About Us / Institution

Institution

The S.D.M. College of Dental Sciences, Dharwad, founded in the year 1986 is a self financing, non profitable organization with a vision of excellence in knowledge, skills and service. The SDMCDS is situated at Sattur between Hubli & Dharwad, in the northern tip of Karnataka, with a population of more than a million is the second largest city in the state of Karnataka after Bangalore and is known as a cultural and educational center. Dharwad is well connected by rail, road and air from cities like Bangalore, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Delhi etc and enjoys excellent climate all through the year.

Vision

Learner-centred education, patient-centred service and community-oriented research of excellence.

MISSION

  • Contribute professionally competent general and speciality personnel to meet regional, national and global oral health care needs.
  • Foster strong community relationships through research, services and linkages.
  • Provide an efficient, effective and community-acceptable system that excels in education and service.
  • Inculcate values in learners to be socially and professionally acceptable

The Institution, Mission and Goals are realised by a sustained effort to train competent general dentists by accomplishing the following objective

  • Providing a current and relevant curriculum that embodies the acquisition and integration of knowledge and skills, social awareness, critical thinking, a commitment to service learning and an appreciation for continuous learning.
  • Provide adequate clinical experience that offers wide access to consultative, comprehensive and emergency oral health care.
  • Offer infrastructural facilities, technological and material support, and an environment conducive for exchange of knowledge and ideas.
  • Attract and retain faculty and staff committed to the mission of the college by providing them with the necessary resources, opportunities and support to stimulate their professional and personal development.

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  • Undertake basic, clinical and translational research which has a direct as well as contributory effect on the oral health and social needs of the community in the region and beyond.
  • Develop and implement sound marketing and communication strategies that promote the mission of the institution.
  • Serve as a professional resource for private practitioners and a referral centre for patients with complex conditions and treatment needs.
  • Access and maintain financial resources sufficient to support institutional excellence and innovation at all levels.

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Principal

Dr. Balaram Naik is an esteemed academician and administrator currently serving as the Principal of SDM College of Dental Sciences & Hospital, Dharwad. He has previously held the positions of Dean – Administration and Professor & Head, Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics. He also serves as Dean of the Faculty of Dental Sciences at Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara University, Dharwad.

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Dr. Naik completed B.Sc,  BDS (1991) and MDS- Conservative Dentistry & Endodontics (1994) from Karnataka University, SDM College of Dental Sciences, Dharwad. With an academic career spanning over 30 years, he has been an integral part of SDM since 1994, mentoring  postgraduate students since then and currently guiding doctoral research as a Ph.D. Guide.

Academic and Professional Contributions :

  • Member, Board of Studies (BOS), SDM College of Dental Sciences & Hospital, Dharwad.
  • Member – Indian Association of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics (IACDE), EC, ISPRP.
  • Member-  IDA Dharwad District Branch
  • DCI Inspector, for dental institutions across India
  • Member-Pierre Fauchard Academy
  • Editorial Advisory Board Member of reputed journals including the Journal of Conservative DentistryJournal of Investigative Dentistry, and Journal of Oral Research and Review.

He has presented numerous keynote lectures / Guest Speaker at state and national conferences and has several publications in national and international peer-reviewed journals. He has been an examiner for undergraduate and postgraduate dental programs across various Indian universities.

Awards & Recognitions

  • Honoured with the Shri M G Banakar Memorial Oration Award (2023–24) by K.E. Board’s Girls High School, Dharwad.
  • Recognized among the “50 Effective Principals of 2024” for his outstanding leadership and commitment to dental education
  • Under his leadership, SDM College of Dental Sciences & Hospital was conferred the title “India’s Best Dental College of the Year 2024” at the Academic Insights Education Excellence Award & Summit, held on 18th January 2025 in Bangalore
  • Certificate of Appreciation for valuable and surmounting contribution to the success of scientific session as Chair Person held at S.S. Convention Centre, Davangere.
  • Chief Contributor : Book “Essential in Dentistry with ISBN No. 978-93-5152-539-4
  • Chaired numerous scientific session at National & International conferences.

Community Engagement and Personal Interests

  • Naik has actively contributed to community health by organizing dental camps and engaging in radio awareness programssuch as SDM Doctor Samvadane on Dharwad Radio.
  • He is a trusteeof Gayatri Temple, Tadas, and a member of Lions Club Parivar, Hubli.
  • He has 30 years of Academic & clinical experiencein Hubli, he balances professional excellence with a passion for reading, sports, and singing.

Dr. Balaram Naik continues to inspire students, faculty, and the wider dental community with his dynamic leadership and enduring commitment to academic excellence.

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Dr. Balaram Naik

Principal, SDM College of Dental Sciences & Hospital, Dharwad
Dean, Faculty of Dental Sciences, SDM University

Vice Principals

Dr. Anand K. Tavargeri

Vice Principal (Administration)

Dr. Lekha K

Vice Principal (Academics)

Education

The Institution is committed to conduct high quality dental education programs both at the undergraduate and post – graduate levels. The School’s academic environment fosters the acquisition of knowledge in the basic, behavioral, and clinical sciences. Independent thinking and life-long learning are encouraged through various programs and interactive sessions.

Research

The faculty and students generate new knowledge in the basic, applied, and clinical sciences, with an emphasis on the promotion of oral health and function. The acquired knowledge is disseminated through presentations at general dental & specialty conferences, workshops, seminars and publications in both national and international level

Patient Care

The Hospital provides high quality comprehensive, primary and specialized oral health care to individuals of all socioeconomic and cultural groups in and beyond this region. Patient care enhances the educational programs and supports the scientific and clinical research efforts of the college.

Services

The School seeks to inform the public about the prevention and treatment of oral diseases through camps and dental health awareness programs. It provides continuing education programs for dental and other health professionals in a variety of settings. Faculties also serve in professional organizations.

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