Government Scholarships

External Scholarships

• Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities: Fellowship and scholarships for differently-abled students pursuing higher education
• Indian Cancer Society (CK Handoo Scholarship): Award for faculty and research scholars in dental public health

Comparison

SDM College of Dental Sciences and Hospital Sattur Dharwad is compared with Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Manipal, and Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai, as these are among the top-ranked private dental colleges in India with strong academic reputations, comprehensive dental programs, and consistent NIRF rankings in 2025.

Key Strengths

• SDM College of Dental Sciences and Hospital Sattur Dharwad: Strong academic environment with high teaching and graduation outcome scores, advanced clinical exposure, and a significant number of students pursuing higher studies.
• Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Manipal: One of the oldest and most reputed dental colleges in India with excellent research facilities and strong industry connections for placements.
• Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai: Renowned for its comprehensive dental programs, cutting-edge infrastructure, and strong emphasis on research and clinical training.

Campus & Infrastructure

SDM College of Dental Sciences and Hospital is located in Sattur, Dharwad, Karnataka, on a spacious 23-acre campus. The campus features well-designed academic buildings, hostels, sports facilities, and a large hospital, providing a comprehensive environment for dental education and healthcare services.

Campus Details

Academic Facilities

• Library: 11,400 sq. ft. area with books, magazines, periodicals, scientific journals including MFDS course and Craniofacial Growth materials
• Labs: Multiple well-equipped labs supporting 9 full-fledged departments
• Classrooms: Well-maintained classrooms with smart teaching aids

Hostel

Other Facilities

• Sports facilities: Cricket ground, volleyball court, kabaddi court, throwball court, basketball court, swimming pool
• Indoor sports: Shuttle badminton, table tennis, multi-gym, carom, chess, music room, club
• Cafeteria and dining: Mess (Satvika), fast food joint, fruit juice centre, Nescafe coffee corner, tea and coffee kiosk open till midnight
• Hostel amenities: Telephone connections, TV rooms, reading areas, guest rooms for parents/guests
• Health care facility on campus for students and staff
• Free Wi-Fi with access to e-journals through J-Gate (Helinet Consortium)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the eligibility criteria for admission to the BDS program at SDM College of Dental Sciences?

Candidates must have passed the two-year Pre-University Examination with Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and English, securing at least 50% aggregate in PCB (40% for SC/ST). They must be at least 17 years old by December 31 of the admission year and qualify NEET for admission.

How is the admission process conducted for BDS at SDM College of Dental Sciences?

Admission is based on the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) merit. The college offers 100 seats annually: 40 government, 40 private, 15 NRI/PIO/OCI, and 5 others, with counseling conducted state and university guidelines.

What is the total fee structure for the BDS course at SDM College of Dental Sciences?

The approximate total fee for the BDS program ranges between ₹8 to ₹12 lakhs for the entire course duration, varying by seat category (government/private/NRI). Payment options include semester-wise installments.

Are scholarships or financial aid available for dental students at SDM College?

Yes, scholarships are offered based on merit and reserved category status. Government scholarships for SC/ST and other eligible students are facilitated, and education loans are supported through tie-ups with banks.

What is the placement scenario for graduates of SDM College of Dental Sciences?

While dental colleges typically have limited campus placements, SDM facilitates internships and clinical exposure with reputed hospitals. Graduates often pursue private practice, higher studies, or government jobs with good success.

Which dental specializations are offered in the MDS program at SDM College?

SDM offers MDS specializations including Oral Medicine & Radiology, Prosthodontics, Orthodontics, Periodontics, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Conservative Dentistry, and Pedodontics, with an intake of 3-4 students per specialization.

How experienced is the faculty at SDM College of Dental Sciences?

The faculty includes senior academicians like Dr. Balaram Naik, with over 30 years of experience, and specialists heading nine full-fledged departments, ensuring high-quality teaching and research guidance.

What research opportunities are available for dental students at SDM College?

Students engage in clinical and academic research, including thesis work for MDS. The college has a forensic department and conducts advanced research in oral implantology and craniofacial studies.

What are the hostel facilities like at SDM College of Dental Sciences?

The college provides furnished hostels with separate accommodations for boys and girls, equipped with mess facilities, Wi-Fi, and security, located within the 23-acre campus for easy access to college amenities.

How is the food quality in the SDM College hostel mess?

The hostel mess offers hygienic, balanced vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals with multiple cuisine options, maintaining good standards student feedback and regular quality checks.

Is the campus safe for female students at SDM College of Dental Sciences?

The campus maintains strict safety protocols with 24/7 security, CCTV surveillance, and separate girls’ hostels, ensuring a secure environment for female students.

What is the daily patient inflow at the attached dental hospital for clinical training?

The SDM Dental Hospital sees around 400 to 600 patients daily, providing extensive clinical exposure and hands-on training opportunities for students across all departments.

Are there any student clubs or extracurricular activities at SDM Dental College?

The college encourages participation in cultural, sports, and academic clubs, organizing annual fests and workshops to foster holistic development beyond academics.

What is the dress code for students attending clinical sessions at SDM College?

Students must wear prescribed white lab coats, formal attire underneath, and maintain professional grooming standards during clinical and academic sessions college regulations.

How accessible is SDM College of Dental Sciences in Dharwad by public transport?

The college is located at Sattur near the Hubli-Dharwad National Highway 4, well connected by buses, taxis, and rail, making daily commute convenient for local and outstation students.

Can students pursue part-time jobs while studying at SDM Dental College?

Due to the demanding curriculum and clinical hours, part-time jobs are generally discouraged; however, students may engage in research assistantships or internships within the college hospital.

How does SDM College of Dental Sciences compare with other dental colleges in Karnataka?

SDM ranks among the top dental colleges in India, noted for its large hospital, research facilities, and NAAC accreditation, offering better clinical exposure and academic rigor than many peers.

What is the return on investment (ROI) for studying at SDM College of Dental Sciences?

Given the quality of education, clinical exposure, and reputation, the ROI is favorable, with graduates securing good career opportunities in dentistry and specialization fields.

Does SDM College have an active alumni network for mentoring and career support?

Yes, the college has a strong alumni network involved in mentoring current students, organizing seminars, and facilitating professional connections nationally and internationally.